As Elsie and Bessie had very little experience of being on the boat we intended to keep the trips short and try and find places to go that offered some opportunity for activity.  Our first days sail was from Stockholm back to Vaxholm, a mere 10 Nm and was as much about familiarisation and ending up somewhere with a good food shop as the place. Unfortunately it rained heavily for at least half the trip, but Ted didn’t seem to mind being outside in his waterproofs while everyone else sheltered below and the rain stopped when we arrived so Ted, Guy and Kelly headed for the shop while I entertained the girls.

Leaving Vasahamn

Everyone enjoying the passage (before the rain)

Back with provisions and the girls gain confidence on deck

The following day we moved on to a small anchorage in the South of Grinda. This was only a trip of 8 miles but among the islands of the archipelago there was plenty going on to hold people’s interest and give everyone a turn at steering and knot tying. The anchorage proved very successful offering a small beach, some rocks to barbecue on and walks in the woods.

Elsie’s first figure of eight

and learning to steer

Fun things to do on a boat

and Bessie was there too

On the beach. They were joined by a Swedish boy and his big cousin

Will the food ever be cooked?