Why not try a Swedish cruise in May?

Written by Andrew Thompson

Saturday, 13 February 2010 13:01

At the moment Seventh Wave is available for booking from May 1-16. You can choose any number of days in this period. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful west coast of Sweden with its lovely little islands and safe protected waters. Very easy and cheap travel to get to Gothenburg. Contact us for specific details.

 

New Decks Project underway

Written by Andrew Thompson

Saturday, 13 February 2010 12:56

Work on replacing Seventh Wave's decks has now started. The old decks are stripped away and they are preparing the surface for fitting the new ones on. Along with this some structural work is being done. She should look stunning when finished! QFL Feb 2010 048.JPG

 

Seventh Wave now enters winter mode

Written by Andrew Thompson

Saturday, 03 October 2009 20:34

After nearly slipping on a frosty pontoon and increasing numbers of gales sweeping across us time has come for Seventh Wave to be tucked up for winter. Sailing in Sweden has been fantastic and as far as I know all the crews really enjoyed sailing amongst the islands of the Swedish west coast. Travel across has been very good, really easy especially being based in the middle of Goteborg right by the bus and rail stations. We are now at Ellos (with a gale blowing full blast!) where Seventh Wave is to be lifted out of the water (yellow crane in picture below will lift her) and taken by road to a shed. Then the big job starts getting the old decks removed and new ones fitted. If the price isn't too high we may also get her hull re painted which with the new decks will make her look stunning!

 

cruising Sweden

Written by Andrew Thompson

Wednesday, 09 September 2009 15:22

Just coming to the end of the second cruise on the Swedish West coast. It's a brilliant place to Visit. So many facilities that cater for yachts. The area gives very protected sailing yet also one can Venture out into rougher waters if need be. With the first cruise the weather was quite demanding with near gale force winds through the trip.This did not Prevent enjoyment and some great sailing. A visit to the island of Styrso was a highlight especially the lovely little houses and narrow streets. The second trip had more docile weather and going north we managed to circumnavigate the islands of Orust and Tjorn. One big highlight was visiting Ellos and the Halberg Rassy factory where Seventh Wave was built. Her first time back since 1986! A very useful planning meeting was had with Kai who will be fitting the new decks over winter. Next few days sees some almost Indian summer type weather with lots of sunshine..wonderful!

 

Sweden the place to visit

Written by Andrew Thompson

Tuesday, 18 August 2009 15:00

From initial exploration Goteborg looks a brilliant place to visit and sail from.and being on Seventh Wave, Using Ryan Air, it very affordable! Firstly we have managed to base Seventh Wave right in the heart of the city. This gives very easy transport (main bus and station is yards away)also there are a load of things to see and do in the city itself. Lots of cafes and coffee shops for the ladies!. Sailing 5 miles out of the marina and up the river to the sea brings you to the inner waterway with all the little islands to visit, in CALM waters. There are loads of pretty little harbours on varying islands. For the more adventurous, weather depending of course, we can sail across to Denmark or even up to Norway. Thinking ahead to next year if there is a good response and interest we could start the season with cruises in Sweden before bringing Seventh Wave back to the UK. Do please let me know if you are interested. Mainly thinking of April/May and possibly some of June.

 

Cruise News Seventh Wave has crossed the North Sea

Written by Andrew Thompson

Saturday, 15 August 2009 11:03

We have finally made it across the North Sea to Sweden and it was a fantastic trip. FIRST DAY saw us mainly motoring due to lack of wind, and what wind there was it was on the nose! We had dolphins follow us nearly all day, some leaping right out of the water. SECOND DAY. Around midday wind veered round to WSW then to WNW and around force 3 to 4. Engine off up sails and we started making steady progress in peace! THIRD DAY Wind veered around to NNW at around 3am it started to increase 4 to 5 then 5 to 6, we moved faster! Seas started to get quite big and crew were holding onto their stomachs. By Midday sun was shining hot seas started to calm a bit and we were sailing in fantastic sparkling seas. FOURTH DAY By mid morning were were off the southern tip of Norway and could see land. Mobile phones started to ring 20 miles off shore, even got Onto the internet!! Wind still WNW and we were running very fast under full genoa. By late afternoon wind backed and increased to F 7. Seas built up fast and large. Genoa furled now on staysail and reefed mizzen, boat much easier to handle. FIFTH DAY. After a very rough night, with one crew member being thrown out of his bed, we made it to Northern tip of Denmark. Masses of shipping kept us vigilant, the AIS system was fantastic. Around breakfast we had passed Denmark, not long to go. Wind died right off and we motored the last 20 miles into Marstrand a very pretty Swedish holiday spot. Finally touched Swedish soil 1145 Thursday 13 August. Final day saw us lazily sailing in hot sunshine and calm waters between the many rocks and islands from Marstrand to Goteborg. Finally tied up at Lillabommen Marina right in the middle of the city. Total distance was 544 miles with four full nights at sea. Crew were elated by also shattered!

 

Cruise news August 1

Written by Andrew Thompson

Sunday, 09 August 2009 09:03

After a stunning trip through the Caledonian canal we are now at Inverness. Seventh Wave is all ready to cross the North Sea and we leave today Sunday as soon as our last crew member arrives. The weather for the crossing is looking good, if anything there most likely won't be enough wind! Along with us in the marina are several other yachts from various European countries also preparing to cross the North Sea. All being well we should arrive at Goteborg by Thursday.

 

Cruise News end July

Written by Andrew Thompson

Wednesday, 29 July 2009 10:05

Had a great week's sailing with a group of young people organised by a Trust called Walrus Cruises. weather was really nice, mainly dry with light winds. Now on the last trip of July, with a low pressure lurking about in the Atlantic near the UK the weather is much more unstable. At present we are in Tobermory, the crew have hired a car and are exploring the island. Annette is onboard with me and it is great that she is doing all the cooking! Next trip sees us on our way through the Caledonian canal, have full boat as the canal seems very popular. Have started to store up for Sweden Seventh Wave is getting lower and lower into the water!

 

Cruise news July

Written by Andrew Thompson

Thursday, 09 July 2009 08:22

Weather has been great. After a very nice sail down the sound of mull we are now sitting on a mooring in Loch Creran with stunning scenery around us. Have a family onboard with three young children. Next trip involves a crew of 9 mainly young people.

 

Cruise news

Written by Andrew Thompson

Wednesday, 01 July 2009 21:26

After managing to haul boat out to replace a leaking shaft seal we set off from Craobh marina heading south for N Ireland. Stopped night at Gigha then had a cracking reach across the North channel to Ballycastle. Today due to little wind we did a quick hop to Rathlin Island where crew walked to the bird sanctuary. Aiming for port Ellen on Islay. Crew are trainnees of a charity in Halesowen, its good giving them the chance to get away