Whilst departure day from lovely Visby was supposed to be today, due once again to the Baltic weather, this time a dead flat calm forecast and sunshine, 11 of the 15 strong fleet left early to spend an extra night on anchor in the idyllic setting of Gotska Sandon.
Hopefully the crew of the rally office support vessel, Boleros will deliver a world cruising cap to Ojan, the ranger on island as a gift for his assistance and advice. And of course our family of cruisers will all try and get a group flag photo on the beach somewhere on the uninhabited island - a long running ARC Baltic tradition.
There were only three yachts left on the dock in Visby this morning; Ruby, Knidos and Inflagranti who had all slipped their lines by 0930. Assisted as ever by the trusty yellow shirt team.
The yellow shirts waved farewell to Ruby and Knidos from the shore as they motored steadily across what could only be described as a floating mirror. Disappointing for the sailors amongst us however many comments were made about it being a sunbathing leg. The Baltic heat wave continues!
The heartbeat of
Inflagranti’s engine gracefully slid her out of Visby harbour on to a dead flat calm mill pond.Such a gorgeous sight and a great farewell to Visby.
With the fleet now underway, it was time for Rally Control to bring down the flags and and make their way yo the Estonian capital of Tallin ahead of the fleet's arrival from Friday evening through to Sunday.