Summer 2011. Sailing back home 4. Skagen and Fireworks !

Before crossing the Skagerrak, we stopped in Skagen for a night. As we arrived , there was a crowd on the pier singing to The Royal Yacht Dannebrog. Half an hour later , at 22:00 the yacht sailed and we were treated to a spectecular fireworks display across the harbour !

Skagen was almost empty compared with our previous visit. However, the northern tip of Denmark was still busy with pilgrims.

Crossing the Skagerrak from Skagen to Mandal proved a bit of a challenge, motoring in calm, then running in light winds, then running in force 6 to 7 with anything from 5.5 to 8.5 knots on the GPS and the odd 9 and 10+knots readings as waves pushed us along. Turning into the fjord for Mandal got us out of the waves but we felt the full force of the wind just forward of the beam. Fortunately, we had been there on the way south so knew the entrance which is a narrow and twisty river. It was sheltered from the wind so no problems. Although I got sea sick for a short while during this passage, I have managed to steer the boat into Mandal.

Summer 2011 8. Arrived in Denmark !

Arrived in Denmark on 8^th of July.
Just after one month since we left Orkney from Stromness.

We arrived at Skagen harbour, following 94 miles of sailing across the Skagerrak from Norway to Denmark. We managed to sail about a third of the way in light winds , but had to motor for 16 hours with no wind. After rounding Skagen Rev buoy, we were able to sail again for the last 6 miles. 

Just a couple of miles before the Skagen harbour entrance, we tried to start the engine, but it would not work. So, we had to sail into the harbour which was full with yachts as well as big fishing boats! 

Once moored with bow to pier and a stern anchor Sean investigated the engine. The hand priming pump seemed to be leaking so this was fixed with silicon sealant, as it was a weekend and spares for an old Ford diesel were unlikely to be readily available. Engine ran for 30 minutes in the berth and started again as usual so the problem seemed to be solved.

Here is Inci, looking at a German yacht coming to moor on the pier, as Escapade is packed with all the other boats like a sardine in a tin .

Next day in Skagen was lovely with sunshine , so we had a nice walk in the town and along the beach. 

Skagen Houses

Skagen open air museum

Skagen’s first lighthouse.

Interesting boat trying to find a space in Skagen harbour.