Eventually the wind subsided a little, and blew from aft of the beam, so we ventured out towards Copenhagen, via a series of 4-6 hour harbour hops, and some very fast sailing in 20-25 knots of wind.
Often the excitement is not the journey, it’s the arrival, and at one port of call we were blown across our chosen berth, took a second bite at it, landed sideways on at a completely different berth, pinned by wind, and decided this would have to be good enough.
From this vantage point we were able to watch as boat after boat came in, got blown sideways, and had to be hauled round using ropes into the right place. Sometimes it’s good to be in early!
But then again, how early is early enough? In Dragør, we set off at dawn to arrive at 12:00 knowing the little town was popular, only to find that the Danes like to eat an early smørrobrød lunch here, and had arrived much much earlier, so there was no space. Except for one spot reserved for a much bigger boat, at a much bigger harbour fee, too. But we took it, grateful that the harbourmaster let us stay. Ouch.
And finally, we arrived into the canal system in Copenhagen, passed through the opening bridge and tied up in our reserved berth for a mini city break.
Wilders Plads canal was a magical spot to watch the water world go by. Tourist boats with opera singers on board, rent-a-boat diners with no idea how to steer the boat they’d just hired for an hour, kayaks, SUPs, canoes, yachts coming and going like us,
and some very strange floating craft. We sat in the evening sun with a cold beer, popcorn, and settled down to enjoy the show.
Lovely!
Continue your Bon Voyage. When do you expect to be back in Ireland, on my presumption that you are tying up Melodrama for the winter in Copenhagen? Maybe you have a bit more appetite for continuing the cruise roundabout where you now are before heading for home by air in due course.
Love to you both, and thank you both for the good news and the lovely pics.
Richard
Hi Richard, glad you are enjoying Karen’s account of our adventures.
We are now making our way slowly back to Augustenborg for the 16th, where Melodrama will be lifted out and stored in a heated shed for the winter. We’ll spend a few days there preparing the boat for storage, and plan to fly back to Ireland on 22nd September.
Many happy returns for tomorrow!
Fab glimpses of your nautical life in Denmark and Copenhagen in particular. Thanks folks! I loved Copenhagen when I visited for work in 70s but from a landlubber perspective.. Now for fair winds and easy berthing en route Augustenborg.
Rx