Helgoland landing

After 18 hours of sailing, covering 89 NM, we have now landed in a rainy and windy Helgoland.  We had good sailing conditions most of the way from Holland. But to cross over two major sea routes in the darkness on the North Sea was exciting. Ships kept popping up from nowhere, both on Jennifer's radar screen and visually for the night crew. Tore and I had the night shift from 1-4 AM, but Ingemar was kind enough to extend his shift and assist us for an additional two hours. He really helped us by keeping a close watch over oncoming traffic and to suggest course alterations for Jennifer in order to keep us all safe and sound.

The small harbour behind the wave breaker at Helgoland is really crowded and we are now double parked and attached to a big yacht. In order to get ashore we have to climb over to the deck of our neighbour.

On the screenshot below, taken at 2.30 AM, you can see Jennifer (the red boat) at the junction of two major sea routes. Helgoland is visible in the upper right corner of the photo.

Good Bye Lauwersoog, Good Bye Holland

At noon, as planned, we left Lauwersoog Marina and headed out to sea. Since we are ahead in our sailing schedule, it was decided last night that we should make a stop at Helgoland (pop. 1.100). It is a small island 70 km out in the North Sea that belongs to Germany. In order to cover the distance to get there, 95 NM, we need to sail at night. 

Lauwersoog

When I woke up this morning I noticed that the water level at our spot in the marina was only 1.40 meters. Jennifer needs a minimum of 1.80 meters to be able to move freely. With our yacht firmly planted to the sea bottom I had time to walk down to central Lauwersoog (pop. 450). Ingemar and Tore joined me on the way for a bit of grocery shopping. Captain Lasse had already told us that our departure time today was at noon when the flood was in.

The main sources of income for people living here comes from fishing and tourism. Lauwersoog Marina is the home base for a large fleet of modern fishing boats. A large fish auction is held in the fishing harbour every second Saturday.