Denmark
Sonderborg Sound to Kiel
22/07/06 21:35
Slept in somewhat and did not get underway until 10:45. Proceeded under motor and main, clearing Sonderborg bridge at 12:10.
Looking south towards Sonderborg Castle.
A lovely day but with variable winds. We make pretty good progress sailing under main and ghosting genoa until about an hour past Schleimunde lighthouse at 17:20 when the wind dies and we resume motoring. During the afternoon we passed another Vancouver 28 "Little Dorrit" heading north.
I decide not to go all the way into Kiel and berth instead at the British Kiel Yacht Club which is very convenient for the canal entrance.
We arrive in fading daylight and berth in one of the large "boxes" at the pierhead. These are large boxes of around 40m which are entered between two steel poles. The idea being to put a line on each pole, nudge up to the dock and run two bow lines ashore. I can see why many boats in the Baltic have prominent rubbing strakes. To ensure gelcoat integrity longitudinal fenders and or plenty of crew are required.
It is a difficult operation to accomplish single handed and my line slips off the pole on the first approach. Fortunately conditions are benign and the skippers of "Solara" and "Helium" are on hand to take my bowlines. I first reverse back to the poles, make fast my two longest warps and then creep up to the dock where my bow lines are taken and secured. In the process I collect some muck from one of the poles amidships but it cleans off completely.
I gratefully accept the offer of a cold beer on board "Solara".
Looking south towards Sonderborg Castle.
A lovely day but with variable winds. We make pretty good progress sailing under main and ghosting genoa until about an hour past Schleimunde lighthouse at 17:20 when the wind dies and we resume motoring. During the afternoon we passed another Vancouver 28 "Little Dorrit" heading north.
I decide not to go all the way into Kiel and berth instead at the British Kiel Yacht Club which is very convenient for the canal entrance.
We arrive in fading daylight and berth in one of the large "boxes" at the pierhead. These are large boxes of around 40m which are entered between two steel poles. The idea being to put a line on each pole, nudge up to the dock and run two bow lines ashore. I can see why many boats in the Baltic have prominent rubbing strakes. To ensure gelcoat integrity longitudinal fenders and or plenty of crew are required.
It is a difficult operation to accomplish single handed and my line slips off the pole on the first approach. Fortunately conditions are benign and the skippers of "Solara" and "Helium" are on hand to take my bowlines. I first reverse back to the poles, make fast my two longest warps and then creep up to the dock where my bow lines are taken and secured. In the process I collect some muck from one of the poles amidships but it cleans off completely.
I gratefully accept the offer of a cold beer on board "Solara".
Dyvig for 10 Days 12-21 July 2006
21/07/06 21:45
12 July 2006
Dyvig marina is quite a busy place but very remote. The sizeable population of local yachts is swelled during the summer by large numbers of German yachts and occasional British, Swedish and other nationalities.
It is quite remote with a nearby German owned restaurant and convenience store which also sells fresh bread in the morning. A local farmer sells packs of cherries and potatoes from an honesty stand.
The harbour master collects fees daily and there are good barbecue facilities provided for marina users. The nearby town of Nordborg is served by infrequent buses and from Nordborg there are regular bus services to Sønderborg and further afield.
Peter arrives around 09:00 and after 2 hours the Aries installation is complete. There are only 8 through hull bolts and I cannot see any material difference in trim despite the extra weight. Photos of the installed Aries are here.
We have dinner ashore in Nordborg.
13 July 2006
Measurements are taken and I decide to proceed with the Superwind installation. It will take several days to have the tubing delivered. In the meantime the wiring, on/off switch, regulator and heat sink need to be installed.
Very hot weather. A German yacht arrives for an Aries installation. It has some problems and has to be hauled out.
14 July 2006
Russ decides to host a barbecue and invites Peter and family and the crew from the German yacht.
He spends the day preparing and we ensure a barbecue and table is reserved early. I continue with preparatory work for the Superwind.
The barbecue goes off very well and everyone is well fed. The visting german yacht is owned by a Polish couple based in Germany and they are keen photographers with an interesting website.
German crew with Mrs M seated.
Barbecue
Peter M with Russ
15 July 2006
Another yacht arrives for an Aries installation. This one is Danish and crewed by a young couple Niels & Christina. They are on a tight budget and have purchased a second hand Aries which Peter is going to install.
I continue with Superwind preparations.
Later we go for dinner at Peter's house. Mrs M, who is expecting their second child very shortly, prepares a lovely meal and we pass a very enjoyable evening.We gratefully accept her offer let us use the washing machine. Thanks Mrs M.
Catchee Frisbee at Dyvig
Lost Frisbee
16 July 2006
Russ volunteers to check underwater around the stern to see if he can identify the source of the metallic sound we have been hearing for the past week.
There is a lot of weed and surface slime but he identifies the cause of the noise. It appears that the main shaft has moved aft about 2cm. This has caused the Stripper locating lug to rotate freely rather than locate between the appropriate clips. The noise was caused by the locating lug striking the clips as it rotated. This process has also loosened both clips. Russ removes them and brings them back on board for safekeeping.
In the afternoon we go to visit a replica iron age boat. The original was found in 1921-22 nearby on Als and dates from around 350 BC. It is an impressive piece of work. Full details are on the website.
Later in the afternoon Peter arrives to announce that Mrs M has given birth to #2 son. Mother and son are well. We toast the new arriival with some Brazilian firewater that Peter bought down. Congatulations Peter & Mrs M.
In the evening we go into Nordborg for a meal with Niels and Christine at a chinese restaurant. This will be Russ's last night on board before returning home.
Russ about to dive.
In the water.
17 July 2006 (Monday)
The working berth is required for other boats so we move "Kiriwina" onto one of the marina box berths before leaving for Copenhagen.
We planned to catch a bus into Nordborg at 10:00 but must have misread the timetable. As we walked towards Nordborg Peter drove by and gave us a lift into town. Then we caught a bus down to Sønderborg and booked our rail tickets to Copenhagen. We had lunch in town before the train left at 14:00.
The trip to Copenhagen was mostly through flatish farmland but included some spectacular sections as the train crossed bridges linking the islands en route.
Sønderborg station is across the sound from the main town on Jutland itself. The route goes west and then north on Jutland to the Little Belt Bridge where it crosses to the island of Funen. Then it crosses Funen to the Great Belt Bridge linking Funen to Zealand and then on to Copenhagen.
We arrive in Copenhagen late in the afternoon and find a hotel via a tourist office near the station. The walk is longer than anticipated but we eventually find the Copenhagen Island hotel and check in. It's a lovely hotel but not quite finished so we get a special introductory rate.
Not being particularly hungry we grab a snack at the cinema next door where we go to see Pirates of The Caribbean 2.
18 July 2006
We are woken by jackhammers as work continues on the hotel. It opened early to catch the summer season and most of the guests seem to be on package holidays. The dining room is full and the staff struggle to keep up but we have a good breakfast.
The rest of the day is spent on tourism. We walk along the waterfront,stopping at a few nautical shops en route, to the Little Mermaid. It is very little and very crowded! Then we walk though the old military barracks and find a restaurant for a latish lunch. After some more shopping we go back to the hotel for a nap before having dinner near a canal.
Russ in Copenhagen.
19 July 2006
The jackhammers wake us up again. We have to leave fairly early anyway so we have breakfast, check out and get a taxi to the station. Russ takes a train to the airport to catch his flight to New York and I catch a train to Sønderborg an hour later.
In Sønderborg I visit a chandler to pick up a few bits and pieces and catch the bus back to Nordborg. On the way out of Nordborg a local yachtie, Sven, who has been very helpful, gives me a lift back to the marina.
Good news is that the tubing for my Superwind mounting has arrived and we can complete the installation tomorrow.
Niels and Christine have completed their Aries installation and despite not having a working engine and their being little wind they ghost off the berth successfully and are on their way.
Preparations
Continuing
Niels & Christine on their way.
20 July 2006
Peter arrives quite early with the tubing and in a couple of hours we have the Superwind installed. I spend the rest of the day completing the wiring and by the evening when a decent breeze springs up am able to run my new wind generator for the first time. Everything works just fine.
Superwind installed on the starboard quarter.
After Niels and Christina have left I move Kiriwina back onto the working berth ready to start work in the morning.
21st July 2006
Today is departure day after a very enjoyable spell at Dyvig. I decide to clean and stow the boat before leaving but as we have not been to sea for nearly two weeks it takes rather longer than anticipated. In the event it takes until late afternoon before all is ready.
Dyvig marina is quite a busy place but very remote. The sizeable population of local yachts is swelled during the summer by large numbers of German yachts and occasional British, Swedish and other nationalities.
It is quite remote with a nearby German owned restaurant and convenience store which also sells fresh bread in the morning. A local farmer sells packs of cherries and potatoes from an honesty stand.
The harbour master collects fees daily and there are good barbecue facilities provided for marina users. The nearby town of Nordborg is served by infrequent buses and from Nordborg there are regular bus services to Sønderborg and further afield.
Peter arrives around 09:00 and after 2 hours the Aries installation is complete. There are only 8 through hull bolts and I cannot see any material difference in trim despite the extra weight. Photos of the installed Aries are here.
We have dinner ashore in Nordborg.
13 July 2006
Measurements are taken and I decide to proceed with the Superwind installation. It will take several days to have the tubing delivered. In the meantime the wiring, on/off switch, regulator and heat sink need to be installed.
Very hot weather. A German yacht arrives for an Aries installation. It has some problems and has to be hauled out.
14 July 2006
Russ decides to host a barbecue and invites Peter and family and the crew from the German yacht.
He spends the day preparing and we ensure a barbecue and table is reserved early. I continue with preparatory work for the Superwind.
The barbecue goes off very well and everyone is well fed. The visting german yacht is owned by a Polish couple based in Germany and they are keen photographers with an interesting website.
German crew with Mrs M seated.
Barbecue
Peter M with Russ
15 July 2006
Another yacht arrives for an Aries installation. This one is Danish and crewed by a young couple Niels & Christina. They are on a tight budget and have purchased a second hand Aries which Peter is going to install.
I continue with Superwind preparations.
Later we go for dinner at Peter's house. Mrs M, who is expecting their second child very shortly, prepares a lovely meal and we pass a very enjoyable evening.We gratefully accept her offer let us use the washing machine. Thanks Mrs M.
Catchee Frisbee at Dyvig
Lost Frisbee
16 July 2006
Russ volunteers to check underwater around the stern to see if he can identify the source of the metallic sound we have been hearing for the past week.
There is a lot of weed and surface slime but he identifies the cause of the noise. It appears that the main shaft has moved aft about 2cm. This has caused the Stripper locating lug to rotate freely rather than locate between the appropriate clips. The noise was caused by the locating lug striking the clips as it rotated. This process has also loosened both clips. Russ removes them and brings them back on board for safekeeping.
In the afternoon we go to visit a replica iron age boat. The original was found in 1921-22 nearby on Als and dates from around 350 BC. It is an impressive piece of work. Full details are on the website.
Later in the afternoon Peter arrives to announce that Mrs M has given birth to #2 son. Mother and son are well. We toast the new arriival with some Brazilian firewater that Peter bought down. Congatulations Peter & Mrs M.
In the evening we go into Nordborg for a meal with Niels and Christine at a chinese restaurant. This will be Russ's last night on board before returning home.
Russ about to dive.
In the water.
17 July 2006 (Monday)
The working berth is required for other boats so we move "Kiriwina" onto one of the marina box berths before leaving for Copenhagen.
We planned to catch a bus into Nordborg at 10:00 but must have misread the timetable. As we walked towards Nordborg Peter drove by and gave us a lift into town. Then we caught a bus down to Sønderborg and booked our rail tickets to Copenhagen. We had lunch in town before the train left at 14:00.
The trip to Copenhagen was mostly through flatish farmland but included some spectacular sections as the train crossed bridges linking the islands en route.
Sønderborg station is across the sound from the main town on Jutland itself. The route goes west and then north on Jutland to the Little Belt Bridge where it crosses to the island of Funen. Then it crosses Funen to the Great Belt Bridge linking Funen to Zealand and then on to Copenhagen.
We arrive in Copenhagen late in the afternoon and find a hotel via a tourist office near the station. The walk is longer than anticipated but we eventually find the Copenhagen Island hotel and check in. It's a lovely hotel but not quite finished so we get a special introductory rate.
Not being particularly hungry we grab a snack at the cinema next door where we go to see Pirates of The Caribbean 2.
18 July 2006
We are woken by jackhammers as work continues on the hotel. It opened early to catch the summer season and most of the guests seem to be on package holidays. The dining room is full and the staff struggle to keep up but we have a good breakfast.
The rest of the day is spent on tourism. We walk along the waterfront,stopping at a few nautical shops en route, to the Little Mermaid. It is very little and very crowded! Then we walk though the old military barracks and find a restaurant for a latish lunch. After some more shopping we go back to the hotel for a nap before having dinner near a canal.
Russ in Copenhagen.
19 July 2006
The jackhammers wake us up again. We have to leave fairly early anyway so we have breakfast, check out and get a taxi to the station. Russ takes a train to the airport to catch his flight to New York and I catch a train to Sønderborg an hour later.
In Sønderborg I visit a chandler to pick up a few bits and pieces and catch the bus back to Nordborg. On the way out of Nordborg a local yachtie, Sven, who has been very helpful, gives me a lift back to the marina.
Good news is that the tubing for my Superwind mounting has arrived and we can complete the installation tomorrow.
Niels and Christine have completed their Aries installation and despite not having a working engine and their being little wind they ghost off the berth successfully and are on their way.
Preparations
Continuing
Niels & Christine on their way.
20 July 2006
Peter arrives quite early with the tubing and in a couple of hours we have the Superwind installed. I spend the rest of the day completing the wiring and by the evening when a decent breeze springs up am able to run my new wind generator for the first time. Everything works just fine.
Superwind installed on the starboard quarter.
After Niels and Christina have left I move Kiriwina back onto the working berth ready to start work in the morning.
21st July 2006
Today is departure day after a very enjoyable spell at Dyvig. I decide to clean and stow the boat before leaving but as we have not been to sea for nearly two weeks it takes rather longer than anticipated. In the event it takes until late afternoon before all is ready.
Dyvig to Sonderborg Sound
21/07/06 21:39
After saying my goodbyes we clear the working berth at Dyvig marina and start our return journey south. I have the engine on standby. There is a reasonable amount of wind and I am able to sail down the harbour until Stagshoved narrows. The wind is variable and gusting so I motor sail through the narrows and out into Als fjord.
From there I am able to sail down to Sønderborg sound using my new equipment for the first time. Both the Aries and the Superwind performed extremely well. The wind was variable aft of the beam F3-4 with slight seas. With the full yankee deployed boat speed was between 3.5 and 4.5 knots. The Aries steered flawlessly and was only disconnected at 18:00 when the wind died as we turned into Sønderborg sound.
I decide to anchor in the sound and by 18:40 we are lying comfortably at anchor off Storshov forest about one third the way down the sound. We are in 2.9 metres of water and I have veered 25m of cable. There is a slight southerly current but the anchor is holding well.
By the time I have got the sails down there are 10 boats in the anchorage.
I am a little uncertain about the Superwind mounting as due to layout restrictions we were unable to position the stays at right angles. This allows more flex than I would like. The unit has performed superbly. By late evening with an increasing wind the batteries are fully charged with the resistors and regulator warm to the touch. Noise, while noticeable, is not that much more than ambient wind noise.
I have a light salad on board and relax on deck.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking west towards Storshov forest.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking north.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking south.
From there I am able to sail down to Sønderborg sound using my new equipment for the first time. Both the Aries and the Superwind performed extremely well. The wind was variable aft of the beam F3-4 with slight seas. With the full yankee deployed boat speed was between 3.5 and 4.5 knots. The Aries steered flawlessly and was only disconnected at 18:00 when the wind died as we turned into Sønderborg sound.
I decide to anchor in the sound and by 18:40 we are lying comfortably at anchor off Storshov forest about one third the way down the sound. We are in 2.9 metres of water and I have veered 25m of cable. There is a slight southerly current but the anchor is holding well.
By the time I have got the sails down there are 10 boats in the anchorage.
I am a little uncertain about the Superwind mounting as due to layout restrictions we were unable to position the stays at right angles. This allows more flex than I would like. The unit has performed superbly. By late evening with an increasing wind the batteries are fully charged with the resistors and regulator warm to the touch. Noise, while noticeable, is not that much more than ambient wind noise.
I have a light salad on board and relax on deck.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking west towards Storshov forest.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking north.
Anchorage Sønderborg sound looking south.
Sonderborg to Dyvig
11/07/06 21:58
We leave Sønderborg yacht club at 11:06 and proceed to Sønderborg harbour where we wait for the bridge to open.
Had we come further in last night we could have moored in the main harbour although it was pretty crowded and we would have had to raft.
Approaching Sønderborg
Sønderborg Castle - At the approaches to Sønderborg harbour and sound.
Sønderborg Harbour
The bridge opens at 11:20 and once clear at 11:30 we deploy the yankee and proceed up Sønderborg sound. We clear the sound at 12:25 and motor sail up Als fjord.
At 13:25 we pass through the Stagshoved narrows and by 13:35 we are all fast alongside the repairs berth at Dyvig marina.
I give Peter at Aries a call and he comes down to inspect the boat prior to installing an Aries windvane. Later he takes me up to the workshop and we have a long chat about the merits of Superwind wind generators.
I had been considering a windvane and was impressed by the output figures for the Superwind. It is a beautifully engineered piece of kit.
My only concern is the viability of fitting one on a 28 footer with twin and running backstays. Peter says he can assist with installation and will check the measurements tomorrow.
Today's Run: 12.1 miles.
Since leaving Dartmouth on 24th May we have covered 810.3 Miles.
Had we come further in last night we could have moored in the main harbour although it was pretty crowded and we would have had to raft.
Approaching Sønderborg
Sønderborg Castle - At the approaches to Sønderborg harbour and sound.
Sønderborg Harbour
The bridge opens at 11:20 and once clear at 11:30 we deploy the yankee and proceed up Sønderborg sound. We clear the sound at 12:25 and motor sail up Als fjord.
At 13:25 we pass through the Stagshoved narrows and by 13:35 we are all fast alongside the repairs berth at Dyvig marina.
I give Peter at Aries a call and he comes down to inspect the boat prior to installing an Aries windvane. Later he takes me up to the workshop and we have a long chat about the merits of Superwind wind generators.
I had been considering a windvane and was impressed by the output figures for the Superwind. It is a beautifully engineered piece of kit.
My only concern is the viability of fitting one on a 28 footer with twin and running backstays. Peter says he can assist with installation and will check the measurements tomorrow.
Today's Run: 12.1 miles.
Since leaving Dartmouth on 24th May we have covered 810.3 Miles.
Kiel to Sonderborg
10/07/06 21:02
A relaxed start this morning. The weather has improved and it looks as though we shall be able to do some sailing.
We leave Düsternbrook at 10:40 and by 11:00 the engine is off and we are sailing.
Our sail up to Denmark is uneventful and marked by a wide variety of yachts and larger sailing vessels. As we approach the island of Als the wind begins to drop and we motor sail for the last hour in the company of a large Dutch sailing barge.
As we enter Sønderborg yacht club the wind has become quite gusty and I make a bit of a hash of getting into our box mooring. All is well in the end and we are all fast by 19:00.
After a long walk ashore and around Sønderborg we find a restaurant, the OX-EN, and have dinner.
Days Run 38.6 miles
We leave Düsternbrook at 10:40 and by 11:00 the engine is off and we are sailing.
Our sail up to Denmark is uneventful and marked by a wide variety of yachts and larger sailing vessels. As we approach the island of Als the wind begins to drop and we motor sail for the last hour in the company of a large Dutch sailing barge.
As we enter Sønderborg yacht club the wind has become quite gusty and I make a bit of a hash of getting into our box mooring. All is well in the end and we are all fast by 19:00.
After a long walk ashore and around Sønderborg we find a restaurant, the OX-EN, and have dinner.
Days Run 38.6 miles