The skipper had worked out some time ago, that in order to make Stockholm by the planned date of 26 June, Aquila needs to make good 50 'lock miles' a day on departure from Goteborg.  This would allow us to have two lay days. One lock is calculated as being the equivalent of 5 miles (ie allowing 1 hour's time to transit). The total distance to travel is 642 lock miles (there are 65 locks in total).

So far we've made good 198 lock miles over 4 days - so we are on schedule. Previously, we were rather behind, so half the crew were up with the sun, and had the boat underway by 0450. We enjoyed all sorts of conditions on the remaining 30 miles across Lake Vanern to Sjotorp, where the Gota canal starts: sunshine, the asymmetric, think fog, needle navigation, open waters - and then 10 locks. 

So crew morale is high. All of our night stops have been idyllic: peaceful berths, very friendly people, beautiful scenery, outstanding food (all onboard) and humorous conversation with a brilliant crew. Cruising at its best.