Summer in the swedish archipelagos
We experienced a slight delay in our departure from Anholt as we made sure to bring along some delicious langoustines for our arrival in Sweden. Setting sail at 9:30 AM, we reached Varberg by 5:00 PM. With barely a breeze, we motored the entire way, using the time to install our grill and prepare the langoustines and plaice for a delicious feast.
Our stay at Getteön Varberg Marina cost 350 SEK for the night, providing us with convenient access to showers, toilets, and a washing machine.
The following day, we set sail again, this time heading north to Lerkil. The summer day was perfect, with temperatures around 27°C and a gentle wind blowing at 6-8 knots. With the wind in our favor, we used the mainsail to assist our progress while the engine hummed along. In Lerkil, we prepared for a special visit—Christian's cousin and his family were joining us for a few days. We stocked up on groceries, tested the dinghy with the kids, and enjoyed some refreshing swims. Despite the rain the next day, we made our way slowly to Donsö, anchoring off Klubbholmen for the night before docking in Dönso harbor to explore.
After spending a few days with family, they departed, and we set our course for Gothenburg. We sailed to Långedrag and took the tram into the city, where we searched for a good pair of sunglasses and visited the magnificent Cathedral and an incredible candy store.
Our journey took us further north to the Klåverön Nature Reserve, where the excitement of navigating a narrow, winding passage awaited. As we approached, an unexpected challenge emerged—our headsail was stubbornly lodged at the top of the furlex system. Panic set in as we wrestled with the sail, its resistance threatening to jeopardize our progress. Every maneuver seemed to heighten the tension, and we found ourselves making frantic tacks, struggling to regain control.
With the sail still in defiant disarray, we anchored in a sheltered spot and braced ourselves for the next step. The situation demanded a daring climb up the mast to tackle the problem directly. Up in the rigging, we applied some much-needed lubrication, hoping it would bring the stubborn sail back to order.
Relief washed over us as the sail finally cooperated. To celebrate our triumph over the unexpected challenge, we enjoyed a sundowner with an espresso martini and a sumptuous meal, savoring the satisfaction of overcoming the obstacle and continuing our adventure.
Uddevalla promenade
Later, we sailed towards Myggenäs and experienced a peculiar mix of autumn and summer weather. With limited activities in town, we enjoyed some leisurely walks, home-cooked meals, and card games. A few days later, we arrived in Uddevalla, where we moored next to large car tires that required a thorough fender cleaning.
In Uddevalla, we explored two fantastic second-hand shops: the expansive PMU Second Hand and the quaint Antik-Harry, an antique shop full of hidden treasures, though it only accepted cash. We also strolled along the picturesque promenade built along the cliffs—a beautiful walk that I highly recommend.
After leaving Uddevalla, we charted a course through Ellös, navigating some exhilaratingly narrow passages. The thrill of sailing so close to the rugged cliffs was both breathtaking and a bit unnerving. Each turn brought us closer to the towering rock faces, their jagged edges etched against the sky, creating a dramatic contrast to the sparkling blue waters. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on board, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the shimmering sea as we made our way towards Lysekil.
Arriving around noon, we moored at a floating dock with a picturesque view of the town’s promenade. The spot was alive with activity, though the ferries passing by created a bit of turbulence, adding a touch of excitement to our stay. The promenade itself was a charming stretch lined with cozy stalls offering an array of food, drinks, and delightful candies. Sweden’s knack for creating enticing candy stalls was once again evident, making it a treat for the senses.
Our explorations led us to Arkens Secondhand, where we stumbled upon a small ice bucket—a perfect addition for our sundowners. For Anker, we discovered Lek & Djursaker, a paradise of toys and treats, akin to a Toys 'R' Us for dogs.
North ending of Sötekanal
Sötekanal: Pictures doesn’t even begin to describe the experience, but this is still gorgeous!
While in Lysekil, we had the good fortune to meet a Danish boat that recommended we sail through the Sötekanal. This tip proved to be a revelation. The Sötekanal was a narrow, winding waterway flanked by majestic cliffs that seemed to rise straight from the sea. The scenery was awe-inspiring, with the cliffs casting deep shadows over the water and the passages feeling like hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
After our journey through the Sotekanal, we anchored off the island of Danemark. The island offered a serene anchorage with clear waters and stunning cliffs. We admired how the locals in motorboats expertly navigated and moored close to the rugged cliffs. By evening, most of them had returned to their homes, leaving us with a peaceful view of the quiet waters.
As our return to Denmark neared, we set sail for Gluppö, where we found another beautiful anchorage. This spot, well-protected from all wind directions and equipped with anchor buoys, was quite popular, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The approach to the anchorage involved navigating through another narrow passage, adding to the adventure. The cliffs here were steep but worth the climb for the panoramic view over the archipelago, a breathtaking reward for our efforts.
Before concluding our journey, we stocked up on provisions in Hamburgö and refueled, preparing ourselves for the final leg of our voyage back to the Danish coasts.
