OJO in Sweden

Published 21:11 on 17 Jun 2018

We launched Ojo at Mariehamn, Aland island, on 1st June and after 2 days more of rigging, mast stepping and putting on sails she was ready to go down river to the marina. We waited there for 2 days whilst a northerly gale blew through and then had our first sail of 24NM to beautiful Karingsundet on the West of Aland near the ferry terminal of Eckero. We were initially turned away from the harbour by a group of anglers , 50-70 boats full of them, who told us there was no room. As there was no alternative harbour we persisted and rafted out alongside the harbourmasterÄôs launch.The next day we sailed across the Aland sea and through Oregrund Sound to Oregrund in Sweden, about 39NM. We are making our way north along the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Stops so far have been Gavle (where Megan will compete in the 2.4 Worlds) and Sandarne, followed by Hudiksvall, Sundsvall and Harnosand. We are now at the start of the High Coast just north of the Hogakustenbrons, a large 40m high suspension bridge a mile long.. Our boat insurance limits our progress to 65degrees north so if we want to reach the top of the gulf we will need to take a hire car for the last bit. Weather variable: one day sailed in open sea in T shirts but other sails have been colder with northerly winds : 4 layers, woolly hats and boots and gloves one day. Ojo has a wonderful spray hood or canopy that keeps us warm and dry and we think it should be adopted for the new Squib design!The nature is lovely: herons, greater spotted woodpecker, and rather too many cormorants. The cormorants have taken over 3 islands here,for their tree nests and all the trees on those islands are dead as a result. The wild flowers are lovely: lupins, geraniums, lily of the valley, lilacs, ladies smock etc. Best wishes and fair winds to all at WSCSimon and Jill Vines

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025