The Naked Sailor
Dancing in the Rain

Dancing in the Rain

The Söderarm lighthouse island was a cool touchdown in Sweden. We were all eager to continue toward Stockholm, though, so early next morning, we unhooked ourselves from the pier, set the engine to about 2200 rpm (since no wind), and sailed onwards.

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To Mariehamn

To Mariehamn

Jellyfish! Lots and lots of small jellyfish next to our boat. I didn’t even know we had those in Finland but we were all very excited to see them. A good sign and a good send off for our next leg to the capital of Åland, Mariehamn.

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From Turku to Åland — And Uh-Oh Crap

From Turku to Åland — And Uh-Oh Crap

Our sailing vacation finally started! It was a cold and cloudy Monday. We left quite late and had only one objective: to get just a bit away from Turku so that it wouldn’t feel like being home anymore. The next day, though, was to be both exciting and— for a few— quite terrible.

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Hanse 388 — Every Nook and Cranny

Hanse 388 — Every Nook and Cranny

Half a year ago, I was trying to figure out (among other things) what gas bottle would fit on a Hanse 388. It was a bit challenging since I couldn’t find any measurements for where it’s supposed to be stored. Now I know better, so starting with the gas bottle, and slowly progressing through the... Continue reading Hanse 388 — Every Nook and Cranny

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Ten Hours of Downwind

Ten Hours of Downwind

It was Sunday and time to turn back home. We were thirty-five miles from our home harbor and after having done ten-fifteen miles a day the previous days, this was to be our longest sail yet. All in gentle to non-existing downwind.

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Don't Reef the FCL Jib

Don't Reef the FCL Jib

Last week we found out that 20+ knots of upwind with one reef in the main and a fully rolled out jib equaled too much sail for our newbie family sailing. Previous experience suggested that reducing sail area by partly furling away the jib wasn’t a good option. But what would have been? I asked... Continue reading Don't Reef the FCL Jib

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