We started our trip back from the SE coast of Sweden, going to Brittany, on the 20th June, just before the mid-summer solstice.
Our intentions were to sail over Denmark, stop in Norway and wait for a weather window to them make a passage over to Scotland. Scotland, and then down to Ireland as soon as possible to then have a few weeks cruising there.
What we found though, was strong Westerlies, and very persistent Westerlies. It was looking like we would be stuck for days on the west coast of Sweden, then again in Norway, and then again in Scotland to make a hop down the West coast towards Ireland.
We had to decide in the end to return via the Kiel canal, which is what we have done. I do think that next time we sail up to Sweden we shall take the route via Ireland and the Caledonia canal on the way up, and perhaps the Kiel canal route on the way down.
Anyhow, now, some two weeks later we are waiting for a weather window to sail the next leg from the Western Weddel sea in Holland, to Dover – or further if possible.
The weather has been very complicated, and unless you have a boat, and the will, to beat upwind into 25 knots of breeze on the North Sea, then two weeks is what it will take to make it this far. What I can say however, is that we have had some fantastic stops in Copenhagen, Kiel, Rendsburg, Borkum, and now on the Lauwermeer.
Also, due to various reasons, there have been some changes on the crew side, so we shall see if we are two on board from now on, or if I can find an extra hand. The weather for Wednesday is looking good, albeit light conditions, and I think we will stay at sea for three to four days and try and make it as far as we can before the westerlies stop us in the English channel, probably somewhere by Cherbourg.
