We were a tad nervous about it, given our experience 3 years ago. Back then we were caught up in chaos as the backwash from a giant tanker's engine swept yachts in all directions inside the lock. We survived unscathed due to Nic' s quick reactions.
So this time we were mentally prepared. But there was no need. Only a few yachts chugged into the massive lock and there was one smallish tanker with his engine off. Quick and easy, what a relief. But farewell to the blue waters of the Baltic.
We had been planning to take two days to traverse the 60 miles of canal. However we were safely through the lock by 0830 and decided to do the whole thing in one go, staying the night just inside the opposite end of the canal.
It has been roasting hot all day - about 30C.
Nic has set up a sunshade for whoever is on the helm (we do 2 hours on, 2 off) which has a 'chequered' history. It is in fact, a tablecloth. (See pic)
It was bought in a Danish charity shop for 4 euros, used to wrap our precious charts for the train journey to Germany, and used as a temporary sheet in the heat of our forepeak bedroom. Now it is a 'bimini', held up by clothes pegs to the backstay.
The best 4 euros we ever spent.
We have been passed by maybe a dozen large container ships or oil tankers (See pic). Far fewer than last time we were here, 3 years ago. The wake they create slaps our boat around like a toy in the bath. But this canal is a wonderful piece of engineering which cuts 100s of miles off the journey and we are grateful for it.
Well that charity table cloth is a real Danish design and is worth app. 300 pounds, just kidding 😉. Looks like a lovely smooth trip so far.
ReplyDelete