The charm of cruising with any kind of boat is that you experience so many moods on the water. From quiet anchoring with the sea murmuring along the hull to exciting upwind beating or speedy reaching. A couple of Videos showing Gamle Swede in German and Danish waters. She was the last Fisksätra Varv manufactured Swede 55, launched in May 1980 in Västervik at the East Coast of Sweden.
Leaving Denmark
The breeze coming straight from the bow, Gamle Swede is motored in the morning through the narrow dredged part of Nakskov Fjord near Langø — heading for a pleasant and long day under sail in Langelandsbelt, being he southern approach to Store Belt. The peninsula of Albuen is visible on port side aheAd: Look at the Hood Gemini head foil’s headsail prefeeder; it will soon be used with the engine turned off.
Heading south from Albuen to Fehmarn with main and jib in a gentle breeze from southwest.
Crossing the western approach to the Fehmarn Belt. On port side the windmills on Fehmarn island are visible under the lifeline.
Heading to Travemünde while sailing upwind in light air and a little swell in the Lübecker Bucht (Southern Baltic Sea). The high-rise and striking building of the Maritim Hotel will be visible soon.
Upwind sailing
Upwind in a breeze with the previous 16 m2 storm jib and reefed main a couple of years ago. Sailing southbound from the northwestern tip of Fehmarn island towards the German mainland.
Racing debut of the new jib
First impression of the dreaded 12 mR-Yacht Anita during the warm-up race for Max Oertz Regatta on Friday. We are more than delighted to learn that we are about as fast, while pointing a little higher upwind. Exciting moments in spring 2019.
Sheets slightly eased with the new jib underway from Fehmarn to Kühlungsborn on the shore of Mecklenburg, formerly East Germany. Baltic Sea sailing in a fresh breeze in September 2018. As the foot rail at sea level indicates, it is time to reef.
Looking backwards from the safely embedded cockpit well between the main and aft cabin plus the high coamings of Swede 55. This arrangement is as comfy as aboard a Motorsailer.
The long, narrow, and lightweight boat moves easy. Having passed Storstømsbroen linking the Danish islands of Falster and Seeland, it only needs the storm jib and a reefed main for the day in gusty conditions. We are approaching Smålandsfarvandet with Vejrø island and expect more wind with swell coming from the direction we are heading to.
Trying the new main in a steady breeze on Fehmarnsund. On starboard, you see the well-known bridge (with approx. 22 m clearance), due to its shape, nicknamed Coat hanger. This Swede 55 mainsail was made by Lübeck sailmaker Arnd Deutsch. As the reefing ropes of the former main are not jet fitting to the new leech, I am checking the length for new ones. The water temperature and the cold wind from the east make this day a chilly experience. However, this does not dim the joy about the new 674 sq. ft. (44 m2) main.
Moored at Ærø/Denmark
Peaceful mooring at Ommel in the shelter of Ærø island. We tie the boat at one of the unused guest buoys available by the Danish Cruising Association. The tranquillity outside the crowded harbour of Marstal tells why the region is named Dansk Sydsøen, Danish South Sea.
Summer sailing or River Trave
This clip shows how Gamle Swede is moving with main and jib in little wind. Thanks to Guido Kruse for taking this video aboard his S30 Polarlys.
Published December 7, 25, updated December 7, 25.→ Subscribe Newsletter and you won’t miss future articles.
