Right after leaving Öregrund, we started breaking away from our plan. Instead of following the itinerary of planned stops, we decided to sail for as long as the sun was up and then pick a nearby bay or harbour from the chart when the time felt right. Arholma 🌐 became our first stop in the Stockholm archipelago. The approach to the capital was noticeable — the number of sailing and motorboats around us was like nothing we’d experienced before, forcing us, for the first time ever, to recall the rules of right of way. I, Anders, can’t remember a single time back in the Kalix archipelago where I actually needed to think about give-way rules.
We continued sailing in light wind, and before long the sun was about to set again. We chose Rödlöga 🌐 without knowing what to expect, zigzagging between rocks and islands until we arrived at a small paradise. Around forty sailboats were moored directly to the cliffs, no loud music anywhere — just laughter and quiet chatter echoing across the water, with the occasional splash from someone taking an evening swim.
The next day after arriving in Rödlöga, we kept sailing — once again changing our plan, and we would keep doing so. Jennifer had arranged to meet an old friend in Nynäshamn, so we decided not to head for Landsort and instead set course for Nynäshamn. We still had quite a way to go, and the sun would have to set at least once more before we reached our destination. As we passed Möja 🌐, we started noticing Swiss flags flying from several boats. We quickly confirmed we hadn’t ended up on Lake Geneva — it was Swiss National Day.
The bay at Stora Husarn 🌐 turned out to be the perfect place to anchor for the sunset. We weren’t sure whether we could moor directly to the island or if we should drop anchor, but once inside the bay, some fellow sailors helped us find a spot right against the rocks.
At the moment, we’re moored in Nynäshamn 🌐, preparing for our crossing to Gotland. Provisions need to be bought, batteries charged, and the water tanks filled — then we’ll set course for Gotland. The plan is a night sail to arrive in the morning or late forenoon, in daylight. The wind forecast is perfect — westerly, shifting north during the passage.