We hit a rock yesterday! And it was a big hit too.
We were on our way to the Kaffeekuchenhaus in Vaholm when I decided to go between two small islands to avoid tacking into the wind into a very narrow channel. I checked the charts, I checked the GPS and i checked again.
The wind was from astern and we are sailing at about 4 – 4.5 knots and I watched the echo closely. I expected the water depth to go down and was not therefore not surprised when I saw it decreasing. I got a bit uncomfy when it was getting to 3 meters and was about thinking to turn round when I saw on the display 1.6 and a moment later we hit the rock. A huge bang, coffee pot, oven, Tashi and all were thrown forward and a moment of confusion ensued. We instantly loosened the sails and I started the engine to reverse back. LUCKILY we come off in an instant, even with the wind still pressing on the main.
Shakily we continued our journey and the skipper did not sleep very well last night.
Akka shows no sign of damage above the water, no water in the bilge and I am already very curious to say the keel next week.