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A DUTCH DRASCOMBE CRUISE IN DENMARK 1996

This cruise was also described in Danish Blue by Julian Trimming in DAN 40.

(Click on any of the pictures to see a larger version).

Bob and Liz Jack in Rebel and Jim Hopwood in Kate launched at Sønderborg on the island of Als and sailed to join the rally at Søby on Ærø. The cruise made a circuit of the south Fyn archipelago finishing at Ærøskøbing. From there I returned to Sønderborg via Søby and Flensberg.

Before we had even left Als we met our first Dutch boat, Chris and Yolonda in the charming reed encircled broad at Mjels.

The second night was spent on the island of Lyø (pronounced Loo-er) where we visited the charming conservation village of Lyø By. The helpful harbourmaster only charged us for one berth as we were so small and took orders for breakfast rolls which were delivered fresh by the first ferry in the morning.

The first two days of the cruise proper were rather cold and damp. The fleet split and followed various routes to visit Faaborg and Lyø or Fjællebroen. We reassembled on the beach at the south end of Avernakø where a glass of hot gluwien helped to raise spirits.

After a short stop in Svendborg for showers and supplies (Danish marinas do not charge for day visits) we moved round the corner for another quiet night on a tideless beach near the Valdemarsslot (castle) on Tåsinger.

The next day provided some brisk sailing through the Langelandsbroen.

... to Rudkøbing where the local boats bear a family resemblance to our own.

We moved on for the night to the tiny island of Bukø in Lindelse Nor. No more than two hundred yards long, crescent shaped, with a small hill in the centre Bukø became "Drascombe Island" for the night. The air was filled with full throated renditions of English and Dutch sea shanties round a flickering camp fire.

Another day of lively sailing brought us back to Ærø at Ommel. From here some walked into Marstal, where modern shipbuilding takes place between the excellent maritime museum and cobbled streets of charming cottages.

The official cruise finished in another typical Danish marina where we enjoyed a delightful rally dinner ashore.

... and explored the charming town of Ærøskøbing.

On the way home I enjoyed a delightfully peaceful evening in Hørup Hav watching a mother duck instruct her offspring in the art of making a graceful landing.

Kate briefly took her place among the exhibits at the Flensberg Maritime Museum, embarrassingly without a German courtesy ensign as I had not planned to go so far.

My last night was one of complete peace in Stranderød Bugt near yet another picture postcard village.

The whole cruise was made doubly enjoyable by the relaxed leadership of Klaas Hoogerwerff and the warm welcome from the whole Dutch contingent.

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	Bob and Liz Jack in Rebel and Jim Hopwood in Kate launched at Sønderborg on the island of Als and sailed to join the rally at Søby on Ærø. The cruise made a circuit of the south Fyn archipelago finishing at Ærøskøbing. From there I returned to Sønderborg via Søby and Flensberg.
Before we had even left Als we met our first Dutch boat, Chris and Yolonda in the charming reed encircled broad at Mjels.
	The second night was spent on the island of Lyø (pronounced Loo-er) where we visited the charming conservation village of Lyø By. The helpful harbourmaster only charged us for one berth as we were so small and took orders for breakfast rolls which were delivered fresh by the first ferry in the morning.
The first two days of the cruise proper were rather cold and damp. The fleet split and followed various routes to visit Faaborg and Lyø or Fjællebroen. We reassembled on the beach at the south end of Avernakø where a glass of hot gluwien helped to raise spirits.
	After a short stop in Svendborg for showers and supplies (Danish marinas do not charge for day visits) we moved round the corner for another quiet night on a tideless beach near the Valdemarsslot (castle) on Tåsinger.
The next day provided some brisk sailing through the Langelandsbroen.
	... to Rudkøbing where the local boats bear a family resemblance to our own.
We moved on for the night to the tiny island of Bukø in Lindelse Nor. No more than two hundred yards long, crescent shaped, with a small hill in the centre Bukø became "Drascombe Island" for the night. The air was filled with full throated renditions of English and Dutch sea shanties round a flickering camp fire.
	Another day of lively sailing brought us back to Ærø at Ommel. From here some walked into Marstal, where modern shipbuilding takes place between the excellent maritime museum and cobbled streets of charming cottages.
The official cruise finished in another typical Danish marina where we enjoyed a delightful rally dinner ashore.
	... and explored the charming town of Ærøskøbing.
On the way home I enjoyed a delightfully peaceful evening in Hørup Hav watching a mother duck instruct her offspring in the art of making a graceful landing.
	Kate briefly took her place among the exhibits at the Flensberg Maritime Museum, embarrassingly without a German courtesy ensign as I had not planned to go so far.
My last night was one of complete peace in Stranderød Bugt near yet another picture postcard village.