Balls go Baltic

juni 2024 - juli 2025
  • Andrea Ball
Nuvarande
Time to explore new waters in our trimaran Whisper as we head off this summer. Läs mer
  • Andrea Ball
Reser för närvarande

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  • Sverige Sverige
  • Danmark Danmark
  • Tyskland Tyskland
  • Nederländerna Nederländerna
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  • 40fotavtryck
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  • 33gilla-markeringar
  • Soviken ( Torö)

    27 juni, Sverige ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    An early start and stroll to bakery before departure from Harstena. The weather grey and light winds.
    The dinghy is slowly deflating!The repair job was successful on the hole we did but not a large enough patch it would seem, as the tiniest of holes now found just outside the patch .
    Our route today was to head towards Nynäsham .... it was a long day downwind thank goodness- with little help from the sails. The light squalls kept the temperature down . By the time we headed into the narrows for shelter, the wind picked up, and in true Whisper style, we were reaching 10knots . The light was still good as we found the buoys, but both were taken so in a very windy spot ( although substantially sheltered in comparison to the open sea) we anchored firmly.
    After a long day. We settled in and let the sway commence. The wind refused to die down till the early hours, so the remoteness could not be fully appreciated on board as we kept warm below.
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  • Harstena

    26 juni, Sverige ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    I discovered this interesting island from a random bit of reading I did the night before & it was definitely ticking lots of boxes on paper, so as we made the approach through the narrow channel - touching the marker buoys as we went through, it became obvious this was going to be something special. Topped off by the beautiful weather, this spectacular setting had a wonderful small community providing some all important added 'icing' making it such a memorable stop. Fortunately our early arrival meant we had a really full day still ahead -
    The dinghy engine was making an appearance since last year but was unfortunately a bit slow in coming out of hibernation. With the 'Bageri' calling it was a row in from our beautiful anchorage for now. Landing ashore the waft of the rustic smokery was enticing.
    I checked the restaurant times.... and no need to book ' just show up from 6pm & we'll be open as long as you want' . So first stop coffee and cinnamon bun for breakfast. The chance to pick up some fresh bread always a bonus.
    We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the island with such beautiful scenery at every inlet . The gneiss & granite rocks are impressive and the clusters of 'falu red' ( originating from the Falun copper mines) wood clad buildings built around them to form perfect natural patios. Wild meadows and wooded pathways leading back to the quayside where the smoked salmon,still warm, was just ready to serve. That was lunch sorted back on board!

    Later, after the captain proudly worked his magic on the engine, we enjoyed a further explore around the area by dinghy before supper. The local sheep came across the neighbouring island to watch the sunset .
    Our evening meal spent with a lovely couple of Swedes mostly sharing thoughts on the attitudes and differences of us and their European neighbours - a fun night and good recommendations for the onward journey.
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  • Stora Ålö

    25–26 juni, Sverige ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    It was a good time to take the hint to get up as we slumbered in the early morning sway. The stillness and sunshine were calling so we got going back on our track from yesterday leaving the peaceful sheltered mooring behind. Once underway the wind was back to form and blowing but nothing like yesterday. Winding through the rocks
    was straight forward and we arrived at Stora Ålö where we picked up the tallest of SXK buoys (see photo). A dream of a pick up even at monohull height. So civilised these Swedes.

    We made the repair to the dinghy we think successfully - fingers crossed - and headed ashore to explore.

    Stora Ålö is a beautiful spot. Walking trails will take you around the 6.54 square km with connection these days to Boko through land uplift. Free amenities - bbq with all wood and tools , kayaks and sailing dinghies all just left for people to help themselves. Unfortunately the walk was brief as the island extended into large forestation , muddy trails and the sudden downpour as we landed ashore.
    Our mooring was so peaceful with just a few other boats , some fishing and a couple of Germans swimming. By the time evening drew in the magic of sunset with still, clear waters created a fantastic picture and stunning reflections hard to capture on my camera.
    People have lived on the island for a very long time .The island is mentioned as King Valdemars sailing route that passed through the strait between Bokö and Stora Ålö. Only 4 people lived here in 1615. It peaked with 56 people in 1871 but since then has continually decreased. Now just a few & holiday homes starting to emerge.
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  • Långö

    24 juni, Sverige ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Despite both of us waking up at just after 3am with daylight pouring in through the companionway we still managed a slow start . The necessary bakery run ticked, water topped up we were all set , with a quick stop for fuel on the way out, the appeal to leave was somewhat clouded by the hefty 24+knots of wind blowing around the marina which unfortunately never eased all day.
    The route plotted and all devices mapped up we worked along the way points motor sailing with just the gib to steady Whisper in the gusts and confused waters. Careful to follow the track of buoys in the conditions it was definitely a 2 person navigation as we headed amongst the rocks and islands, with Ronney checking the guide and charts for opportunities to drop anchor or hook up to a SXK buoy (aka Sexy buoy) having had enough of the battering of the wind we decided to call it a day. The endless channels and possibilities to drop anchor are almost too much to take in. As we looked for the best option in our desire to rest up , we opted for the first available SKX buoy! Such an easy hook up and just what we needed, both feeling cold and weary. Congratulating ourselves on a successful mooring, we enviously admired the nearby Swedish yacht tied up to a tree adjacent to the island and stern anchor - one to look forward to for another day but not for us today. A long, relaxed evening, and finally, the wind died down at about 10pm. A touch of pink in the sky gives promise to better conditions tomorrow.
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  • Västervik

    22–24 juni, Sverige ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Off the train and a short walk to board Whisper at Slotsholmmen Marina , the sun shining - all looking good. Our first night on board and a local explore and provisioning. An early night after a delicious meal and the obligatory Swedish meatballs for Ronney 😋 . Our plans were to move on but weather and the need to purchase a few essential bits led to another night in this lovely city. The bromptons came out for the 4km ride to the larger boat supplies where we purchased a further 'yellow pages' sized guide of the 376 harbours oh and some rope of course. The sudden change in weather with impressive lightening & thunderstorm kept us local with a light supper and an evening stroll along the beautiful rose lined pavements and coloured wooden clad houses. The 'concrete seals' that block cars from open walk ways are much friendlier than barriers with their cute smiles.
    After much studying of the maps & charts we set plans for the next day.
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  • Linköping

    22 juni, Sverige ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Our 2 stop flight from Exeter via Schiphol meant we arrived late seeing the summer solstice aboard our 2nd flight in as we came in to land in Linköping( pronounced Linsherrrping here).
    Lovely hotel stop , incredible breakfast choice -such a shame I was not starving !Our whistlestop scooter tour was fun and with the hot day saved time and we didn't break a sweat in the scorching sun...
    Kinda Kanel with an impressive set of locks it spans 80km with 15 manually operated locks.
    We picked up our luggage and scooted to the station -& off to find a Whisper.
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  • Copenhagen day2

    10 juli 2024, Danmark ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Day 2.... We opted to visit Christiansborg Palace just one of the many palaces in this wonderful. city The royal palace has beautiful reception rooms & stables, plus 12th-century castle remains. Once home to kings and queens, Christiansborg Palace now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State.

    Considered one of the most sustainable cities in the world, Copenhagen has in total 546 km of bicycle paths, a fleet of electric harbour ferries .

    The harbour basins can hold 260,000 m3 of wastewater, which is equivalent to 111 Olympic-sized swimming pools (50m)making the water in the port so clean that it is suitable for swimming. Bathing takes place in the three wooden port pools called harbour baths with buoys marking “swimming zones”, and at an urban beach. Copenhagen was declared the best bathing city in the world by CNN in 2019.

    Copenhagen I'll be back to try this I hope.

    Sweden was beckoning as we caught a glimpse across the water on our stroll along Ameger Strand. The closest I got to a dip in the Baltic.. The water so clear and the lovely wood bathing pool with the views across to Saltholm nearly had me in .. all very tempting but with no swimsuit on me! Note to self for next time.
    So much left to discover....
    I look forward to the onward travel on our return. But for now farewell.. it's been wonderful!
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  • The little Mermaid

    Copenhagen 1

    9–11 juli 2024, Danmark ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    After the final boat packing & last of the checks for the boat, we left to take the train to Copenhagen - just an hour and 20 mins away. The sun was shining so we enjoyed walking about the picturesque harbour fronts today and around the sights - so many churches with their fancy spires and monuments.
    Nyhavn, Christianshavn, there is so much. A wonderful atmosphere, hardly any cars, with bike only bridges. It's quietly buzzing. Scandi cool architecture.
    .....
    The metro is fantastic for getting about and so clean. Buy a 24hr city pass for 90Kk and you can hop on bus, water bus, metro any time. The metro runs 24/7.
    Find out more about :
    https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-c…
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  • Bike trail, Nyborg

    8 juli 2024, Danmark ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today we stayed in Nyborg to prep the boat as we prepare to leave.😢 We stole a few hours to finish the last of the cycle routes in-between waiting for sails, dinghy & ropes to dry. As we cycled along I spotted the road warning sign- could do with this on Whisper 🤣
    The weather was kind..... so now the summer starts 😔!
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  • Hans Christian Anderson home
    Odense palaceWater poloNyborg watch towerNot one but two

    Odense day trip

    7 juli 2024, Danmark ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Odense is 3rd largest city in Denmark and largest on Funen island. Home to the famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson who was born in the city in 1805 and spent his childhood years there. We followed the trail around the city dodging the showers which hi-lights key sites. The Cathedral with its red brick Gothic architecture is named after the Danish king Canute IV the Saint. The open caskets with remains of Canute and his brother Benedict are on display in the crypt 😳. They were both murdered at the site in 1086. It has an unusual altar & impressive carved pulpit.
    We had to check out the harbour options obviously and the area has a lovely outside pool in the sheltered spot between the residential buildings along with water sport space set up for water polo but limited space for Whisper. I wish I had taken my swimming costume as the sun had decided to come out.
    When we arrived back at Nyborg we had time to make the most of the evening sun on the bikes to continue our exploration of the cycle paths locally. Whisper had been joined by a Dragonfly tri. The crew were Swedish and travelling back home. It was good to get some info on options for winter boat storage.
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