Sonderborg Sound to Kiel
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".