We set off from Lauwersoog with full tanks, a last supply run, and sunshine on deck. Twelve knots of breeze right away—perfect sailing weather. Within half an hour we were already spotting seals. Promising start.
Our first pit stop came earlier than planned: stuck on a sandbank while the furling jib jammed. Wrestling it down in 15 knots wasn’t much fun, but after some muscle work we were back on course.
On the North Sea we opened up the throttle—close-hauled at 6.5 to 7 knots with gusts up to 20. Nearly sailed straight into Borkum harbour. Pasta, a beer, sleep. That’s how day one should end.
Wednesday brought 20 knots off the lee shore, seals along the channel markers, and a smooth ride to Juist. Quiet harbour, butter chicken on board, early night.
Thursday was all about repairs. The furling gear was bent solid. After plenty of swearing, elbow grease, and a spinnaker pole doubling as a ladder, we got the track straightened. Sail back on, beers open. Tomorrow: Baltrum.
With 15 knots and a fully working jib, the sail to Baltrum was smooth. Coincidence of the trip: we ended up right next to another grey Feeling 346 in the harbour.
Saturday the neighbours shared some tidal shortcuts before we motored on to Spiekeroog—little wind, plenty of ice cream. Sunday was all about recharging: village strolls, fixing the batteries, beach time.
Monday we headed via the Wadden to Langeoog. Brief race with a trimaran (guess who lost). Wind shifted at the sea gate and picked up to 18–20 knots on the nose. In the village we celebrated with a pint, some shopping, and a new Victorinox Skipper Pro for me.
Next day: Norderney to Borkum. Started with rain and strong wind, ended in flat calm. Motored most of it, and even spotted the same Feeling we’d met earlier. Small world at sea.
And then the finale: Borkum back to Lauwersoog. My uncle warned it was the trickiest Wadden route, and I get why—the depth sounder happily jumped from three meters to one. With perfect timing we slipped through without touching. Back at Lauwersoog, we wrapped up with pizza.
Two weeks, six islands, a handful of breakdowns, and countless good moments. Else and Nils had a blast, Johan always had a fix, and I loved every mile. Next time maybe a jib that behaves from day one… but honestly, a bit of hassle just makes the adventure.
This post was rewritten and photo layout adjusted with help from AI (ChatGPT-5), based on my notes.