AquilaDeux

AquilaDeux to Winter rest

2011-09-26T19:39:00.003+03:00

Early 7.30 in the morning we started with Anna to Bring the Yacht Loviisa for "wintering". Small problems in the start while the propeller did not open properly (probably because of some shells and other things growing... too long pause). Anyway we engined to Loviisa with very low speed (front wind), medium speed was about 5 knots.

Arrived in Loviisa at 17.30. Exactly ten hours. Total nautical miles 46.

Nice sunny day. Little bit freezing.

Thank you Anna for great companion in the trip.

Bajamaja boys in Helsinki-Tallinn race 2011

2011-08-22T10:48:00.010+03:00

The 2011 Helsinki-Tallinn race was started the 19th of August at 18.00 as AquilaDeux participated in the class Business-LYS. At the beginning the wind blew from the south between 3-4,5 m/s and we had to made some five stiches until the wind started to raise and also turned eastwards.

We passed the Helsinki lighthouse at 20.30 45 minutes after the fastes yacht in our class. The same time the wind started to raise and reached 11-13 m/s on the top.

Between Helsinki lighthouse and Tallinn Lighthouse we reached our best speed, 11,1 knots as a top speed and 8,5 knot as medium speed.

We had nice meal before sunset made by Ville, that looked like crap (on the photo), but tasted like something else.

Finally we reached the goal at 01.15.05 being 17/35 but only 29 minutes behind the winner after using the handicap-coefficients.

On Saturday evening we used the yachts grill once again. It was too windy to use it on the docks so we found nice windshield behind the bajamajas. We also renamed the crew that is from now on called as "bajamaja boys" ("And thou name will be ye olde bajamaja boys" as it is officially written on the babtism ceremony that was highly secret).

Horse filé in the chantarel-sauce. Great. Sipped down with some wine and beer (Medoc 1998, and some Chablis 2005 + naturally Pilsner Urquell is a must).

After that we spend speculations-party until 3 a.m.

Next day we engined back to Helsinki, because there was no wind. Thanx Crew, it was fun!

Helsinki - Tallinna Race 2011

2011-08-19T05:08:00.003+03:00

Today it starts again: Helsinki - Tallinna Race 2011.

AquilaDeux will participate in the class "Business-LYS", the start will be in front of western Helsinki at 18.00. About 36 yachts will participate in this class. Totally 182 yachts will participate the race this year.

Forecast is that we will face 3m/s wind from (S-SE) for the start. It will turn to eastern wind 5-7 m/s and in the early morning even 9-11 m/s.

The crew will be the traditional crew for this race: Petri (Skipper), Jaska (Pilot), Stidi (Strtegist), Erkki (2nd skipper, deckmonkey), Ville (Grand Chef), Pekka (deck-officer) and Anssi (freshman as deckmonkey). The report will follow.

Sulkaniemi the 12th-13th of August

2011-08-13T20:10:00.004+03:00

We waited already on Thursday to start the trip to the east, but because of the heavy rains we postponed the start until Friday morning.

The day was beautiful only 2-3 m/s wind from the east. After two and half hours ride we reached the Sulkaniemi (place owned by Merenkävijät - the yachting club). We were first timers there but very nice people took our ropes and welcomed us there.

Somewhere at 19.30 also Jaska and Mevi our friends arrived with Mafalda their Hallberg Rassy. We sat down and chatted together sipped some wine and enjoyed the nice natural port nearby Onas in the archipelago of Porvoo.

In the morning after having some morning coffee we started to prepare ourselves for the fishing competition. Simple rules: all the fish are measured from head to tail and the length of the all the fish one can catch within one hour are measured. I personally got ten fish with total length of 146 cm (I was 14th!) Jaska was even much better he got total length of 2,5 meters and position the 4th.

After the fishing competition we set our sails back to home port and did not - unfortunately - joined the evening party.

What a nice and sunny weekend with pleasant people.

Eestiluodon malja - another sailing experience

2011-08-06T21:07:00.003+03:00

The whole crew collected in Jollas and the we sailed towards kallahdenselkä where the race started. The race was quite interesting, not only because we were the last but also because wether changed a lot during this four hour trip.

We had wind from South, SW, and West. The windspeed varied between 2,5 and 11 m/s. Some rain and also some sunshine.

Everything for each taste.

Thank You crew! We had fun

Saturday the 6th of August: Eestiluodon malja

2011-08-02T09:36:00.003+03:00

On Saturday there will be the first "training" for the Helsinki-Tallinna race.

We will participate on the short local race "Eestiluodon malja" (Orders in Finnish: http://www.marjaniemen-purjehtijat.fi/05_kilpailut/2011_KilpailuohjeELUOTO2011.pdf)

The crew will be as follows:
- Petri as a Skipper
- Stidi as a piano man
- Pekka and Anssi A as deckmonkeys
- Mirja Grand Chef.... we are waiting for surprisingly good food from her

Skipper meeting at MP on Friday evening.

3rd of July, back from Tallinn

2011-07-04T15:08:00.003+03:00

Absolutely no Wind. We just set the Autopilot on and engined the boat to Helsinki. Total trip time 8 h 15 mins. Surpisingly 48 Nm, so we actually took somewhere two extra nautical miles on Friday.

I have a strange feeling that the Skipper and the crew little bit burned themselves in the sun.

more pics from yesterday's convoy

2011-07-02T15:52:00.005+03:00

AquilaDeux resting in Tallin Old Port.

Päivänsäde after the sailing heading to the port.

Both boats and their crew are enjoying wonderful day in Tallinn. We are going to sail back tomorrow to Helsinki. In the evening small meal in the local Italian restaurant "controvento". Anna our beutiful Photographer went back to Helsinki in the afternoon by ship.

1.7.2011 50 nautic miles to Tallinn

2011-07-02T00:19:00.004+03:00

Ha, ha just a pic of the model. Today we set sails toTallinn with another yacht "päivänsäde" we made a mini convoy to Tallinn.. both yachts were fully load with kids.

In AquilaDeux there was skippers sister and her four (yes -four) children + his own daughter Anna.

In Päivänsäde there was Skippers M and D + Brother with three kids.

The day was really a day to mention in the annals. Nice 5-7 m/s eastern wind that push both boats (both 37 ft) to medium speed of 6,25 knots.

Leaving Helsinki at 9.00 and arriving Tallin´s old port at 17.00.Not bad.

Thanks for the participants! ON Sunday the 3rd maybe back to Helsinki.

24-25 th of June the Midsummer

2011-06-25T17:10:00.004+03:00

The24th of June after the storm we set our sails to the east to visit our friends cottage (MANOR!) in Sipoo Archipelago only 15 nm from the home-port.

Nice weather, beautiful evening, excellent food and superior wine... can it get better? (until 02.00.). then went to sleep. Good things are simple.

.

The 25th we enjoyed breakfast (or almost brunch) after we woke up after 10.00 ... Somewhere at 13.00 we thanked our hosts and set sails back to the west. Low wind 4 m/s from S and SW. We reached the home port at 15.30. What a nice midsummer!

Tight the ropes, small storm is coming over Finland today

2011-06-23T14:35:00.004+03:00

Tomorrow is time to start the midsummer festive in Finland. AquilaDeux aim is to move to KItö in Sipoo. But before that. Today. No chance to go out. There will be small midsummer storm/gale wind that swipes over Finland from today afternoon until midnight. The local news agencies have warned about this rare midsummer storm.

So I have now checked and double checked the ropes to ensure that everyting i s ok for the high winds.

Now it is quite calm and the wind is not very high. Silence before the storm? The rain started already

So....

2011-06-19T00:55:00.002+03:00

On these latitudes it is sometimes cold and rainy at so we let our distance back to home port. At least one week bad weathers are waiting for us. WE had nice back wind SW 12 m/s. Everything was fine. Nice speed 7 knots and more..... in maximum near by eight! ON porkkala fjärd I was trying to reef the headsail and it didn´t work at all ...wawes were large and especially the lady of the boat was even scared.... finally I got the sails down and we engined back home.... but we will continue to the east. Summer is short, to be this time in the boat is everything.

Weekend at Ernie´s

2011-06-17T14:27:00.003+03:00

Or actually weekend start at Erkkis´s cottage.Short day two and half hours trip. Sun was shining SW wind 3 m/s. The hosts did not arrive yet... so we are waiting for service and good company.

Today 46,3 nm to Barösund

2011-06-17T00:34:00.006+03:00

Today we took a late start at 16.30. We reached Barösund in Inkoo at 24.00 Total 46,3 Nautical Miles. Wind from 2-6 m/s majorly W-Sw. Some heavy rains in the beginning of the trip, but they ended after Espoo. Tomorrow we will reach probably Erkki´s and Niina´s Summer Hacienda in Torsö.

Jolly good to be on the sea again.

tomorrow: go west, no plan

2011-06-15T22:21:00.003+03:00

Everything is ready for non-target trip. Tomorrow we go west and stay somewhere between Tammisaari. If the winds and weather are fair we will visit Torsö @ Erkki&Nina´s on Friday. The only target is to be in Kitö on midsummer eve @ juha&Mari´s. Then.... whatever. Summer is short and AquilaDeux is long enough for anything. Must enjoy it fully

AquilaDeux on the sea

2011-05-24T10:16:00.003+03:00

The skipper freezing behind the new larger plotter-pod.

The happy crew went to Loviisa already on Saturday the 21st of May to prepare the boat. On Sunday we started early morning at 8.00 to transfer the yacht to Helsinki. Sun was shining, everybody burned the skin, but because of front wind and the cold sea we were freezing.

2011-05-12T09:39:00.000+03:00

Final model ready!

The real boat will be on the sea on the weekend 20-22nd of May under the new flag "Merenkävijät"

2011-05-06T14:42:00.001+03:00

The model almost done.

Waiting forward to get it

.... and more pics of the model....

2011-04-07T11:06:00.001+03:00

Miniature is developing,¨...

2011-04-02T19:22:00.002+03:00

Model AquilaDeux is developing...

2011-03-23T13:47:00.003+02:00

As one can see the miniature model is developing in Falconstein. It really start to look like the real one. The model is probably ready before the sailing season to make the skipper happy! The link of Falconstein-company is added also to the link list.

Miniature model of AquilaDeux is coming soon

2011-03-15T10:27:00.004+02:00

This is the beginning, making a mold.

The building of miniature model has begun in Falconstein GmbH Germany. As the project continues I will publish more pictures of the project. The model should be finished on May. The final size of the model will be 40 cm long Hull.

Helsinki-Stockholm 15--20.6.2011. Join the crew

2011-02-02T11:26:00.002+02:00

The picture is from 2006.

Next summer the target is to go to Stockholm and then sail in Stockholm archipelago as well the Åland Archipelago. For the transfer from Helsinki-Stockholm AquilaDeux is looking for the crew. The start is planned to be the 15th of June.

Please mail to pjmatikainen@gmail.com if you are interested

Skipper

Sailing is serious job

2011-01-24T14:49:00.002+02:00

This picture is taken by Dr. John from the last summers opening: Emäsalon Lenkki in May. As one can see it is very important that dehydration will not be a problem during the long trip.

Also one can notice that our crew is very modern and communicate only electronically to each other. In the picture the Skipper Petri (Right) is having a long discussion with Pekka (left) about the possible tactics.

In Helsinki one meter snow...

2011-01-04T15:21:00.002+02:00

... but the new season is coming closer day by day. As good news the AquilaDeux Pins have arrived.

Everyone that has visited in the yacht can request one of these festive pins to add on the club-jacket. Please make your requests.

Last sailing day of the season

2010-09-26T15:17:00.004+03:00

Early in the morning the crew arrived and we set the sails and left Helsinki towards Loviisa, where we arrived before the sunset.

Traditionally we ate well (this time filet of beef with Garlic potatoes and some red wine.

After that we went to see local nightlife and to take a few beers. Of course the evening was in the d a little bit longer, but the last men (skipper and Pekka) where safely in the boat at 1.30.

Today morning we packed our stuff to the car and went back to Helsinki. we tested everyone with alcometer, two of the crew blew pure zero (Juha and Ipu, good boys) so Juha drove.

Tomorrow to Loviisa

2010-09-24T20:12:00.002+03:00

Autumn became. It is time to take the boat up for the winter. Skipper + four crew members will take the boat 40 nm to Loviisa. After sailing and emptying the boat we all go traditionally to a local restaurant to spend evening and remember another summer that has passed. The weather should be reasonable, wind s-sw 4-7 m/s, little bit showers and maybe the sun even shows up.

Helsinki-Tallinn Race 2010

2010-08-23T16:06:00.014+03:00

On Friday evening we took a part in the night race Helsinki-Tallin.

The race started at 18.00. we started from the midline to avoid the rush on the top buoy. It was nice to be - for a moment side by side with two other swans: 46 wafi and 45 Two Fast.

The wind was approximately 6-8 m/s. we made a wrong selection with the sails and the light Genoa teared in two peaces... Unfortunately we put in on the furlex and we had to take it down before we were able to add the other Genoan. We lost our good start on this manouver and also for the extra turn we had to take because we had to eat the windshit from the fleet that was sailing upper. Total loss about 10 minutes. That was very unfortunate. We lost practically more, but first of all we lost the good touch we had on the start.

We got our spirit back after The Lighthouse Helsinki 12 nautical miles from Helsinki while we noticed that Najadi IV from our sailing club was sailing behind us. The steerman Jaska made nice movements, closed the gates so that she had to turn before Tallin Lighthouse.

In front of Tallinn just reaching the Aegna Buoy we noticed that actually we were part of the reace still, because we heard the first announcements from the VHF that the fleet was approaching Aegna.

Then we got to really eat the shit of the lost ten minutes.... The wind shifted ad we had to make extra turn. and the next time...just before Pirita the wind went totally dow. If we had this ten minutes back....

anyway excellent result we were 11th on the Business LYS out of 23 participants.

Next day we had a big party, our Chef Ville had organized us some fillet of beef that we grilled outside on the docks and ate with Garlic potatoes + Bearnaise Sauce. Sipped down with 1996 Chateauneuf de Pape - Not bad!!!

In the evening there was a great party on marina. approximately 800 sailors participated on that. A lot of speculation after speculation... late hours.
Sunday morning after late hours we left the Marina at 10.45. Quite rough weather, not by wind, but the waves were enourmous. The highest measured wave were 3 meters! We had to ate water several time. with one wave we can actually say that the Yacht really fell down, because the spreaders hit the water.

We reached the Helsinki around 17.00. Luckily no accidents happened with the waves. Great race, nice homecoming. The skipper thanks the crew for everything.

Tomorrow: Helsinki-Tallinn Race

2010-08-19T21:43:00.005+03:00

Tomorrow we start the main event of the year (tradition): Helsinki-Tallinn Race. This is the largest sail competition in Finland. 173 yachts are participating this offshore race in several classes.

AquilaDeux (LYS 1,20) is starting in the Class Business-LYS that leaves at 18.00 EET.
23 boats will cross the starting line the same time.

The crew is selected as follows:

1. Commander crew: Skipper Petri, Steerman Jaska and Navigator Stidi
2. Deck crew: Officer Erkki, Deckmen Ipu and Pekka
3. Pentry: Grand Chef Ville

The tradition is to reach Tallinn the next morning and beginning on Saturday evening the organizers have arranged huge party in the Pirita port. More than 800 sailors will collect together in Pirita to speculate the past night.

The biggest prize collector is Tallinn Children's hospital that will collect huge donation from the participants.

More information of the race on the organizer's webpage:
http://www.koivusaarenpursiseura.fi/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=28

The night will be long, so the most important role is with the Grand Chef in the pentry to keep the crew on the mood.

In advance I can promise that on Saturday morning there will be at least Canapés filled with Foie Gras and Quills eggs, and of course sparkling wine.

Emsalö Runt, all possible mistakes done

2010-08-14T21:25:00.004+03:00

We started the race sailing side to side with thunder. We practically enjoyed the whole day of Sunshine and very low wind.

Now we are ready for anything... because:

In Emsalö runt we participated with minimum crew, first mistake. Better to have one more extra as a minimum.

Every single time we set the Gennaker up, we had a big circus with many mistakes.

Almost every turn we made a mistake, whenever some troubles with the sheets.

Luckily we did not have to make too many turns.

What we won in reaching upper wind - we lost double in the fair wind.

Gennaker have no use in the straight fair wind. Spinnaker it should be, but once you use either you can not use the other.

Low wind.

No more comments on the results.

But fun. Yes we definetly had a lot of fun. Enjoyable and nice day. Thankyou Pekka and Pasi!

Eestiluodon Malja over

2010-08-07T17:33:00.004+03:00

Look who is crossing the startline first! Perfect start!

The small race organized by Marjaniemi Yachting club called Eestiluodon Malja (the cup of Estonian Rock). Paritcipation: Skipper, Stidi the startegist, Dr.John the dr, Anssi A promoted immediately as a senior deckmonkey, Mikko M the chef and Vilppu the new Jungman.

The race itself started perfectly. First time in the sailing History the AquilaDeux crossed the start line as the leading yacht. We also kept the leadership until the wind came again down. But we managed to keep our position to the end arriving in the goal side by side with the other competitors. Fantastic perfomance for the old lady in low winds.

Only some small troubles with the spinnaker occured, but no major problem. we lost our final time maximum 1-2 minutes because of this.

Fantastic day, sun shined and the temperature was + 25 degrees.

Thanks for everybody for the participation. Position is still unknown, but whatever it will be. We showed with this crew that even an older quite heavy boat can move in the lower winds the same speed as its much lighter and more modern competitors.

Final position 5th in our class.

Arriving to the goal.

Waiting that the ribs are cured...

2010-07-23T20:37:00.005+03:00

So what the heck... AquilaDeux is standing on the port. Why, might the reader think?

The reason is that apparently when the better half of the skipper dropped in the sea the 26th of June (in Hanko), three of her ribs went broken (from the back, maybe because of the radical 150N pull of the lifevest). This is the simple reason for this phenomenon.

The Skipper is still hopeful to get her cured (The doctor told to be at least 6 weeks careful) and make some small trips during this exceptionally warm summer on these latitudes.

But meanwhile.... almost every day one can do some small things in the boat.

Today we washed the deck, and cleaned the boat from the interior. Tomorrow I will make the seabeds better and attach the new nets to them.

Yesterday we cruised around Helsinki to see the shores with PetitAquila (below)

Maybe the next week we try to sail somewhere east (if we get Matias The sea rebel with us).

If the weather is good we will go to Tallinn with Matias and his better part the 8th-9th of August.

... and anyway there are three more races to go. 7th, 14th and 20-22nd of August. So there will be still more adventures for this summer.

Bowsprit + Asym furler installed

2010-07-16T22:22:00.004+03:00

The long and sweating day... (sang in the tune of the long and winding road...)

First to measure where to install the Bowsprit... then actually do it!

One can not even think the angles and positions where the nimble captain can bend. Amazing. Luckily I got some help from my daughter to keet the screwdriver on the right position outside...

The biggest issue was to saw the bowsprit to the operating length... but in the end the result was very satisfactory.

Setting up the asym furler was much easier. Maybe tomorrow or sunday we can test how the asymmetric spinnaker works with that.

Day Tripper

2010-07-16T12:14:00.003+03:00

Hot weather in the city pressured to go to sail in front of Helsinki. We sailed this day just to escape the weather. It really was cooler on the sea. Thunders & LIghtnings followed us to the port.

One night in Katajanokka

2010-07-07T20:02:00.005+03:00

Yesterday we heard the good news. The pier-repairman is coming. So I went with my first mate Matias and his fiancé Laura to have a small sightseeing in the front of Helsinki.

We parked the boat in the Katajanokka marine, which is very well located in the center of Helsinki under the onion shaped towers of the Orthodox Church.

Naturally the skipper spent the night in the boat and went to work for one day from Katajanokka. Today evening the piers was ready and Matias and the Skipper took the boat back to the repaired home-docks.

Shopping in Helsinki

2010-07-03T15:20:00.002+03:00

Even though we are in the home port we decided to be tourists in our own city - Helsinki.

In the morning we took off and went with a motor-boat to the center of the city to visit market square. The old Commodore and his wife (Papa & Mama) came with me there. Today is their golden wedding day - 50 years married.

I am thankful for them for all those years when I was a child, we always sailed in the Baltic sea. The infected me with the love to sail and to be on the sea. They also infected me to be in love with special Swan-yachts.

In the afternoon we should grill the two kilo´s Filé we purchased from the market square to start the festivities.

Back to the home port

2010-07-02T00:29:00.003+03:00

What a day. Nice fair or side wind the whole day! Wind speed between 3-11 m/s top speed 7,5 knots.

Thirteen hours from Hanko to Helsinki, enjoying of sunny day for the large part of the day.

As a lunch we enjoyed some Gulash-sauce with new potatoes. No wine serviced this time. Cola was good to sip down the food.

Just before 23 we arrived safely at home port.

Short, but nice trip.

Summer continues, also with Aquiladeux.

Hanko - again

2010-06-30T20:34:00.005+03:00

We had really nice evening in the Island of Hiittinen where we visited our old friend Taina, her husband Hessu and son Emil.

There was a really beautiful hiding place just at the doorstep of the Archipelago. The servings were excellent and with the routine of a Stewardess Taina asked immediately : "who wants to have campari-orange, gin tonic or anything else?" GT was good and done without saving gin. Nice!

Today morning we took it easy (maybe a little hangover too) and went to have a breakfast in Kasnäs Restaurant. Good start for a new day!

About an hour before noon we took off and our nose was going towards hanko again.

We set our ropes in Itämeren Portti (the gate of Baltic) port, where we also enjoyed excellent but very s-l-o-w-l-y served dinner.

After that we visited the evening market and made bargain with some books from book antiqvariat.

Tomorrow we set our sails to Helsinki, where we are going to visit first time as tourists.

Via Helsingholm backwards to Kasnäs

2010-06-29T18:07:00.004+03:00

A real boat-dog on the neighboring boat in Kasnäs.

Just before noon after the brunch (needless to say dandy), we set our sail towards Helsingholm.

After sailing an hour we reached our target and noticed that the port was quite full. The captain decided to go backwards to Kasnäs that we reached after two hours.

Fantastic day! The ladies went to buy some fish. We enjoyed warm smoked salmon with new potatoes.

In the evening we will meet Anis´ (The captains master)friend Taina for a beer in the Kasnäs terrace. Needless to say some sauna refreshment before the meeting.

Högsåra

2010-06-28T20:15:00.004+03:00

After very nice Central European breakfast (fresh coffee, Croissants, hot milk) our brave crew set sail towards Högsåra at 8.15 in the morning.

In the beginning we got nice sidewind from S-SW that turned totally against us at Hiittinen.

Day was extremely sunny and the temperature raised up + 25 degrees till evening.
We reached Högsåra at 13.00 and got a nice place from the guest harbour that was practically half-empty.

We had a light coffee pause at famous Farmors Cafe (Grandmothers C). The quality was excellent.

In the evening we had a Sauna, and the Skipper himself made very good stroganoff-beef from fresh veal, cream and pickeled cucumbers, served with hot new potatoes and Chevre cheese, tomato and Basilique. We sipped down the dinner with well matured 1996 Chateauneuf de Pape wine.

Also the participants raised the dinners quality.

Tonigh we probably sleep well.

Hanko, extra day of resting

2010-06-27T18:34:00.004+03:00

We woke up early morning fresh and with a nice smell of freshly cooked coffee. The mistress of the boat had made a fantastic breakfast to prepare us for the days adventures.

Just after the breakfast I heard that freshwater pump was pumping and all the taps were closed. Quickly I checked the hoses and found out that in one of the hoses there was a hole. Sunday, how to find a place that sells water tubes?

As a well known cosmopolitan I did as you do in the big world too: ask the Taxi driver. Within twenty minutes I found from local Teboil a hose that is suitable for this purpose. The tube cost 2,40 € and the taxi 15,00 €. After this the skilled McGyver fixed the problem.

Then we went to a little walk. We decided to walk along the fantastic Hanko beaches to the small café called Neljän Tuulen Tupa (The house of the four winds). This small coffeehouse is located 3 km from the city center and was previously owned by Marshall Mannerheim, the Finnish war hero.

In the small peninsula that is really open for all the winds. Sun was shining,nice company, excellent coffee. What else you need?

Tomorrow we are heading westwards, we will see where...

Hanko, Midsummer day

2010-06-26T14:11:00.005+03:00

At 7.00 we started the transfer from Torsö to Hanko.

Feelings were very good, because the Midsummer eve wwas spent with a good company in an extremely nice place. Thanks to the hosts: Erkki, Niina,Aino, Ansa and Olli. It was especially nice to play "clue" with the kids.

Wind blew very low but all the time from the front. At the Tvärminne suddenly came the fog. No vision at all! Luckily we were not in the open sea on the traffic zones.

We reached Hanko at 12.00. Lifevests were tested at 12.02 - they work.

Now waiting for the extra crew: Ilkka and Maaru.

Happy Midsummer

2010-06-25T17:52:00.005+03:00

Strange how the time flies. Last Summer we spent the midnight somewhere on the open sea - not seeing - but smelling the midsummer-fires of eastern Sweden.

Now we are safely Nearby Tammisaari, enjoying the rain (almost tradition). Did some shopping in the morning in the City, already visited Sauna.

In the evening we will smoke some fresh fish from the sea (we got plenty of them with "katiska").

Officially the "longest day is the 21st of June, but tonight the Finns (and other northern people) will have a festival for it. It has long roots before Christianity. Now the festivities are for the "John the babtist" but roots are pagan.

Tonight, the young ladies can see their future husband from the reflection of the spring, tonight everywhere there are huge bonfires around Baltic sea and Scandianavia. Tonight people get drunk. Tonight it is important for Finnish youngsters to get laid...

Tonight is just one of the most important parties of the year. The festivities of Juhannus.

From Tallinn to Torsö (near Tammisaari)

2010-06-22T23:14:00.001+03:00

See the splendid sunset in the shortest night in Tallinn!

We slept well and went to do some shopping in the morning. His masters voice will be happy of all the Russian + Estonian jams & honey we found from Tallinn.

At noon we set sails to North and later NW. Again no wind. Not at all. What was interesting to find out that we did see the land all the time while you go from Tallinn to Porkkala.

We were in Torsö at 22.15 where my brother and his family waited with warm Sauna!

AquilaDeux will stay here over the midsummer. Next target Hanko (pa ruski Gangut).

These are the times of the shortest days here up in the North.

In Tallinn at - with engine

2010-06-21T20:05:00.001+03:00

Dead calm day... no sails had to drive with the engine. Crew Matias and me ,the Skipper. Wind from the east as promised but max 1-2 m/s. No sun, but showers. Luckily not heavy. Great day. 50 NM to the logbook. Ratios filled (drinks) tomorrow we fill the food ratios.

In the evening we must go to the medieval restaurant Olde Hansa.

after visiting the city tomorrow we continue to Torsö (in Tammisaari, Finland). Weather forecast is promising and the showers should pass by.

What a fantastic feeling to be on the sea again.

To Tallinn!

2010-06-21T08:35:00.000+03:00

See the happy Skipper ;-).
At 10.00 we start the trip to Tallinn. First we will fill the tanks with water and Diesel.

Weather forecast is ok: slight showers, mild wind eastwards peak 6 m/s.

We will arrive in Tallinn approximately at 18.00.

Fun!

Beauty behind the bushes...

2010-06-16T21:33:00.000+03:00

Ready for Holidays. All unnecessary things are carried out. Boat is cleaned. Next week we start the sailing trip with Matias for this summer.

First thing we do is go to Tallinn to fill the ratios; like Beer, Rum, Iron-packs maybe even some vegetables (canned). Trip will happen if the weather is Ok on Monday.

From Tallinn we will set our sails to Tammisaari, where we will spend our midsummer in my bros cottage in the island of Torsö.

Then we pick up the crew from Hanko and sail without any specific target around the Turku-Åland archipelago. Just enjoy. No hurry.

Can't wait

Small storm in Helsinki

2010-06-13T22:02:00.000+03:00

Yesterday the 12th of June I decided finally to change the main sheet and the main rail rope to the new ones.

In the morning I went to the Yacht and measured the ropes. Then went to the local rope-shop and purchased the ropes. Came home and stitched the eyes and ended the new ropes. Then went to the docs and noticed that I watched my yacht on the different view than normally. It seemed that the pontoons chain has failed. The wind was quite high actually blowing gale force 20+ m/s.

Immediately we got one rope to the free buoy next of the docks and with the help of firemen we attached the ropes to two other buoys and also we dropped an extra anchor to support the docks.

The same afternoon we heard the news that in Volvo-Suursaari race (offshore race)
90 % of the competitors had cancelled the race.

On Monday we hopefully get some repairs to the dock.

Waiting for this summers trip

2010-06-01T15:05:00.000+03:00

Today is time to wash the teak-deck thoroughly. The weather gives possibility to do that. Universal stone seems to be excellent to all cleaning - also deck cleaning.

Somewhere in the end of the next week, the yacht will sail to Tallinn and from Tallinn we will set sails to Hanko and after the Midsommer the holiday starts.

The plan is to sail around the Turku and Åland Archipelago, without any certain plan. Just be and enjoy the summer. The crew will be Skipper, Ani + Ilkka and Maaru. On one week program includes full service to Maaru who got this promise as her fifty year's birthday on Spring.

After this trip we will probably sail to Porvoo or even more eastern to Kotka, but nothing is fixed yet. Several visits to Långholmen maybe (the island base of Marjaniemen purjehtijat).

We will see. No hurry, just enjoy.

Emäsalon Lenkki done

2010-05-23T13:13:00.001+03:00

Kankku the 2nd crew navigator before the start near Pyysaari.

The start of the "large" class was at 18.30 the 22nd of May. AquilaDeux had a conservative start but the spinnaker was up. We actually gained surprisingly from the start and just before Kustaanmiekka we had quite satisfactory position.

Then the wind came down.... The Yacht stopped.I mean really stopped, and of course it was raining cats and dogs from the Thunderclouds (me and Ipu probably lost our phones, because they became totally wet in our pockets)...Stronzo, or should I say Strunts as my Belgian friend Kristof says sometimes...

The first 10 nautical miles of the competition took some 5 hours. It even came in mind that if we do not move faster we have to Raise the Flag. Somewhere at 1.00 am the 23rd of May the wind came near Musta Hevonen.

In the beginning the speed was something 3-4 knots, but in the morning after 4.00 am we started to reach such speed as 6 knots, 7 knots and even 8 knots (max speed of the trip for our boat).

also the weather after sunrise was much better that forecaste promised. The temperature was around 14 Centigrade that is quite acceptable for May temperature. Even sun shined and there were not anymore rainclouds.

At 10.53 a.m we reached the Finish line. Leaving us the medium speed around 4 knots. It is very good medium speed, because we had some hours that the boat practically and actually did not move at all.

I believe the whole crew agrees that it was a good sailing experience. In the result list we were 17/18, that is satisfactory (of being not last) and expectable (30 years old comparably heavy boat does not really move on the lowest winds).

Thanx for the crew. The story continues.

AQUILA NON CAPTAT MUSCAS

2010-05-21T19:32:00.001+03:00

Today is amazingly warm day - again +25 degrees. The whole week has been exceptionally warm for May in the whole Finland!

Everything is ready for the tomorrows "Emäsalon lenkki" - race. The race will be overnight race starting at 18.45. The lenghth of the route is 60+ nautical miles. The weather perhaps change during the race. It might be that we have quite cold morning on the 23rd of May. Estimated time to do the leg is +/- 14hrs depending on the wind.

CREW: Petri (1st Skipper), Juha (1st navigator + trimmer), Pekka (1st deck monkey)
-Ipu (2nd Skipper), Kankku (2nd navigator + trimmer), Per (2nd deck monkey and kitchen maid.)

As always there are highest hopes before the race. The most important is to train before the summers highlight: Helsinki -Tallinn race.

Today the summer season 2010 officially starts

2010-05-15T23:20:00.001+03:00

AquilaDeux was on the sea actually already yesterday. But some adjustments with the new mast were done... So finally today we set our sails to west and sailed a fantastic day to Helsinki from Loviisa. Totally some 46 NM. The sun was shining the whole day. The temperature was +20 Centigrade. Wind blew from the east 4-12 m/s.

Left from Loviisa at 14.15 and arrived at home dock at 22.00

New crewmember was introduced: Mr Jukka, the new deckmonkey. Total freshman in sailing but what is the most important very good and relaxed upper class twit, and his dandy brother Ilkka who is more experienced as a crewmember in AquilaDeux.

Thanks for both!!

Only ten days and the yacht is on the sea!

2010-05-03T22:35:00.000+03:00

Some fittings for the mast this week and the boat is ready to set sail. The planned sailing back to the home-dock the 14th of May.

The Russian Fishermen are blocked on the ice of Gulf of Finland - The spring is finally here!

2010-04-02T13:23:00.000+03:00

Spring, a lot of preparations to do before having possibility to have a possibility to experience our short northern summer.

The biggest issue is to fit the new mast on the boat. All the wiring have to be transferred from the old mast to the new one, the radar antenna have to be removed,the new VHF-antenna have to be fitted,the halyards should be checked. I have to decide the number of Halyards needed ... do I need dirk, do I need two Halyards for Spinnaker or is one enough? Never ending list + the normal Spring things.

New equipment? I might need a furler for the Cruising Chute. Which one to choose, do I need the gennaker boom or do I fit the clew on the deck?

Decisions to make, things to do - so little time. even two trips abroad on April. Still the plan to get the boat on the water is already the second week of May.

In the end. Enjoy the summer to come!

Driving through northern Estonia, cheking the ports

2010-01-17T22:15:00.000+02:00

Using the Estonian Cruising Guide 2007 the Skipper checked several ports to visit in the next summer. Narva and Narva-Joesuu, depth should be OK in both ports but according the Guide "entry is dangerous in very strong N-NW winds".

Vergi is quite popular and highly recommended by the fellow yachtsmen, probably because it seems to be the only well-serviced and safe guest-harbour between Tallinn and Narva... at least according the Cruising Guide.

But while visited Turbuneeme, the village seems to be active. Also in the port there was a new "captains office" probably this port has changed it status from fishing port to guest harbour. Will find out.

What was fairly interesting that the sea was still open in the Estonian coast, even though there has been an extremely cold wether since the beginning of Decemeber.

Happy new year 2010

2010-01-03T14:37:00.000+02:00

The Year 2010 has finally begun. Countdown for the new season has started. There will be some major changes in the boat equipment, biggets one is the new mast that arrives on January-February. After long selective work we ended to buy the Seldén mast. The Price-Quality seems to be OK

The plan for the next summer is to explore the northern coast of Estonia and probably to move in Sweden and from there via Åland back to Helsinki. Also there should be a trip to Kotka and Hamina on the eastern Gulf of Finland. Let´s see what happens.

Anyway Somewhere on January-February the Captain will explore again the physical conditions of the northern estonian ports.

Aquiladeux transfer to the winter rest

2009-10-04T18:26:00.001+03:00

3rd of October - what a perfect sailing day and weather. The skipper, helmsman Per (photo) and deck-monkey Pasi (photo) started the transfer trip from Helsinki to Loviisa at 9.15. We headed our nose eastwards. The wind blew in the morning from w - sw something like 6 m/s raising up in the afternoon up to 11 m/s. Majorly we had direct backwind.

Loviisa was reached at 17.15. We enjoyed a small dinner at the boat and after that we went to see Loviisa nightlife, which was surprisinhly lively.

When we went back to the boat there was really gale wind (18 m/s) and the it was raining cats and dogs. After quite unrest night we unpacked the boat empty. The boat-rebel Matias came to picked us up around 11.15 with a car.

Happy but tired crew returned Helsinki about 14.00.

The Skipper would like to thank AquilaDeux and all its crew for the fantastic summer experience.

- Petri Matikainen, the Skipper

Helsinki Tallin Race is over

2009-08-23T21:41:00.000+03:00

In the picture part of the brave crew, from left to the right: Stidi the strategist, Jaska the steerman and erkki the deck-officer.

The race started at 18.00. We had a quite good start. The weather was perfect. Wind was blowing from E / SE. We reached the highest speed of 9,1 knots and our avearge speed was 6,427 knots. Tallin was reaached in 6 hours 30 minutes and 2 seconds (arriving the finish line 00.30.02). We were the "69ers" being the 69th/194 fastest participants by the average speed. In our own class we reached the 18th place.

On Saturday there was of course the traditional evening party in Pirita harbour.

Sunday the 23rd we took the ropes off at 9.10 and reached the home-port at 16.10Fantastic experience again! Big thanks for the crew for the great time. -Petri

Start at 18.00 to Helsinki-Tallinn race

2009-08-21T12:08:00.000+03:00

The start will be in front of Helsinki exactly 18.00 Finnish time.

There will be totally seven members in the crew including the Skipper. Jaakko, Stidi, Erkki, Petri, Ville, Riku and Pekka.

Wind forecast for the start is 6 m/s E. The total mileage of the race is approx 48 nautical miles. The race should be over by the morning and on the saturday evening there will be small party in Tallinn.

Emsalö Runt

2009-08-15T19:58:00.000+03:00

Emsalö Runt can be considered as a "recovery test sail after summer" for the crew. The race was sailed in the beautiful day the barometer showed 1010 hPa and the wind was blowing between 6-10 m/s (as forecasted).

Sun was shining. All the crew was well motivated and as always we did some typical mistakes, which we should prevent in the Helsinki-Tallin race that is the climax of the sailing year. For example for the long direct back winds it is better to take Spinnaker than Gennaker but on the other hand... if there is open not direct backwind ...gennaker is more effective, we can not use them both.

Lets see what the forecast will be for the Grande Race and decide in the last minute.

Results? not published yet, but will be in the net latest tomorrow.

Long time silence in this blog is over...

2009-08-12T09:58:00.000+03:00

Yesterday, the 11th of August the boat was released from the boatyard. The engine service is finally over...

Because of the overheating in the southern Baltics the malfunction list was massive:

The ventiles are changed, the Pistons and piston rings are changed. The exhaustion fumes pipe is changed (was burned). Water temperature-meter and oil-pressure meter are added.

But basically the Volvo engine must be good, beacause even with these failiures we managed to drive over 18 hours with the engine in our Baltic Tour.

Next Saturday it will be early morning start to go ahead Emsalö, to participate Emsalö-Runt, 100 years jubileum race.

At the moment the weather forecast is promising: NW-wind 7-9 m/s

VIDEO CLIPS BELOW

2009-07-16T22:29:00.000+03:00

2009-07-16T19:09:00.000+03:00

Another video Clip to see.

Sailing is fun!

2009-07-16T17:02:00.000+03:00

Somewhere from the Southern Baltic Sea between Kolobrzeg and Copenhagen. In this leg we experienced a wide spectre of different weather. There was gale wind, no wind, Thinderstorms and heavy rain. We also had the best medium speed in the first 10 hours of this leg (around 8 knots)... but then the wind came down... On this leg we also experienced the engine breakdown... But in the end we are back in Helsinki and the summer continues. Next Summer maybe we experience St. Petersburg and the Northern coast of Estonia. Probably with several boats.

Small obligatory pause because of Services

2009-07-16T15:11:00.001+03:00

The biggest service is naturally the engine. Very soon the engine will be bolted out and the service company will check what is the original problem.

The same time some minor things will be corrected. For example the new WC-bowl will be installated. Generally the boat is in excellent condition and is very satisfactory and reliable companion in all conditions.

The story will continue after the small changes are done...

Tomorrow the Engine Service

2009-07-13T12:22:00.000+03:00

Tomorrow morning we wash the dirt away from our trip and Bring the boat to the Engine Service. Hopefully we get the engine working before the season ends.

The round Baltic-sea trip 2009 is over with success

2009-06-29T12:51:00.000+03:00

We did it!

AquilaDeux has now sailed around the Baltic sea. We visited waters of all countries of the Baltic sea in the following order: Estonia- Latvia- Lithuania - Russia (kaliningrad)- Poland - Germany - Denmark -Sweden!

We visited 7 cities: Ventspils, Gdynia, Kolobrzeg, Copenhagen, Ystad, Kalmar and Oxelösund.

Totally 1422,1 nautic Miles.

Longest leg Oxelösund- Helsinki 343 nautic miles

Shortest leg Copenhagen - Ystad 60 miles

Great job, great crews and good mood during all legs.

We had 4 different crews:

Helsinki - Ventspils - Gdynia:

Petri (Skipper) - Lotta (1st officer) - Ari (bosun)

Gdynia - Kolobrzeg - Copenhagen:

Petri (Skipper) -Lotta (1st officer) - Ari (bosun) - Stanislav (deck monkey) - Kristof (cabin boy)

Copenhagen - Ystad - Kalmar -Oxelösund:

Petri (Skipper) - Annika (his master) - Matias (his rebel)

Oxelösund - Helsinki

Petri (Skipper) - Ari (1st officer) - Ville (deck monkey/cabin boy) - Vessu (deck monkey)

THANKS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

The story continues

The longest leg is over 300 nm without seeing land

2009-06-29T12:35:00.000+03:00

From Oxelösund we started on Thursday the 26th of June 1t 15.30. From the beginning it was clear that we have to criss-cross because of the front wind. Anyhow the wind turned to the NW and according the forecast it should stay there at least the next 24 hours. We decided to head directly to the east and press the boat to Saaremaa/Hiiumaa direction.

The next day was perfect sailing day and we managed to push the boat upper and upper. In the evening we reached the west side of Hiiumaa, just below the latitude of Ristna 40 miles off the coast... then wind came down.

Sunday morning 2.00 a.m darkest moment, in the middle of the traffic junction suddenly the cargo-ships lights disapper... very close to us. The fog was arriving. Luckily we have A.I.S so we managed too see and also contact this freighter to avoid the collision. The similar situation continued until morning 8.00 when we aheaded 051 degrees direction directly to Porkkala lighthouse. In the morning fog we were very close to Birka Shipper which we met next time also in the foggy wether in Porkkala... our new friend.

Porkkala lighthouse was reached the 28th of June at 4.00 a.m and home port at 10.00.

This leg was best on the food side. The boats Grande chef Ville was able to create good portions from Falukorv, bread, beef, skärgårds sallad, and standard knäckebröd.

Great leg. Totally 343 nautic miles, of these 300 nm without seeing land. Tired? Yes!

Oxelösund until the 26th of June

2009-06-21T17:42:00.000+03:00

Oxelösund - The 1970´s open air museum.

Very good Guest harbour, with adequant services. If you walk about one kilometer you will find the city, that reminds you very much of 1970´s "socialdemokrat Sverige" with a concrete mall servicing good citizens.

As a contrast you might see pleasant wooden houses with beautiful gardens and some industrial sights... there has been a major iron mine here since very long time.

The water here is strangely clear and visible. It is very rare to see such clear water in the Baltic sea.

I suggest everyone who reads this blog and have an inexpensive hobby of sailing to visit here.

Swedish hospitability is without comparison. We have a lot to learn about them in Finland.

The way is long... especially with no wind

2009-06-20T20:12:00.000+03:00

what is red, flurry, warm, little bit moist inside and smells like herring? - the skippers cap!

We continued the trip towards North. In the beginning while we were setting the sails up, Archie - the Autopilot - made a small error and we little bit broached scaring the crew for a while. After that we got really heavy winds under the clouds in front of Borgholm.

Then suddenly all the wind went away for several hours..

We sailed the whole night, and the major part of the next day... until we finally reached Oxelösund, where the trip will continue directly non-stop to Helsinki on the 26th of June.

24 hours, 128 nm to Kalmar

2009-06-18T20:01:00.000+03:00

17th started with nice western wind blowing 6-8 m/s. We targeted to go directly to Kalmar. The weather was the same until around 8.00 the barometer alarmed for sudden fast drop down. Gale warning!

The wind turned very fast to southern direction and blowed some 15 m/s steadily. Aquiladeux reached the top speeds of 8-9 knots on this fair wind. At 10.00 18.6 we reached Kalmar. Bed was very sweet to meet after 24 h watch.

Next target to North probably Västervik. Our Goal is to get the yacht in Nynäshamn from where we collect new crew and set sails directly to Helsinki starting the 26th of June. CREW WANTED FOR THE LAST LEG, If you are interested write: pjmatikainen@gmail.com

Warmup to Ystad. Next Kalmar

2009-06-17T08:21:00.001+03:00

On Tuesday the 16th we finally continued the trip. The first day we just "wet our feet" and approached to Ystad.

Next leg takes +/- 24 h, we are targeting Kalmar.

The weather forecast is promisining continous modearte Westerd wind. Must get the sunlotions ready.

Copenhagen... Rainy, Windy Copenhagen...

2009-06-13T20:09:00.000+03:00

Engine guy visited on Thursday. The engine should work again.

It has been really wet and windy days until today we got real sunshine and the temperature got up.

Just at the sunrise tomorrow morning the cabin boy who is now promoted and he is ranked now as an able seaman. He is going back to Belgium to command his own fleet and crew... be terrified he is coming home!!

The skippers home troops arrive Sunday the 14th. Monday the 15th we fill the ratios and on Tuesday the 16th we set the sails to the east and we are going to follow the ancient Viking routes via coastline of Sweden until we are back in Helsinki.

The crew left, waiting for the new crew and service

2009-06-11T09:25:00.000+03:00

In the morning three crewmembers left to Finland. Only one brave Belgian Kristof stays here with the Skipper. And that is good, because after we get the Engine fixed we will move to another marina to wait for the crew that sails the boat back to Finland.

The new crew will arrive the 14th and we will go towards Finland the 16th... if we get the engine fixed.

Today we will see...

Copengagen reached - little bit crippled

2009-06-11T09:02:00.001+03:00

The 9th of June 2009 started with a nice sunny weather. We got ne wind blowing some 6-7 m/s for the beginning. Very soon the weather changed for the wind up to 15 m/s and the rain and Thunder.

First 80 Nautic Miles we had +7,5 knots average speed. The lady was well balanced and everything was perfect.

The crew "smelled" the changes in the weather at the right moment - we had all the time just the right sail-load.

Somewhere around 22.00 the wind was gradually going down and just in the midnight there was no wind at all. We had to start the engines, especially because we were in the middle of the Ship traffic-junction near Rügen/Southern Sweden.... 30 minutes and Silence. The engine Tilted.

Then we set the sails up and next two hours just circulating with the sea-streams.

The morning came the wind came.... at least 3 m/s and a small movement was noticed, but there was also a fog that limited visibility. Somewhere at 9.00 the fog disappeared and we started to move towards Copenhagen.

In Copenhagen we had to call towing help (wind was too high, we did not want to break somebody elses boats) and we got it from the Royal Tuborg Sailing Club. They towed us in their beautiful new port to wait for the repairman that should come the 11th to fix the engine.

Kolobrzeg Reached

2009-06-08T16:48:00.000+03:00

We reached Kolobrzeg at 13.00 under a Thunderstorm. There was a lot of Thunder and lightning just the moment we arrived.

Before arriving we noticed that there must be a Russian or Ukrainian abroad, because someone had eaten all the bacon without frying during the night/morning. Finally we noticed that we have Stanislav,a Russian with Ukrainian roots, no more to wonder. Blood is stronger than vodka!

We will relax here and eat something warm, drink something cold. Tomorrow we head to Copenhagen.

Kolobrzeg has a very tiny Marina I suggest all the fellow sailors enter here early. All services included. The gas station is not located in the marina.

On the road to west

2009-06-08T09:46:00.000+03:00

On Sunday morning around 10.00 we set our course to west.

In the beginning 9 m/s wind from the ne that made us to go with an engine against the wind until we reached the Hel peninsula.

The freshmen of the boat were not so fresh in the beginning of the tour, but the longer we waited we could see colour returning to their happy cheecks.

After passing Hel, sails up und go (up and go, funny)!

Around 23.00 we set the Cruising Chute up to keep the speed. Somewehere at 03.00 we had to give up sailing and stat the engine again.

I suppose we arrive Kolobrzeg around noon local time. There we will have good night rest and target to Copennhagen. Hopefully we find nice restaurants from Kolobbrzeg.

The new crewmembers arrived

2009-06-07T00:49:00.001+03:00

The new crewmembers arrived in the afternoon of the 6th of June. On the picture you can appoint the original crew with the flags of the countries we passed.

The new crewmemebers are Kristof [BEL](Canteen boy) and Stanislav [RUS](Deck Monkey).

Tomorrow - as soon as we wake up - we will make "drang nach vestern" - "Lebensraum für AquilaDeux". First fill the tanks and then go on.

Waiting for my crew

2009-06-05T23:49:00.001+03:00

Loaning the lyrics from Lou Reed, the feelings are "waiting for my crew" for everybody. Two extra crewmembers will join the team tomorrow. On Sunday the 7th of June we will direct to the Kolobrzeg, some 140 nautic miles to the west.

Gdynia is very good target for fellow sailors, but I suggest to reserve places in advance from Gdynia Yachtclub marina - we are lucky to be here so early in the summer, but there are not too many guest places. All the exist: Funny shower where the "ToiletMaster"-lady will follow you every time in Shower and ask between the shower "good?".... everything OK.

Today we also visited Gdansk to get feelings from that old Hansa town.

From Ventspils to Gdynia

2009-06-04T01:28:00.000+03:00

From Ventspils we got 50 litres diesel with a transfer by car, After filling up we continued the trip forwards to Gdynia.

It was sailing from the beginning to the end.

In the night between 2nd and 3rd the wind was getting higher reaching 17 m/s. On 3rd of June the weather stayed the same. The only difference was that the cold rain joined the bloody weather.

Only marks for the statistics were a vhf "good luck" wishes from Lithuanian Navy before entering the Russian waters... and of course the speed top we reached on the surf: 12 knots!

Gdynia was reached 23.42. Beer needed-

Ventspils finally

2009-06-02T01:03:00.001+03:00

From the start 31st of May 2009 there has been very low wind or no wind at all, so we had to use a lot of Engine.

South of Saarenmaa the sea was dead calm and - we suppose it was - large neverending fields of Bluealgae flourishing.... here and there were dead seaguls floating, cannibalized by the same species... maccabre show

Finally we got wind until the end of the day. Ventspils reached 1.6.2009 at 23.11hrs. 230 nautic miles passed. We must stay here until we get more diesel, but tomorrow shows.

Load the yacht ahoy!

2009-05-28T09:47:00.000+03:00

Everything is ready in the boat. The crew will set the sails and start the journey on Sunday. Checking list: Food for at least six days on the sea, Liquids to prevent dehydration, Water tanks must be filled, Diesel tank must be filled, Sail inventory, Tools inventory, Charts, Dinghy, sleeping bags, lifelines, safety harnesses... neverending list ... Two days time to fulfill.

Weather forecast 31.5.2009 Helsinki 06.00 +12 C, nw 4.

The ship is ready for the summer adventures

2009-05-17T20:10:00.000+03:00

The boat was ready rigged on the 15th of May.

On the 16th the skipper and two crew members were ready to pick up the boat from Loviisa to Helsinki. We faced small setback right after the start. The engine was running quite hot (boiling).

We set up the sails and turned back to the wharf. In the end the problem was quite simple. Because of the new water boiler, the engine needed more coolant.

Skipper and one crew member sailed the boat finally the 17th to the home port in Helsinki. Fantastic day! 41 nautic miles, +14 degrees Centigrade, sun was shining. Fair and opend wind from 2-6 m/s. In the end of the day no wind - so we used the engine, that worked fine.

10 days for the summer start...

2009-05-06T15:52:00.000+03:00

The yacht is more or less ready on the wharf. The planned rigging day is the 15th of May.

On 16th of may the yacht will be sailed from the wharf to the home-dock.

Upgrades in the winter: A.I.S, new paint on the bottom, new sprayhood + bimini, the wiring was renewed of the instruments, New teak floors inside, Teak-Cradle for the Liferaft. New folding propeller. Water-heating system.

The invitaion letters for the Grande trip is sent to the crew. Final starting day 31st of May.

Spring renovation

2009-04-20T16:52:00.000+03:00

The Spring renovation is almost over. The boat had a new fresh paint under water + the hull is waxed + the teak deck is washed.

Somewhere the next week the new teak floor is installated inside.

Plan to get the boat on water 15th of May 2009

2009-04-03T13:00:00.000+03:00

Riga 1.4.2009
Very long driving day via Liepaja and Ventspils to Riga.

Liepaja is a small and Picturesque city near the Lithuanian border, suitable for extra stop if needed. There are not too many suitable ports in Lithuania or in Kaliningrad-region on the way down to Gdansk.

Ventspils
Huge port. Maybe one of the largest in the Baltic region. Only the pool in the port is so large that one can organize Tritangular Race inside the pool without the problems.

The guestport is very easy to access just on Starboard side while entering the port. Seems to be all services available too.

Next time there will be some reports about the boat itself. Preparations to set it on water etc...

Gdynia and Gdansk Checked

2009-03-30T20:54:00.000+03:00

After a long drive from Sczcecin to Gdynia and Gdansk. The Skipper checked both places.

Gdynia (above). A modern marina with all the services nearby. Easy access directly from the sea. Also save the total trip mileage about 30 miles. Just around the corner the main shopping streets and refreshement points that the crew definately will need.

Gdansk (above). More challenging to entrance via river. The route in enters next to the Westerplatte, where somehow the second World war met the first shots. Then down the river until the guestharbour is just next to the Zurav (the Crane). The guest harbour is just in the middle of the old city. Zillions of monuments, churches and other historical landmarks nearby + never ending nice bars and restaurant in the historical city.

I believe that will depend totally on crew which place to choose. both places are worth of visiting. The future shows...

2009-03-29T21:53:00.000+03:00

The route for the summer is: Helsinki - Hanko - Ventspils/Liepaja - Gdansk/Gdynia - Sassnitz (if needed) - Copenhagen.

Todey the Skipper checked Sassnitz. A DDR-style village in Rügen. Seems to be OK as a reserve port. >Tomorrow the Captain will check Gdansk and Gdynia.

2009-02-13T13:54:00.000+02:00

The Brave crew in Helsinki - Tallinn Race 2008

The summer 2009 plan is now ready.

We should start the trip 30.5.2009 (Depends on the weather).

Our Route is Helsinki-Hanko-Ventspils -Gdansk/Gdynia- Copenhagen. We should arrive Copenhagen latest at 14.6.2009.

From Copenhagen we continue up to Finland via Sweden. Helsinki should be reached at least in the end of July.

The Skipper will personally go and Check the ports in Latvia and Poland on April.

S/Y AquilaDeux

2009-01-07T12:12:00.000+02:00

Today the blog for S/Y AquilaDeux is opened. Summer 2009 there will be the daily diary of her cruises and adventures around the Baltic sea.

S/YAquilaDeux is Swan 371 built by Nautor in Pietarsaari, Finland 1980.

At the moment she is having a winter break on the wharf, some upgrades will be done for the next summer, for example an A.I.S plotter is already installed.