Baltic 4 Nations crews gathered in Svanemøllen marina, Copenhagen on 25th July for the two week rally around the southern Baltic. A welcome buffet meal of local herring and fish dishes was enjoyed at Frem Sejlklubben and at the rally briefing the decision was made to delay the start one day due to gale force winds. This gave crews extra time to explore Copenhagen by public transport and as the locals do - by bike! A group visit to the Orlogsmuseet (Danish Naval Museum) gave a fascinating insight into the history of the Danish navy, with many intricate models depicting famous battles throughout the ages.
After a chilly and grey start to the rally on Monday 27th July, crews enjoyed a fast passage to the first stop Koege, which is the best preserved oldest town in Denmark. The wind, cold and showers could not dampen spirits for the group BBQ, which was enjoyed by all. Although the wind locally was W force 4-5, gale force winds further south meant a delayed passage to Germany. The fleet crept safely 20 miles down the Danish coast to traditional fishing harbour Rødvig. The weather delays enabled the crew of Juniper to effect some minor repairs before heading to Hanseatic city Stralsund, in Rügen, Germany. After an exciting and fast passage to Stralsund, with most boats covering the 70 miles in just 9 hours, the sun made an appearance and normal summer temperatures returned, enabling the children on Hanse 385
Revelry to celebrate with a swim in the harbour.
In addition to the brick gothic architecture which, dating from 13th century dominates the city, Stralsund is home to highly acclaimed aquarium, the Ozeaneum. Free entry to the Ozeaneum was organised for the Baltic 4 Nations crews; particular highlights included comparing ourselves to life size models of a blue whale and other marine mammals hanging high in the ceiling.
A free night followed, which some boats chose to spend at anchor in the Greifswalder Bodden whilst Sadler 34,
Islander opted for a night sail to the next port of call, Rønne on Bornholm. Bornholm is a Danish island said to have the greatest number of sunshine hours in the whole of the Baltic, which is certainly holding true for participants so far. Crews are taking advantage by hiring bicycles and visiting the many beaches on the south coast. A crew BBQ is organised for this evening, which will be a special group celebration for 3 birthdays within the Backhouse family on Revelry. Tomorrow morning crews will take a coach tour of the island visiting the breath taking Hammershus castle ruins and the north side of the island.
On Thursday, boats will sail to the south coast of Sweden, with the option to stop at Kåseberga and Smygehuk, Trelleborg or Skane before the rally ends in Malmö on Friday evening. Kåseberga is Sweden’s answer to Stone Henge, where megalithic stone ship monument Ales Stones sits high on the hill overlooking the Baltic sea.