Page 10

Sailing alone was exactly how I pictured it(/the experience I expected it to be) and suits me well. Many suspect it to be terribly lonely. That they would die of boredom. And I'm sure many wouldn't like. If you don't, I think It's going to be a short journey. There will be lots of possibilities of socializing at ports and anchorages. And over the radio when sailing. Others are usually headed in the same direction. I have met several single-handed sailors along the way. Now and again we get together and explore the cities and go out on trips together. For me, it's more or less by coincidence. I chose to take off in a small boat with basically only the engine power to do manoeuvres while in port. For that reason, I have to be prepared to spend days and nights on the sea when the wind has died down. Where others just start up the machinery and power ahead. I don't want anyone to feel obligated in any way to tug me along, wait up, etc. So usually, I prefer leaving(/departing) ports alone.
The combination of owning a small boat, being on my own and Danish has earned me quite a few dinners. Danes and Denmark are incredibly popular. We have a really good reputation. Maybe it's because of our small geographical size (Little League country). Part of the credit will undoubtedly have to go to soccer. Not just because of our players, but even more so because of our "roligan" supporters. People have noticed their enthusiasm. And the laid-back attitude that we will probably do better the next time around. Easy-going optimists. And everyone knows the English hooligans.
That was actually one of the reasons why I was now leaving France instead of England. That, and the outrageously hefty prices at English marinas.

I'm never bored on Trojka. Something always needs to be done, like cooking and preparing. As a matter of fact, dinner is a highlight of the day at sea. As times go by, I find that I am trying to overdo myself - and spend equally longer time at it. Initially, I often lived off of canned or packaged food,.whereas now I'm using a wide selection of vegetables and garniture (In fact it is cheaper to live off of fresh groceries bought at local markets compared to canned food. Fish is an increasing part of my meals too. In light breezes and while drifting, I always have a fishing line out behind the boat. Minor repairs and improvements always need to be done. There is GPS work to do, studying the next ports and countries on charts and in books, listening to music, carving a stick. Then obviously my on-board library that I regularly swap at big marinas with book-swap services. Since I read books in English, I never have problems having enough reading matters on board. And then there's relaxing in the sun, coffee breaks, etc. All this takes (quite some) time.


Whoopee!(/Wow!) - Fish and rice
Hooray! - Fish and rice!

 

To Page 11

From Esbjerg, Denmark to Tahiti aboard a Junker 22