Gunilla & Ros, ready to cast off
aboard Olydia II
Stenungsund
Shawna & Ros waiting for lunch, Goteborg
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Cast Off
24 August
Skagen, Denmark
Well, it’s all happening! First night at sea in a 40 knot gale was the perfect initiation! What an opportunity for testing the mettle (and stomachs) of the new crew of ‘Olydia II’ – nothing like a quick learning curve (not to mention a quick ‘chuck’). We very quickly developed great confidence in our Skipper and Olydia! Consequently, we’re all still on board today, safely tucked into the sheltered harbour at Skagen, Denmark, with winds whistling through the rigging at up to 50 knots (No, the Bosun’s not going up the mast today!).
Our Swedish skipper and crew have been just fantastic, making us feel very welcome and right at home. Our Gottenburg weekend was a good opportunity to get to know each other before setting sail; which proved to be very fortunate in light of our earlier than scheduled crossing!
We set sail from Stenungsund for Denmark at 4pm yesterday, with quite a crowd of Swedish family and friends, and the local newspaper, to farewell us – to the tune of my Bosun’s pipe of course! The 2 hour sail through Stenungsund (fjiord) was in calm conditions, and very scenic, with many small islands, some with ‘summer houses’ and small villages. We intentionally set off for Denmark early, when we saw the big low pressure system coming in. Our aim was to reach Denmark (due west) before the strengthening E winds turned SW, which we managed within 15 minutes, after a 9 hr crossing in the building storm. Berthing the yacht at 1am (first time for the new crew) in a gale was an interesting experience (with Olydia at right angles to the peer for sometime!) – we eventually got the stern in with the help of a semi-clad, kindly (male) neighbour. Poor Cpt Goran, must have been questioning his wisdom in choice of crew by this time!
We’ll be spending a few days in Denmark, until the weather improves – considerably – and then, cross to Norway. This is giving the new crew a good opportunity to get ourselves acquainted with the boat, and well organised. Skagen is also a good spot to visit; famous for its artists.
A highlight of my departure had to be news from home that Gwendolyn had passed her anaesthetics exam – just fantastic, GM!!
Next posting – from where the wind blows us .......
PS There are some nice photos of our departure on the facebook ‘OlydiaII Circumnavigation Journey’ – taken by a fareweller, some from a high bridge we passed under.
Skagen, Denmark
Well, it’s all happening! First night at sea in a 40 knot gale was the perfect initiation! What an opportunity for testing the mettle (and stomachs) of the new crew of ‘Olydia II’ – nothing like a quick learning curve (not to mention a quick ‘chuck’). We very quickly developed great confidence in our Skipper and Olydia! Consequently, we’re all still on board today, safely tucked into the sheltered harbour at Skagen, Denmark, with winds whistling through the rigging at up to 50 knots (No, the Bosun’s not going up the mast today!).
Our Swedish skipper and crew have been just fantastic, making us feel very welcome and right at home. Our Gottenburg weekend was a good opportunity to get to know each other before setting sail; which proved to be very fortunate in light of our earlier than scheduled crossing!
We set sail from Stenungsund for Denmark at 4pm yesterday, with quite a crowd of Swedish family and friends, and the local newspaper, to farewell us – to the tune of my Bosun’s pipe of course! The 2 hour sail through Stenungsund (fjiord) was in calm conditions, and very scenic, with many small islands, some with ‘summer houses’ and small villages. We intentionally set off for Denmark early, when we saw the big low pressure system coming in. Our aim was to reach Denmark (due west) before the strengthening E winds turned SW, which we managed within 15 minutes, after a 9 hr crossing in the building storm. Berthing the yacht at 1am (first time for the new crew) in a gale was an interesting experience (with Olydia at right angles to the peer for sometime!) – we eventually got the stern in with the help of a semi-clad, kindly (male) neighbour. Poor Cpt Goran, must have been questioning his wisdom in choice of crew by this time!
We’ll be spending a few days in Denmark, until the weather improves – considerably – and then, cross to Norway. This is giving the new crew a good opportunity to get ourselves acquainted with the boat, and well organised. Skagen is also a good spot to visit; famous for its artists.
A highlight of my departure had to be news from home that Gwendolyn had passed her anaesthetics exam – just fantastic, GM!!
Next posting – from where the wind blows us .......
PS There are some nice photos of our departure on the facebook ‘OlydiaII Circumnavigation Journey’ – taken by a fareweller, some from a high bridge we passed under.
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