Klintholm to Rødvig, through Vordingborg - 19-20 July 2017

After years in Sweden, one gets amazed as soon as seing colours in the fields. Denmark is part of continental Europe, and I am getting the same feeling I have when driving from Sweden to southern Europe, that continental Europe starts in Denmark. I realise that I am missing it when I see it, but not at all when I don't. Isn't it perfect?

Blooming fields around Klintholm.

Sassnitz to Denmark - 16 July 2017

Where in Denmark? The initial plan was to reach Klintholm, on the island of Møn, Denmark, a 52 nautical miles ride from Sassnitz. The weather forecast looked very fine, with South-West winds from 5 to 6 m/s in the morning up to 8 to 10 m/s in the afternoon. Belisama was flying above 7 knots on average for the first hours. Then the wind got much stronger, around 12 m/s, with gusts up to 15. Three reefs and the trinquette handled it nicely, but the sallow waters around the south-east point of Møn resulted in short cresting waves very unpleasant. We decided to finish on engine, for safety reasons, when entering the shallow waters resulting in cresting waves at the southeast point of the island. 

But the engine did not start...

Last day in Sassnitz - 15 July

The whole crew is back and we are eager to depart from Sassnitz to Klinteholm, Denmark. However, the forecast was for a fantastic sunny day, without significant wind, and if wind, right in the nose... While tomorrow, we should have lateral good wind all the way for the 50+ miles. No hesitation, but another day in Sassnitz!

First solo cruise, from Sassnitz to ... Sassnitz - 12 July 2017

Alone for 2 days, I decided to go from Sassnitz to Ralswiek alone. Forty-two nautical miles by sea, but only 13 km by land. I prepared yesterday by biking there and ensuring a nice alongside place at a pier!

Departing by 8, but taking one hour to get off the "poles", a very tricky manoeuvre for a single crew with a bit of wind.  I never arrived in Ralswiek...

Sassnitz cliffs, Rügen - 11 July 2017

Today, waiting for the return of the crew, I explored the chalk cliffs of Sassnitz. A fifty kilometre bike trip through paved rural roads where you have to walk your bike most pdf the time. A full day experience indeed and feeling much broken tonight. I started with the opening of the Königsstuhl national park at 9:00. Worth ten minutes of your time. Much better to go around the trail for the "Victoria sicht" which is most amazing, and free.  

I was expecting a romantic experience as painted by Caspard David Friedrich...

Kristiansø - Sassnitz, 9 July 2017

Sixty-two miles to go, waking-up at 5, at sea by 6. No wind until we pass the extremity of Bornholm. A German couple on a X 38 whom we met at Kristiansø is following us and is taking the pictures. Quite rare to see oneself at sea!

Belisama, on engine

Kristiansø, 7 & 8 July 2017

Kristiansø is a tiny Danish Island south-west of Utklippan, on the way to Bornholm. At this time of the year, the small sound where one can get shelter is quite packed with three to four rows of boats moored alongside.

Krisitansø sound.

Certainly a must in Southern Baltic!