After a week it is time to say good bye to Tallinn. And we left in style. The first 23 miles were on a truly speedy keel, as we hardly made less than 6,5 to 7 knots. I think Akka got bored after a week in the harbour and wanted to get away as fast as possible. And boy, did she lift her skirts! I don’t think I have ever had a such a long stretch of sail that fast. The wind was manageable between 15 and 22 knots and Akka stormed up north with 2 reefs in both sails.
After we passed the VTS we had to change course though and it was straight into the wind. So, good old faithful came out and it pushed us through the waves. As expected, it was slow progress though, as the waves were 2,5 meters (Tashi and Michi claim 3+ meters). But we made it passed Lakkbadan lighthouse, where I expected to set sail again. Unfortunately the wind decided to follow our progress and more motoring was called for.
A nasty cloud was visible for some time and it was clear that things were going to turn “interesting”. At some point we had 1,5 kts of boat speed and over 35 kts of wind! Luckily it was only for a brief moment. Time enough for the boom to bang my head though so that I have (only) a big bruise on my head now. Phew!
After some more hours of motoring we reached a lovely bay and here we are at anchor and are enjoying the tranquility of the islands and Michi’s cooking (Schrimp-Pasta).
A big hand to Tashi and Michi, who had their first long-ish day on a sail boat today. They handled the various challenges of the day brilliantly. I am duly impressed.
Welcome to Finland!
