The privilege to be aboard is the experience of so many moods. Early departure to hoist the sails. Classy upwind sailing with some heel. Exhilarating down wind runs. Eager racing with bold moves on chess board between the marks. Quiet anchoring with the water murmuring gently along the hull. Gamle Swede was the last Swede 55 built by Fisksätra Varv. She left Västervik at the East Coast of Sweden in June 1980. These videos are showing this variety of moods in German and Danish waters.
Leaving Denmark
Gamle Swede 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, the southern approach to Store Belt. The peninsula of Albuen is visible ahead on port side. Note at the Hood Gemini head foil’s prefeeder; soon being used for the jib.
Gently 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 below the lifeline.
Heading to Travemünde upwind in light air and a little swell in the Lübecker Bucht (Southern Baltic Sea) with the previous Genua II. The high-rise and striking building of the Maritim Hotel will be visible soon.
Upwind punching
Upwind in a breeze with the previous 16 m2 storm jib and single reefed main a couple of years ago. Sailing southbound from Westermarkelsdorf at 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 centre-cockpit between the main and aft cabin, shielded by the 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 Fehmarnsund bridge (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.
Photo on top by Swedesail. Gamle Swede approaching the bridge above Fehmarnsund. Published December 7, 25, updated December 9, 25.→ Subscribe Newsletter and you won’t miss future articles.
