So after our first really successful day, we OF COURSE thought we were undefeatable. So we left early to round Rügen on its east and north site, to go towards Hiddensee. And it worked just fine in the beginning. “Bad Sellin”, the beaches of Binz, the sand cliffs. It was nice. But gradually getting stronger winds at a certain point we had water going into our cockpit for the first time. When we got close to the northern most tip of Rügen – named Cap Arkona – waves were really big and we had a problem. Our boom is very heavy and long, but did not have a topping lift at the time. That’s basically a rope going from the top of the mast to the far end of the boom to prevent it from bouncing. So Mr. boom was dancing around close to our heads. Second issue…. We did not have a preventer ready, which was stupid, because with wind from behind you need to open up the main sheet, but with huge waves you are afraid to furl out the boom when you are too slow to maneuver properly, because you don’t want to jibe accidentally. Why were we to slow? Because we did not furl out our main sail. We have basically been chasing our own tail that day.
Eventually we used the
engine and thought “alright, defeated” but then the kayak – which we were
towing since two days – flipped. So in the middle of the rough seas, we had to
turn around to pick up the kayak, because at anchor it was our only chance to
get to and from the beach it was more than worth rescuing. And this was neither
easy nor very safe. In the end Benni had to leave the cockpit as well to pull
the bad boy in, leaving us in the big waves without helmsman for 20 seconds.
So when we expect wind over 15 km/h, the kayak will be ON the boat from now on.
Always.
Since we were running late for day light, we decided to anchor between Rügen and Hiddensee. This part of land was protected from waves and wind and it was really quiet there. Good choice because we met a wonderful person there and … well just have a look!
