Sweden 2024 (to Aaland) : Impressions.

    Our first sailing trip in Sweden in 2024 is done!

    Here is small report, how it went and what did we do during the trip :-)

    First of all, this is report about [Sailing impressions] Sailing in Sweden, so you can read and have picture for yourself, how it looks like to sail in skerres and archipelago. And of course JOIN to our next sailing trips!

    Our sailing adventure began on Saturday with a Bavaria 34 Cruiser. We aimed to reach Åland by Sunday evening to avoid a forecasted storm. The first day, we sailed through beautiful channels and anchored for the night with a delicious dinner. The next day, we reached Åland and explored its natural and historical sites by car.

    Tuesday, we started our return to Sweden, practicing sailing drills and anchoring at Tjärrovik. The following day, we crossed the Baltic to Gräddö, a charming town for shopping. We enjoyed sailing through stunning skerries and capturing beautiful drone footage. On our last day, we visited Grinda Island, hiked through its nature reserve, and dined at a lovely restaurant.

    The trip was incredibly enjoyable and stress-free, showcasing calm waters, numerous anchorages, and breathtaking scenery. This memorable journey has made me eager to sail here again.

    It was a great time, especially in middle of Juli as there weren't many tourists, but the weather was already warm, and we had enough wind for a relaxing sail. Overall, the swedish archipelago is a superb sailing destination. Sheltered from the Baltic waves, they offer thousands of cozy bays and marinas to explore.

    Since there weren't many people around, we got to enjoy the natural beauty and peace of the area. It's a perfect place for a quiet vacation, whether you're going with friends or your family. So, if you're thinking about your next vacation, consider Sweden and Skerries. The memories we made on this sailing trip are priceless, and I hope you'll be inspired to have a similar adventure soon. It's a fantastic experience that's both relaxing and exciting.

    I want to share some of our experiences with you, hoping it will inspire you to go on a similar trip with your friends and family. Norway is amazing, with beautiful fjords, a lot of sailing and charming villages.

    • Fast checkout - fast get out.

      On the first day of our sailing trip, we met and I took command of our small yet splendid yacht, a Bavaria 34 Cruiser. With provisions delivered and everything ready, we made a brief stop for a quick bite to eat before setting off.

      Given the forecast for a strong storm on Monday, my goal was to reach Åland by Sunday evening. To ensure a shorter sail on Sunday, we aimed to cover as much distance as possible on the first day. After three hours of navigating through scenic channels and bays, we found a suitable anchorage and dropped anchor.

      For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious meal of baked salmon and pasta. It was a perfect end to our first day at sea, setting the tone for the adventures ahead.

    • Vivid history just within reach.

      Our journey takes us through a myriad of islands along the Swedish waterways, where we pass by ancient castles and navigate around bustling ferries. Amidst keeping a vigilant watch on the surrounding traffic, we still find moments to soak in the breathtaking scenery. Each turn reveals picturesque landscapes, blending history and nature in a way that makes every mile memorable. The sight of old castles standing proudly on the shores adds a sense of timelessness to our voyage, while the constant movement of ferries reminds us of the vibrant life in these waters. Despite the demands of navigation, we never lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us, making our passage through these waterways an enchanting experience.

    • Carefully navigating through the Swedish waterways

      The next day, we lifted anchor and began our passage to the Åland Islands, anticipating a long day ahead. Our first task was to navigate out of the archipelago, threading our way through the waterways, which, fortunately, were not heavily trafficked. By early afternoon, we reached the open Baltic Sea, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sail.

      Hoping for stronger winds, we found ourselves using the engine through the waterway. This was acceptable for the first day, as it gave the new crew valuable time to practice holding the course, familiarizing themselves with navigation marks, and managing maritime traffic. Despite the calm winds, the day provided essential training and orientation, setting a solid foundation for the days of sailing to come.

    • That is all a matter of perception.

      During the journey, there's always time for joy and lighthearted fun. We find ourselves capturing interesting photos, gazing at the clouds and spotting shapes that resemble bunnies, and admiring the majestic sight of a tall ship slowly disappearing beyond the horizon. There's a playful anticipation as we guess whether that distant tanker will pass us by the bow or the stern. Conversations flow easily, from lively debates about what to prepare for our evening meal to friendly arguments over which sauce to make. All the while, the helmsman keeps a steady hand, holding a dead-straight course towards the Åland Islands, ensuring that our moments of relaxation and amusement are well balanced with the focus needed for our journey.

    • As fast as planned, as soon as hoped.

      As time passes and we draw closer to the Åland Islands, the wind begins to pick up, propelling us faster and faster. With each gust, we trim the sails and adjust the sail area to maintain a perfect balance between heeling and rudder control. The islands grow larger on the horizon, signaling our approach. Just as planned, we reach the islands precisely as the wind intensifies and the waves rise. Fortunately, we slip into the shelter of the islands’ natural wave shadows, providing a much smoother ride. This calm water is a welcome relief, especially for the crew, who are new to sailing and grateful for the gentler conditions.

    • Aiming the harbour and setting sun

      After dropping the sails, we still have a fair distance to cover before reaching Mariehamn. Our course takes us between small islands and through narrow channels, all bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. We navigate carefully towards the eastern harbor, chosen not only for its proximity to the town but also for its inviting amenities—a sauna and a cozy restaurant await us there. Conveniently, the car rental is nearby as well, which will make it easy for us to explore the islands tomorrow. The anticipation of a relaxing evening and an adventurous day ahead adds to the charm of this final stretch of our journey.

    • Hiking in north

      With strong winds forecast for the next day, we opted for a harbor day to explore the island instead of sailing. We rented a small, nimble car and set off towards the northern part of the island, drawn by the promise of one of the most picturesque hiking trails—Grottstigen. This trail leads to a remarkable grotto, winding through a rugged landscape of bare rock and ancient trees. The drive itself was a pleasure, as we traversed winding roads with stunning views at every turn. Once on the trail, we found ourselves immersed in the island’s raw beauty, with the path taking us through a landscape that felt both timeless and untouched. It was the perfect way to spend a day off the water, connecting with the island's natural wonders.

    • Not big but still worth visiting

      This is the "famous" grotto located along the trail in the northern part of Åland, a highlight of the island’s rugged beauty. Along the way, we encountered numerous similar rock formations, each one a testament to the island’s ancient geological history. These natural sculptures, shaped by time and the elements, added to the sense of wonder as we approached the grotto itself. The entire journey felt like a step back in time, with the landscape telling its own silent story through the towering stones and weathered cliffs. The grotto, with its striking features, was a fitting climax to the trail, embodying the raw, untamed character of Åland's northern wilderness.

    • Taste of bouldering

      During our hike to the grotto, we came across numerous climbing and bouldering areas, some even bearing the telltale chalk marks of previous climbers. The rugged terrain seemed to invite adventure at every turn. Intrigued, I decided to test my skills on one of the bouldering routes. Without any protective gear, I could only attempt the start of the climb, but it was enough to feel the excitement of the challenge. Of course, I didn’t dare go further, as the unforgiving solid rock beneath me was a stark reminder that this was no indoor gym with spongy mats for a safe landing. Despite this, the experience added a thrilling dimension to our hike, highlighting the natural allure and adventure that Åland offers.

    • History of Bomarsund

      Åland is brimming with hidden gems and boasts a rich and vibrant history waiting to be discovered. Among the must-see sites is the ruins of the Russian fortress, Bomarsund. Our visit there was enlightening, as we delved into the historical significance of Åland for various powers over the centuries. We learned how pivotal Åland was, not just for the Russians and Swedes, but also for other Baltic nations. The fortress ruins told a story of strategic importance and shifting control, painting a vivid picture of the island’s past. This exploration deepened our appreciation for Åland's historical and cultural legacy, making our visit all the more enriching.

    • Lemströmskanal Bridge

      After a full day of exploration, we were eager to continue our journey through the Åland Islands. With the island's many treasures behind us, we cast off and set our course eastward, ready for the next leg of our adventure. Our first point of interest was the Lemströmskanal Bridge, a key passage on our route. The bridge opens every hour on the hour for about 10 minutes, creating a narrow window of opportunity for passage. We arrived five minutes early, only to find ourselves as the 20th yacht in line—clearly, everyone was eager to pass through. The passage itself is narrow but short, requiring quick maneuvering to avoid delaying the fleet of eager sailors.

      Once we cleared the bridge, we entered the waters of Sandvikar, our next destination. Here, with the open waters before us, we planned to practice our sailing skills. The day’s challenges and excitement left us energized, ready to refine our techniques and enjoy the thrill of sailing through Åland’s stunning archipelago.

    • Sailing and swimming

      After a productive session practicing our sailing techniques, we moved to the eastern part of Sandvikar to tackle an important and challenging exercise: the Man-Over-Board maneuver, using only sails. This maneuver is a crucial part of any sailing exam, and one of our crew members was preparing to take theirs soon. To simulate a person overboard, we tied two fenders to a bucket, with the bucket serving as a weighted anchor to prevent the setup from drifting too quickly in the wind. After several attempts, we successfully retrieved our makeshift "victim" from the water—but not without a mishap. In the process, we lost our bucket! It turned out that my knot wasn’t as secure as I thought, much to my embarrassment.

      Despite the minor setback, we continued our journey and, as the evening approached, dropped anchor in the serene bay of Tjärrovik. The warm weather and inviting water made it impossible to resist a refreshing swim, so we didn’t just drop our anchor—we shed our clothes and dove in. It was a perfect end to a day filled with both challenges and fun. However, our plans to explore the land were cut short; the area was reserved for members of the MSF, so we stayed aboard and enjoyed the tranquility of the bay from the comfort of our yacht.

    • There is always some fish in the sea. Let's keep it that way.

      As evening settled in and we finished our meal, I decided to indulge in a bit of fishing, casting my line into the water with a sense of hopeful anticipation. For a fleeting moment, my persistence paid off—I managed to catch a small fish. It was just a tiny catch, but I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. I quickly snapped a photo of my catch as a memento and gently released the fish back into the water. It swam away with a flick of its tail, and I couldn’t help but feel that my luck swam away with it as well.

      Despite my best efforts, that small fish was the only catch of the trip. As the journey continued, my attempts at fishing yielded no more results. However, there’s a silver lining: perhaps it’s for the best that more fish remain in the sea, contributing to the vibrant marine ecosystem. The fleeting joy of that one tiny catch was a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the simple pleasures of the journey. In the grand scheme of things, the adventure and the serene moments on the water far outweighed the catch of the day.

    • Slow and relaxing return to archipelago

      The following day, we set our sights on returning to mainland Sweden and exploring the archipelago further. Our first priority was to refuel with fresh water, so we headed towards a marina, ultimately choosing Gäddö for its amenities.

      We had a leisurely sail, taking our time to enjoy the journey without rushing. Throughout the day, we navigated through the beautiful archipelago, occasionally observing thunderstorms in the distance. Fortunately, these storms bypassed us, and we managed to stay dry, savoring the calm and scenic conditions. The relaxed pace allowed us to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and the serenity of the water, making for a truly pleasant and uneventful day on our return journey.

    • Full sails for happy mind - full stomach for happy heart!

      While underway, there’s always time to indulge in delicious cooking, as sailing holidays are about more than just the act of sailing. They’re about enjoying a complete and pleasurable experience. One of the highlights of our journey was preparing a sumptuous meal on board. We took the opportunity to create a mouthwatering potatoes gratin, which became a standout dish of the trip.

      Cooking on a boat adds its own unique charm to the adventure, combining the joy of sailing with the pleasure of savoring great food. As the sun set and we continued our voyage, the aroma of the gratin filled the cabin, making the experience even more special. Sharing a hearty and flavorful meal like this, while surrounded by the beauty of the open water, truly enhanced our holiday, proving that a sailing trip is as much about the culinary delights and shared moments as it is about the sailing itself.

    • Sailing in archipelago

      The following day was dedicated entirely to sailing through the islands and soaking in the stunning scenery. The archipelago offered a vast expanse of water perfect for leisurely sailing, with its myriad of islands providing ample opportunities to explore and enjoy.

      We took full advantage of the space available, navigating through the picturesque channels and sheltered waters. The natural wave shadows created by the islands allowed for smooth sailing conditions, making it an ideal setting for practicing our skills. The varied landscape, with its tranquil bays and rugged shores, provided not only a beautiful backdrop but also a dynamic environment to hone our sailing techniques.

      The combination of expansive sailing areas and gentle wave conditions made for a truly memorable day on the water, highlighting the archipelago’s unique charm and the joy of sailing amidst such breathtaking surroundings.

    • Grinda, natural reservation and restaurant

      As we continued our journey, we decided to make a stop on the beautiful island of Grinda. This picturesque island beckoned us with its promise of scenic hikes and the allure of its untouched forests. We were eager to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Grinda, wandering through its pure, verdant woods.

      After our hike, we planned to visit the island’s charming restaurant, renowned for its traditional cuisine. The thought of savoring authentic local dishes after a day of exploring made the stop even more appealing. Grinda offered the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and culinary delight, making it an ideal pause in our sailing journey.

    • End of trip is the beginning of the next trip!

      After a relaxing hike on the serene island of Grinda, we set our course back to our home harbor, where our journey would come to an end. Before heading in, we needed to refuel, so we made our way to Stora Fjäderholmen. As we sailed, we were overtaken by the towering ferries of Viking Line and the majestic cruise liners, their immense presence a striking contrast to the smaller vessels around us.

      Small motor yachts zipped past, with Swedes making the most of their summer on the water, a scene full of life and energy. We, too, had fully enjoyed our trip, even though we had only scratched the surface of this vast and majestic archipelago. The experience left us with a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of these waters, and I’ll be returning to sail here again. There’s so much more to explore, and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure.

    Here is also a short summary as a cheeryfull video. Enjoy!

    Conclusion

    Looking forward to come to the Sweden again!

    Reach us

                     

    Wise man said:

    "The sea finds out everything you did wrong."

    ―Francis Stokes