We arrive at the super modern marina having been in touch with Bosmanatet and told where to moor. Sopot is very popular with the Poles and we melt into the crowd. We eat well and have a long walk along the beach, enjoy the sun and have an intention of watching a film in the open, as there is a film festival going on, but realise that we would probably fall asleep and return to the boat.

Time to leave. Is is a lovely city to visit. We will be back. By Ryanair one can get here for a cheap fare, and we will again. We refuel and give “Kapitanatet” a goodbye wave. A ferry from Sweden approaches as we leave.

The marina is situated by the recently permanently installed Gdansk eye. It is a horrendous construction but it seems that few cities resist the temptation to have one. We have “done” Gdansk on previous occasions but have not seen it from above before. Now is the time.

After a few hours sleep my next shift awards me with a splendid sunrise. We’re approaching Gdansk at about 11am. 28 hours after leaving Kalmar, Sweden.

We get the permission from “Kapitanatet” to enter the city after which we call “Bosmanatet” and get an OK to enter the marina. They will wait on the jetty and point where to moor. But first a winding tour through the shipyard. We feel very small in the context. We arrive at destination and are nicely received by the staff from the marina. We are in the heart of the Old town of Gdansk. That calls for celebration!

We decide not to make a stop on the island of Öland and head straight towards Gdansk. Smoked mackerel sandwiches and a glas of wine and we’re off. It It a beautiful day, we wave goodbye to Öland’s south coast. Is my first night watch on my own. It start well. The Baltic is calm. The sunset overwhelming.

147 nm and 24 hrs later we approach Öland’s bridge. Pickled herring for lunch before exploring the city. Live concert with some friends from our boat club. They are heading for Holland, to start with.

Day one on the way to Kalmar. Easy going, reading and trying not to forget keeping captain’s log up to date. Ewa’s watch coincides with a spectacular sunset. Our radar is ancient but it works. Too many buttons to make Ewa totally happy.

From darkness and rain to streaks of sun. We grab a quick sandwich on the way to our first island. The clouds disappear and we have a gourmet picnic. Happy to be on our way. Hoping to make it to Gdansk. Winds will decide.

Ewa sews a new flag for MOB search marker and we buy a new dinghy with a stronger engine.