From Nynäshamn to Loftahammar (86 nautical miles)
Where am I now? Position 57°48.9’N 016°46.6’E
Yesterday was a chance taking with the wind, but it went well with the choices I made. I had looked into different weather sites, and they all had a different opinion about where the wind would blow. I was hoping for the easterly wind report, which coincided most with the overall weather pattern in the baltic region. Yes, after motoring out of Bedarön anchorage with an icy smooth sea in front of me, the wind picked up from the east. And I hoisted the sails and was on my way south. Went in a straight course around 200° from Landsort to the northern tip of the island Öland. Most of the way wind holds steady at 8 to 10 knots, which means the wind vane steering is in control of the boat. The sea is empty. Nothing in the way, but open water. It is a smooth ride. Between midnight and 2 am the wind dies down to below 5 knots, first I try to motorsail with the autopilot steering, but it does not hold course, due to the irregular wave pattern of the sea. I hand steer a full hour and start looking for the nearest coastal anchorage site. I reach it at 4 am. The sun is back up, so you could say I dropped anchor at sunrise. Hah!
Today, Sunday the 28th, the wind is low and coming from the south. I take a tour of this beautiful Loftahammar archipelago. Quite different from the scenery in Stockholm area. Be on my way again tomorrow. Until then.
10 knots wind and the sailomat wind vane steering Isabell across the empty sea
Hi Roland,
Thank you for your response, I appreciate it.
Here in Sweden, it does not get real dark during this time of the year. Sun goes down around 22.30 in the evening and is up again at 02.30 in the morning. Otherwise, it is possible to navigate with the instruments on board. I see other boats (especially bigger ships) on the AIS plotter, and the radar sees objects that are visible in my path. Sometimes it is difficult because of the many objects around. Then it is better to slow down and wait out the darkness.
Nice going, but how do you steer at night, while it is dark?