Yesterday was an extremely testing day for both boat and crew. After a terrible night rolling and banging against the harbour wall when Tom and Tim got up twice to adjust the lines, it was a relief to leave but that proved testing itself in a mighty gust. Not long after leaving the harbour,Karen retired unwell and stayed below unwell and unhappy for the rest of the day. Yuk. Fortunately she had already cooked breakfast and prepared sandwiches before retiring ill.
Again there was much discussion about the wind before we actually left; where could we go, did we have safe havens etc but we left at 9 thinking that we would at least make Varberg and then think about the next option. Our route took us past Kunghan Lighthouse, Malo Rock, Lilliland Rock and then off Varberg the decision was taken to press on. We then Glomen Rock, Falkenburg, Tylogrund and into Halmstad, our longest passage in one day so far.
Halmstad is one of the provincial capitals, originally Danish until mid 17th Century and is mixture of Danish & Swedish Styles. We found a grand place to moor, lying at the entrance to the River Nissan and we found the water very brown. The coat of arms is 3 hearts and 3 crowns and there were a number of houses with green roofs. We found a lovely pub in a cobblestone square where we enjoyed burgers and jackkermackas, (piles of prawns and eggs with mayo).
Our maximum boat speed recorded was 13 knots with an average of 7-8.5 knots and our wind speeds were between 30-34 knots…. phew. Will it ever ease?
More tomorrow as it is late and we have another early morning alarm call of Captain Pug Wash at 6 a.m. (Eddie’s mobile) including today’s trip of 84 miles to a Danish island the best meal we’ve had so far and drinks on board a Naval SAR ship!! Will tell tomorrow.
Nite nite…
Karen & Crew.
Today was a much better day for several reasons. I did not throw up or go below feeling unwell, we generally went in the right direction towards the UK and we had some sunshine at the end of the day, for all of which we say, hurrah. We also had nourishment along the way which helped.
We set off at 10.30 after Tim had purchased another local chart and we had seen an Arcona 400 called Chess depart. I had a drenching when hoisting the main from all last night’s rain that had accumulated inside. Lovely! We had a lumpy sail at first but after turning at Nord Kraken and again at Dorjesskar we entered Salofjord and carried on into Nordrealvsfjord which was pleasant sailing and Eddie had a turn on the helm. (He thought Tom was brave to let go of the helm but even Mr T has to have a wee break!) Turning at Stora Kalven Rock, Tom headed towards the next mark as instructed by Navigator Tim, and straight through an area we nicknamed ‘ Lobsters R us’. We kept an eye on a fire tender tug that appeared to be praticising spraying water so as not to get the wrong side of him. There are wind turbines everywhere in this part of the coast and they do not detract from the beauty of the landscape. The UK could learn a lot from that.
At 14.00 we turned into the North Channel towards Gothenburg, passing enormous channel markers that appeared to have platforms on the top. What for? Anyway just like houses in streets, they were numbered odd and even on either side. We turned at No 23 Buoy and passed the isles of Rivo, Asvero and Donso. It was great sailing with regular 8 knots from a main with 2 reefs in. We have yet to sail with either sail out full or the spinnaker. Our log reading shows that our maximum speed to date has been 12.19 knots! Clearly this has been surfing down a freak wave?
At Verango, we passed the Rateran Light and the Valo light and then at 16.00 we turned into Lerkil (after a discussion about whether to go on for another 2 hours but risk arriving at our next safe haven in the dark.)
At 16.30 we arrived in Lerkil in glorious sunshine which lasted 30 minutes. We enjoyed tea and coffee, cake and rum,during which the sunshine went and we had 15 minutes of winds between 50 & 53 miles per hour. We congratulated ourselves on the decision to stop at Lerkil at this point.
However, Lerkil is shut! There is nothing open beyond September so once I have finished this I will rustle up some supper on board for my boys. However, Skipper is pleased to note that he has the tallest mast and the biggest sailing boat in the marina which isn’t small by any means.
Cheers,
Lady Penelope.
It may not seem like very far in 5 and a half hours but its not easy sailing; either narrow channels between rocks and islands or rolling seas and winds on the nose in open water. We started at 11 after much discussion about whether we should go out at all, then decided to go between the islands around Orust and see how far we could get or turn back. The ride was good but concern as to the height under the bridge at the far end decided that we would go another way. This pretty but challenging channel took us around the other side of Orust. Sterling navigation by Tim.
This took us out into the open rolling sea, past the Isles of Kariengon, Mollon & Sosk where the motion soon had me heading below to ward off throwing up…. not to be; after 30 mins trying to hang on… Nightfall claimed her 1st victim. It was bound to be me. I then stayed below for 2 hours until we passed Skallen and headed in to Marstrand.
The winds gusted to 50 Knots at one point according to the instrument log but we were seeing 30 for most of the day; a few moments of sunshine,but mainly grey and patchy rain.
Tim went via the ferry to fetch the pizzas. What a star. Tim says Marstrand is noted as the sailing mecca of the west coast of Sweden. It is slightly surprising therefore, members of the jury that all the restaurants are closed bar one that opens until 7 p.m. Having been past Flatholmen, Altenholmen and Gullholmen, we are now in GONE Holmen!
Wally wind is doing a great job keeping the batteries topped up so Freddy Fuel Cell has yet to play.
Yours aye.
Karen & Co.
Nightfall had her maiden test sail on Monday 2nd. We motored sailed away from the Arcona quay at Fisketangen, past Kungshamm and out into the area near Smogen in sunshine and bouncy seas. We went alongside in Smogen for lunch which was almost deserted at low season. Tim bought some new shoes. Later we hoisted the sexy new sails and then did some 720 turns to calibrate the compass.
Yesterday after a lunch in Harry’s bar and the wind eased we motored through the islands on as short leg of 12 miles to Lysekil. As we were about to settle for the night, the ferry Carl Wilhemsen asked us to move out of their berth which we did skipper said with great skill.
A windy night, now breakfast of Swedish oats before the decision about today. Spirits good in spite of inclement weather.
Karen, Tom, Eddie & Tim.
Yes, we’ve finally chosen a name. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions – some very inventive. We thought a link to the past, but something easy to phoneticise when coming into a foreign port. Yet peaceful, don’t you think? Lots and lots of good names came up, but we both liked this (the both is important), so ‘Nightfall’ it is.
The new NL is on her way. No name yet, but not for lack of furious thinking to date. She’s an Arcona 43, being built in Sweden for us as I write.
Watch this space!
Sorry, folks. We were hoping to be better at posting updates, but the vicious round of partying here takes its toll. Diana, one of our two newly-recruited Canadian crew (the other is Debbie), said ‘It’s not just being out frying in the hot sun all day that takes its toll, but having to go out and party night after night’. She was nursing a sunburned ankle and a rum and coke at the time.
Anyway, one such party was held on Shirley Heights, overlooking English Harbour, on Thursday night. Here’s how sunset over English Harbour looks from up there.
It would have to be said that we’ve worked hard at both partying and racing, but probably our success has been greater at partying. Both have been great fun, however, but it’s time to move on now and we’re planning our next move today. Can’t do it tonight because there’s a big party……
Where we left you:
Nightlife and her motley crew had raced across the Atlantic in the ARC. In a close battle for first place against their nemesis Captain Blind they managed to expertly sail her right to the last minute and finally claimed the trophy.
Once all the partying was done, Tom and Karen undertook the laborious job of sailing the boat across the Caribbean to Antigua ready for Antigua Sailing Week 2010, which is where we are now.
With a refreshed crew consisting of Eddie (from the delivery to the Canneries), Dave (from the ARC itself), TC (that’s me, the bow monkey), and of course Tom and Karen, we aim to win yet again. Or if not, have a great time trying.
For those of you unaware of Antigua Week, it’s a bit like Cowes week where there is a week of racing during the day followed by small parties in the evenings. The difference being we’re faced with temperatures of 30 degrees and rum is the drink of the day.
We will endevour to update the blog with details of the days racing and our time in Antigua. The first race is on Sunday, so wish us luck!
TC
After what seemed like weeks and weeks of waiting, the prizegiving took place last night. Our first place in the racing division was finally confirmed and our phalanx of supporters gave us a great cheer as we received the cup in front of some 800 competitors and their guests.
Rob had to return home before the prizegiving, but the rest of us were all able to take part in a wonderful reception and prizegiving put on by the World Cruising Club.
The picture shows us receiving the cup. If you want to see it for real, it’ll be in the Tally Ho! on New Year’s Eve!
