Thursday 2nd May at 10:15 was our appointed slot to launch Melodrama for the season ahead, and so we set off on Monday to drive out to Augustenborg in Denmark, where Anders and his team had been looking after the boat all winter. It looked great; polished, anti-fouled and the few little ‘jobs’ all completed.
By the afternoon we were afloat with the mast up, and starting to reassemble everything.
There were bits we didn’t know what to do with, and bits we couldn’t find to do things with, so playing match the bits was the order of the day.
By nightfall, we were tucked up on board, the cold wind howling, and we were wondering why we thought summer started in May.
It’s very cold, with added windchill, and no matter how many layers we add, the cold seems to get through. We are soooo glad we have a heater on board, and it’s been running all night.
A few months ago, a seasoned Baltic sailor friend Nicholas Hill, who edits the Imray pilot book for the area, gave us a tip to pack a heated blanket. We did not take him seriously, but now I wish we’d paid more attention, and made space for it. Even a hot water bottle would be nice…
On Sunday, the wind moderated, and we suited and booted, wore as many layers as possible, woolly hats and sailing gloves, and had the most lovely sail north to check everything was rigged properly. Of course it wasn’t, but soon fixed up.
Now we are back at base, and have to wait until Friday for a warranty-based engine service, before we can set off eastwards towards our furthest summer destination, St Petersburg – or maybe Helsinki, we shall see.
But still, there is plenty to do ..
Have a wonderful summer! It will be warm soon…
All the best for the season. We are off up to Craobh in a week’s time. Hope the weather improves for you. Safe passage!
And to you both, enjoy!
Go for it you magnificent mariners! Snuggling up close is better than hot water bottles in our experience. Xx
Eager for no 2 blog
Hope you are warmed up by then having taken Nicks advice!