A SUMMER CRUISE TO SPRICK OPP
During the Gullviverally two weeks ago, my headsail furler unfortunately failed. Since then, I've been working around the clock to get a new Furlex furler installed, including some fiberglass modifications to the bow, as the new furler was slightly larger than the old one and initially wouldn't fit. By the evening before Marcus arrived from Västervik, however, everything was finally in place, and we were able to cast off on Friday evening.
We enjoyed a beautiful sail southward. Evening sailing at sunset is always a real highlight. We spent the night at a small island just off Fjärdlång and had just enough time to enjoy a whisky on the rocks before the sun disappeared below the horizon.
The next morning, the sun was shining, and we enjoyed a long breakfast in the cockpit. With southerly winds, we headed north and finally had the chance to properly test my new spinnaker. It flew beautifully, holding its shape remarkably well even on tighter reaching angles.
As we continued north, we passed Biskopsön, Bullerö, and Sandhamn to port. The waters grew busier there, with a number of boats enjoying the fine weather, including several stunning classic wooden yachts out on training runs.
We continued north, sailing through the Björkskär archipelago before finally reaching the beautiful Sprick Opp, Lilla Nassa. This stunning little archipelago lies just south of the better-known Stora Nassa and is one of the true gems of the outer archipelago.
To our surprise, we had the entire place to ourselves. Considering the beautiful weather, it seemed almost impossible. However, the forecast did call for a 180-degree wind shift during the night, but with only light winds expected, it hardly gave us any cause for concern.
We tied up alongside the jetty and the small bay also provided excellent shelter from the new wind direction that would arrive later in the night.
Once we were securely moored, we set out to explore the island on foot. It's an relatively easy and rewarding walk, with expansive stretches of smooth granite polished by wind and sea, offering beautiful views in every direction. The beautiful natural harbour on the northern side lay completely deserted, quietly awaiting the summer flotilla of visiting boats.
After our walk, it was time for happy hour in the cockpit. We enjoyed some bubbly and a gin and tonic before firing up the grill on the jetty and cooking burgers. What a wonderful day it had turned out to be. Light southerly winds and far more sunshine than the forecast had promised.
As darkness began to fall, we moved below deck for a game of Hitster. The match ended in a draw, and we finally called it a night and turned in, thoroughly satisfied after an exceptional day on the water.
The following morning greeted us with clear blue skies. The wind had shifted to the north overnight, and as we woke, we could hear a gentle lapping of waves against the stern. Still, there was never any concern that the anchor might drag.
We enjoyed another leisurely breakfast in the cockpit, basking in the morning sunshine, before casting off and setting a course south once again.
On the way home, we sailed inside Sandhamn and continued south across Nämdöfjärden. Unfortunately, the winds were very light and much of the day was spent running dead downwind, so our progress home was rather leisurely. Still, there was little reason to complain on such a beautiful day.
All in all, it was a superb weekend away. The sailing was great, the weather exceeded our expectations, and the new Furlex furler couldn't have performed better. After the frantic repairs and last-minute preparations, that felt especially satisfying.