Marstal

After a quick stop to fuel up all available tanks we set off down wind - next stop Denmark! Main sail was hoisted but with light winds to start and signs of rain surrounding we weren't expecting a fast crossing on our first day on the Baltic Sea. However, the winds soon picked up & with the Code 0 out, we were soon reaching 8- 12 knots with the sun shining. Lovely. 🌞
As we passed into Danish waters I hoisted the courtesy flag🇩🇰.
We arrived on Aero Island just 30miles off the German coast to the warmest of welcomes from all the Danes at Marstal as we moored up at about 4.15pm.
An early evening explore and a lovely meal to celebrate reaching Denmark. We stopped at the quayside for a coffee and admired the classic tall ships that had arrived throughout the evening . They have been an everyday feature for us wherever we go, so we're starting to take them for granted. They really do look so impressive both under sail and feel you've stepped back in time in the harbours.

Marstal is steeped in maritime history. The town has an international reputation for shipbuilding & is still the nerve of the town with its dockyards, its shipping companies and its maritime school of wooden ship building.

The quaint streets with cute half timbered colourful houses. Low level with steep roofs that flair out at the base give them a distinctive look.
Now back in to island life there's a laid back feel and everyone is so friendly. We both immediately relaxed to the point we didn't do much other than soak up the atmosphere but we felt we had to visit the maritime museum which is described as extraordinary. Well it didn't disappoint and was amazing. Not only does it house several hundred models it has some wonderful marine paintings by the local famous artist Jens Erik Carl Rasmussen plus so many ships artefacts and memorabilia collected from travelling sailors across the Seven Seas. The fully operational engine collection and workshops with the ship building skills being carried out was fascinating.

So, with 7300km of coastline in Denmark with all the islands and wonderful areas to visit - time to get the map out. I think a Danish spandauer or two might muster some energy and snap us out of the lazy vibe.Read more