Well, there have been a few very jolly days taking us from Ystad to Kalmar. The sea area has a bit of a reputation, but we had the most fabulous breezes to take us across and into Kalmarsund.
We stopped off at a favorite island, Hanö, and had the most lovely walk through the woods along the headland, followed by deer, up to the largest lighthouse in the Baltic.
Along the way we passed the English Cemetery, last resting place for naval officers and men from the Napoleonic base in the 19th Century, plus the solitary sad grave of a local mother and her two children who died of cholera.
Over two glorious days, in a small flotilla of likeminded yachts from various fellow EU nations, we flew along, topping out at 10 knots, on one occasion. Our secret weapon is the Code 0 furling asymmetric sail, and when the wind is just aft of the beam, the boat really takes off. We went storming through the fleet, and were first to drive in Kalmar Marina.
And when we heard from our friends Carew and Lorna on Blue Doublet that they’d texted their mate Tom Cunliffe (of yachtie magazine and book fame) that ‘Mrs Melodrama had all her washing out today) we felt quite smug. Several skippers commented to us on how great that sail seems. It is!
So we were able to relax for a day in harbour, bond with our new sailing friends in the launderette, and enjoy a meal on board over a couple of drinks with good friends.
There the truth came out. First, we recounted the tale of Brantevik harbour, very small and charming. We bought fresh fish from the harbour master. Or maybe we paid a harbour fee to the fishmonger. Not sure which.
Until we tried to leave. When very small became too small. The boat was broadside across the harbour mouth, and just narrowly escaped being wedged between a concrete wall and rocks. Well done William for getting us free!
Next, confession time. Karen dropped a shackle, which landed on the chart-plotter. A very expensive accident ☹️
Oh dear, and while we are at it, we need a sailmaker to repair a bit of a tear in the stack pack – we really need to watch those reefing lines.
Oh, no! The chart plotter looks like a bit of a disaster. Good job you are an ace navigator – you will manage without it. Have fun!
Is that Karen’s Plotter or William’s Plotter ??
Guess it is Karnes now no matter… 🙂
Damn duff KB… or fat fingers…
It is Karens Plotter now no matter who owned it before !
Karen now you have ‘fessed up, no need to talk about it any more. I just knew you were having fab sailing this week. and don’t we all have little mishaps now and then. Very glad it wasn’t a big mishap on that harbour entrance for Melodrama. Rxx
Ah so glad to hear about the chart plotter incident – makes me feel better about the dent I put in the side of our car recently 🙂