China Blue Heads North

A grey cold day in Inverness heralded the start of China Blues Scandinavian trip our destination is Stockholm.  Departure coincided with Roger and Alison Odell passing through and wishing us Bon voyage! 

The forecast showed Northerly 4-5 with strong winds predicted off the Norwegian coast. It is canny how accurate forecasts are. We had a great reach for two days and we all settled into the watch system. Unfortunately, the farewell meal ashore left its mark with all of my crew falling sick!  However, to a man they kept going, a credit to all!  

On the third day the strong winds arrived with 43kts across the deck. Thank goodness, being so far north, it is not dark for long, so we could see the waves. We were reaching albeit on the 3rd reef and a heavily reefed Genoa. Every now and then a rogue wave would come at us from a completely different direction and would break over the boat and helm. Luckily the helm was on a short tether. At about 1230 at night I was woken by two crash jibes. Luckily the boat was ok and the following morning revealed two main sheet cars had broken. 

Mid morning the wind abated as we rounded the southern tip- of Norway and headed towards Mandal, a lovely picturesque harbour. We arrived in brilliant sunshine and light winds and weee pleased to have a couple of nights recuperation and a few beers!

C.Cameron.