Sweden

Well we left Norway for our overnight to Sweden with a brisk southerly and were flying along about 8 knots although Eddie was enjoying the helm we put 2 reefs in the maln and reduced the genny so the wind pilot could do the steering without being hard pressed. We went along well about 6 knt but the wind slowly eased and came round to south eventually needing the engine for the last 30 miles.

We got into Smoegen about 9am. What a lovely harbour and very busy with boats and tourists. The weather was outstanding with blue skies and hot sunshine.

Left heading south in the morning but took the longer passage round the islands of Orust and Tjorn. A very nice inland passage of about 40 miles. The auto pilot was a bit wonky until I found a fishing pirk had slipped down beside the pilots compass! Loads of places to stop but now in Almosund. Had a nice walk ashore before early night as it was as quiet as Stornoway on a bank holiday Christmas Sunday.  I had not realised I had the president and Vice President of the Maxi appreciation society aboard. This is Maxi heaven as they were built here. Eddie and Brian salute them all. When tied up they spend hours reviewing everthing down to the the differing glints of the shackle pins.

On down to Varberg and after shoehorning in to a post mooring enjoyed the pleasures this attractive town. Eddie again produced a culinary delight for tea.

Left Varberg today (Tuesday) bound for Halmstad and to our sadness it's raining. Sailed half way now motoring last 20 miles. The Kategat in poor viz and rain is just as driech as anywhere else but can't complain as we have very lucky.