What a difference a day makes...!

Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Mon 3 Jul 2017 15:24
59:58.2N 23:51.3E

Compared to the trials and tribulations of yesterday, today has been idyllic in every sense of the word. An exhausted crew enjoyed showers followed by pizza onboard in Hanko yesterday evening, and were once again thoroughly impressed by the hospitality (and standard of English!) of those in these parts.

This morning we awoke to fog, which by the time we'd consumed scrambled eggs and bacon courtesy of the skipper, had burnt itself off leaving bright sunshine and a gentle SW3.

The initial part of our passage NE saw us join a marine motorway of other yachts heading in the same direction, before a dastardly dive took us through the inshore route to our final destination. The scenery has been phenomenal: hundreds of tiny islands with beautiful trees and snug hideaways as summer retreats. The scent of pine needles has been on the breeze throughout the day, and we were even privileged enough to witness two white tailed eagles try to snatch cygnets off the water while the adult swan did its best to fend them off. By the time we had sailed past all cygnets were still in one piece, but the eagles were certainly persistent. All this in gloriously bright sunshine, beautifully sheltered water and force 3 from the stern.

Approximately 30NM of some of the best sailing this boat has seen has brought us to the most fabulous anchorage. Superb needle navigation by Sebastian, and crew and skipper all in agreement that our faith in cruising has been restored. Beer and wine in hand, spag bol planned for supper - it doesn't get better than this!





Miss Philippa M. Bennett
07963844267