Cruising through the Finnish Islands

Astra of Hamble
Jan & Danuta Grieg-Gran
Thu 21 Jun 2012 16:20
59:58.73N  23:54.64E
 
Wed.  Sunny morning.  Off on the Bromptons around the coastal bike track to the main marinas to find a big chandlery. The girls were so excited!  Got the detailed Finnish chart portfolios and also a natty stainless hook for picking up stern buoys. Nice to see a different aspect of Helsinki. Set sail in the afternoon following a narrow winding channel through hundreds of islands and ended up in a tiny guest harbour at Porkala, about 20 miles west of Helsinki.
 
Thurs. Lazy start, another lovely sunny morning. Part sailing, part motoring for around 20 miles to another tiny guest harbour up a narrow channel fringed with reed beds. Stunning place.  This was a recommendation from a Finnish sailor, which we would never have attempted otherwise.  Tomorrow, Friday, is the big Finnish Mid-Summers night celebration when they all head out to the islands, light big bonfires and get roaring drunk. How boring!  We plan an early night with a cup of tea.

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