Helsinki - Furthest point reached, 60 degrees north
Astra of Hamble
Jan & Danuta Grieg-Gran
Tue 19 Jun 2012 08:11
60:09.65N 24:57.83E
Sunday. Heavy rain all morning. Departing crew, Scotty, Sam, Nick and Adam, went off to see the Soviet Occupation Museum, whilst new crew Danuta, Chris and Jane Cooke went off to the market to stock up for the trip across the Gulf of Finland. In the afternoon we left the city centre marina in strong gusting winds and motored 3 miles to the Pirata, the Olympic Sailing Centre from the USSR Olympics in 1982. The wind got up to Force 8 when we arrived, so mooring was interesting!
Monday. Wind had eased to Force 4/5 and we had a spirited sail (no engine!) 45 miles across to Helsinki. Best sail of the whole 2300 mile voyage so far. Averaged 5.5 knots with a reefed main and most of the Genoa, hand steering the whole way. The entry to Helsinki is lovely, granite islands, forts and the church spires in the distance. Moored in the small NJK sailing club marina on a small island right in the city centre.
Six weeks after leaving Vannes we have arrived at the furthest point of the voyage. Ten more weeks to go, at a more leisurely pace.
