58:18.49N  11:22.06E

So we’re at day 4.   

We woke to another sunny but cold day in very peaceful and still surroundings.   Before breakfast we went for a walk to explore  Slussen on the island of Orust.  Jim cooked bacon & eggs and within 30 seconds of leaving shore we had full sails up and were heading for Gullholmen (the oldest fishing village in Sweden – thank you Jan).   However to get there we had to navigate our way under a 21m bridge – our height is 20.5m so no room for error.   We all held our breath as we heeled 20º and had a murray mint to celebrate our safe passage.

Having cleared the bridge we spotted our next conquest – a similar sized yacht under German colours.    From a mile away they saw us closing them down, encouraging them to throw out their reef.   However short tacking up the lee shore they couldn’t match the dodgers pace – especially with two birds at the helm – and they were left trailing in our wake.   They’d been dodgered – and didn’t even wave.

We then had to navigate our way through a canal 100ft wide – all under sail, wind on the nose and very short tacking.   

Lunch was in Gullholmen – a beautiful picturesque village.    Another feast of crispbread, meats, picked herrings and beers followed by a walk and boat maintenance.    We also managed to purchase a couple of cd’s for the boat – unfortunately the boys were choosing so picked Kylie and 80’s love songs….

Rumour on the jetty was the wind and rain are coming so at 1800 (just after lunch!) we decided to head on to Lille Korno for the night.    Spectacular spinnaker work all the way and what a beautiful place for the night.   A deserted village only used for the holidays.    We moored up to be informed by a fellow sailor that we had to head over the pink granite rocks to watch the sunset.   We quickly packed a rucksack of wine, beer, olives and crisps to head off over the headland.   What an evening!   Found some firewood, had a bonfire drinking & watching the sunset.     On the way back to the boat had a great game of football – Jan Lesley & Nick vs Phil Sarah & Jim.     In between all the giggles (and Sarah going off for a mid-match pee) Jan Lesley & Nick won.

We got back to the boat for supper at 2230 hrs for Swedish meatballs, more red wine & cards.

Another great day …

PS    Yesterday’s competition:

1st     Jon Walker      “A stone crapper”
2nd     Neil Martin     “Long drop shit house”
3rd     Joe Mellon      “Early ensuite bathroom”
4th     Mike Driver     “Medieval craphouse”

Jon – the red wine was waiting … but we drank it…. X