To Lysekil

Moondog
Brian Whitefoot
Thu 17 Jun 2010 15:11
Another glorious morning and this was to be the completion of our trip around Orust island, then a little bit of fairly open water to Lysekil ( 58:16.2N, 011:26.4E ). This was to be a fairly short trip of 18 miles, since we needed to maKe Lysekil by about 3.30pm so that Avis could make her connection on the expree bus to Gothenberg. It was to be a day with a wide mix of sailing.
 
We motored out directly into Kalvofjord. If you look at one of the attached pics you will see that our marina berth looked straight down the fjord, so this bit of navigation was easy. Then hang a left and into Koljofjord, which was initially narrow and with wind on the nose it was a motoring job, until the fjord opened up into a broad lake, for all practical purposes, and  we had some good sailing back and forth. Avis on the helm and really getting the hang of sailing to a wind angle. Brilliant sunshine all the time.
 
Then some really interesting navigation at the bottom of the fjord. A hidden sharp right at the bottom and we were weaving along a narrow cutting with beacons on both sides. Of course this was the time for the wind to increase and for us to see a car ferry getting ready for its dash across the channel. We have formed the view that these yellow pests actually wait until they can be certain of launching themselves onto a collision course, with extra marks if we have all sail up with the genoa poled out.. However, lucky this time and we sneaked past before he saw us.
 
A few more twists and turns and we were off Ellos, the home of Halberg Rassey yachts. There were certainly a few shiny new ones out in the bay, presumably on handing over trials with new owners, and we dodged one very big one in the channel, flying a Swiss flag....presumably it will be off to the Med or Caribbean soon.
 
The weather was starting to cool , and as soon as we approached more open water the wind and swell picked up significantly. This was a major problem, since we had not yet had lunch ( true yachties should probably skip the next  bit). So, faced with the choice between exhilarating sailing in open water and a good lunch, we obviously went with lunch. So , back to Ellos and gentle circling in the bay while Steve and Avis prepared a nice lunch. Very civilised.Then we donned some waterproofs an set off through another very narrow channel and out into more open water, and a rather rolly run to Lysekil in cloudy and chilly conditions, which at least gave Avis a taste for what sailing is usually like after constant wall to wall sunshine for her stay with us. Steve had the best approach and read a book in the cabin, waiting for the sun to reappear.
 
We found a good berth in Lysekil and moored up without drama, and got Avis to her bus on time. Steve and i found an Irish Pub, and job done.  Lysekil does have one surprise though ;  people are very keen on vintage cars. This is keen in the sense that little groups of old cars are constantly cruising around on a sunny evening....Steve was very impressed to see 1950's Cadillacs and other huge US gas guzzlers in this little town.
 
Steve leaves on the 18th for a few days in Gothenberg and then will return with his wife Anne, for a few more days. Looking at the forecast he has called that absolutely right, with a rainy weekend in prospect , but a good forecast for Monday onwards.
 
I have attached some pics from this trip, plus some from the last couple of days that we were not able to load previously......enjoy !
 
 

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