18/07/09 We have arrived: Nynäshamn – Napoleonviken – Saltsjöbaden – Stockholm (Wasahamn)
After around 1500 NM starting from Plymouth Yachthaven we are now moored in the centre of Stockholm- with a view of the ‘Wasa’, the famous Swedish Battleship from the 17th century, which sank on its maiden voyage due to a design fault.
After leaving the shallow waters of Trosa we sailed (or rather snaked) through the ‘skärgård’ to Nynäshamn in truly Mediterranean conditions: bright sunshine and temperatures around 26oC – 28oC, conditions which lasted until our arrival in Stockholm. Nynäshamn is a busy tourist hub to the nearby islands, especially Utö, which we will be heading for as the last destination before laying ER up for next year’s explorations.
To avoid early arrival in Stockholm we chose a truly beautiful (…yet again, but it is true!) anchorage called Napeoleonviken, which bears its name due to the fact that Napoleon III had a swim there in this protected natural habour in the summer of 1869.
Saltsjöbaden, the KSSS (Royal Swedish Sailing Club) base allowed us to have a first look at the suburban villas of affluent Swedish inhabitants. Green visitor’s moorings lay all in front of the ‘only nightclub in town’ and we had entertainment until the small hours. Although the staff is extremely friendly, the facilities were clearly a bit overstretched due to the holiday onslaught of yachties.
As we were already close to our destination, we chose an off the beat and the most narrow of entrances to Stockholm, the Baggensstäket channel. Baggenstäket is a picturesque, narrow and shallow ‘back’ entrance. Despite its physical dimensions it is used by ferries and if you are unlucky enough to meet the ferry in a narrow bend you have to reverse or risk being shoved aground. Depth in the main channel 2.8m.
So, that’s all for now folks. Thank you for staying with us. We will come back on air after our trip to Utö (leaving Stockholm 24th) and let you know about our laying up experiences. We will also present a geographic synopsis of our route and are most willing to share what we have learned from our passage with those who want to enter this exciting sailing area.
