Some days ago, we arrived safely back in Turku, having spent about six weeks’ worth of summer vacation aboard our Hanse sailboat. Here are some reflections (mostly) about the sailing stuff along the way.
Category: Sailing
The Good Night Watch
After having enjoyed beautiful Kalmar for a few days, it was once again time to head forward. This time we had our sights set on lovely Copenhagen.
Great/Terrible Sailing
After more than a week in Visby (yes, we loved the place!) the weather had settled enough for us to bid farewell and head out to seek new adventures. “To Kalmar!” the children were willing us, the night before our early departure, and that did sound like a great idea.
Sailing to Visby
After a few days of fixing our boat in Mariehamn, it was time to head out towards vaster oceans (a slight exaggeration, I admit!) in the form of an overnight sail to Visby.
Pitstop in Mariehamn
Just four days after our delivery trip from Sweden we had already loaded the boat with our stuff and the rest of the sailors (dog included), and were heading out for our one-month vacation sailing.
The Delivery From Sweden
“Did the money arrive in your bank account yet?” I texted the seller of our soon-to-be Hanse 531 sailboat.
“No, not yet,” he answered.
Solo
We, the family with our dog, were all safely back in Turku. I, however, had one big task ahead of me. Sailing our boat singled-handedly back to Sweden, and to her new owners.
A Long Kiss Goodbye
After a few lovely days in Kalmar, it was finally time to start the journey back home. Sadly, this would also be the last sailing trip on our dear boat together with the whole family, Charlotte, the children, and our ship’s dog.
To Kalmar
“It will be cool to see the Öland bridge,” I said to the children. “And when we’re this close to Kalmar, I guess we should go there too?”
Was That Lightning?
We were on the move again! After a few days in Nyköping, we were now heading back out through the (slightly) tight entrance fairway that had proved a bit challenging during our nighttime arrival. It was definitely easier with the lights on.