Royal Gothenburg YC, via John’s place to Hellevoetsluis

Left Royal Gothenburg YC and routed to visit Marstrand via Stuart, a friend on Ockero.

Marstrand to Ellios, the birth place of the ship

Fixed failed component, 5 minute epoxy, refitted and put what oil was on board back in, enough. OK, onwards to Lysekil for overnight and seeks spare transducer.

Lysekil to Weather Islands

The trip was perfect aside from a slight detail on arrival. A rope stopped the engine 100M or so from a terribly narrow harbour in F5 downwind. Row of boats moored up to port, jagged rocks to starboard. Jan mentions, in conversational tone to a boat crew as we pass “we are not happy because our engine stopped”. Anyway, a smallish space was available to round up and take speed off ship and no damage.

With bottle of bubble wine and two glasses the crew set off to visit hotel with celebration en route due to sale of Aquarius. A chance meeting with a couple celebrating 25 years of marriage saw them produce two engraved Champagne flutes, possibly from there wedding day or made for this occasion. Stories followed of the ladies aunt who was living here, married to a fourth generation pilot, battles between English and Germans offshore, WW2.

Picked up component for auto steering. Some food. Had meal on John’s ship, departed Friday lunchtime.

The Dutch get everywhere, somehow. If you need help get someone who knows and the Dutch know more than most.

We pick up a passenger. Not in great shape. Since our water tank had run dry we only spared our crewmate a little water. He rode with us as far as Rotterdam. Looked as though he would make it. Fortunately We had agreed to get some bottled water.

Had to motor, maybe 20 hours total due nil wind. High pressure saw to that but equally brought sunny warm days and tranquil seas. It was, after all, a very good time to sail S.

And so, back into Dutch waters. I, frightened by most things chose a poor route to round Den Helder. I wished to avoid gas rigs and have an easy crossing of the normally busy traffic schemes. Resulted in a longer distance but also the unpleasant wind over tide on the “corner” of Holland.

It’s always longer going home and the ride down coast was no exception. However some useful lessons. Passed Rotterdam, Muese river outlet, busiest port in Europe. No VHF contact, ships in and out at 22.5 knots. Copecetic.