Flying with the wind - Sejerø to Omø

Today we were up at 5 AM to get the most of the windy forecast. We were quite concerned about the current because of our experience sailing into Sejerø.

Leaving the harbour was intimidating in 30 knots wind and high swells, so we only set a small amount of sails, just enough to get speed but at the same time feel safe and under control.  We are most concerned about safety on board, so wearing live vests and being tied in is important.  We got really good speed, and found that the currents were with us this time.  As we were sailing south we hit speeds of 9 knots and above at one point Robert even saw 10.6 knots and that is a new record for Matahari.  Rounding the headland of Kalundborg we hit the shallows and the waves increased, at one point the front of the boat where the bikes are fastened was under the water, we felt really small and a bit worried at that point, but Robert sailed us on and passed the shallows into deeper water and the waves reduced.  

Later when crossing under the Storebælt bridge we were called on the vhf by a massive container ship behind us, who wanted to know if he could pass on our starboard side.  Being the polite people we are we of course said yes you may and he did.  I am really impressed with the care the big tankers and ships take for our little sailboat, so thanks to the Captain of the Neva out of Valetta for not just passing and blocking our wind :-) 

We reached Omø in record time, getting moored though proved to be a bit of a challenge as the harbour is shared with the ferry, that keeps it's motors running and creating a lot of unrest while trying to moor, Robert though did a good job and got us to a safe mooring.  Thanks to all for the help they gave us while working this out.  Unfortunatley the German boat that came after us nearly rammed us. 

We are impressed by Omø, it is small only 4.5 km long and 2 km wide at it's widest, but it has a beautiful restaurant called "Perlen" (the Pearl in English), the people are really friendly and they have free bikerentals at the harbour to get around.  We really reccommend this place for a stopover.