Arrival at Stockholm

Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Sun 25 Jun 2017 05:10
59:19.6N 18:05.6E

A series of occluded fronts went through during the night, but our anchorage proved the ideal spot to ride out the considerable wind and rain they brought. However on weighing, the copious thick mud that came up with the Manson Supreme bore witness to its overnight work. Once clear of Ridon Island, we set the main and a rolled genoa for the final 25 miles to Stockholm. Despise ominously black clouds to windward, the rain held off and we enjoyed a leisurely sail down Lake Malaren. By 1400 we were at the first of four bridges - and one final lock - that remained between us and central Stockholm. These opened as efficiently as ever, and by 1600 we were secured in Wasahamnen marina. 
Once the crew had showered - and then moved the boat to a better spot (the skipper's never satisfied!) - we were ready to receive our esteemed visitor, Suzanne.  Much merriment in the cockpit ensued as we had not seen her for 30 years, before all ashore for a good meal. Before we turned in, Suzanne kindly drove us to a spot close to her farm, on the isle of Resaro, where we may move Aquila in a few days.
So Phase 2 of the Baltic cruise is now complete. Crew changes over the next few days, as Sarah returns home for a week to feed the animals (she will rejoin in Helsinki), and Seb and Pipps join. So blog shutting down now temporarily, probably until c.1 July once we've departed Stockholm.