Cruise Book
Cruise Slideshow
Cruise Log
18 JUNE — 2 JULY 2017
Welcome
The Swedish west coast is beautiful in its own way: No trees, no green, just rocks, numerous small islands, bays, and old fishing harbors, much of it with reefs calling for careful navigation through narrow and twisting passages. The wind direction during the day is usually SW 15-25 knots, calm at night.
The cruise will take us through a kingdom of rocky islands. We start in the Kattegat and go north into the Skagerrak. In the northern-most part of the cruise we’ll be almost to the Norwegian border.
We will travel into an area where once sailing was a way of life, often rough for those in fishing and transportation of goods. Our cruise is planned in protected waters as much as possible, and the daily distance will be at most 35 nautical miles.
Our route will take us from Gothenburg north to the Koster Islands and then back to Gothenburg, with different stops in each direction. We will tie up in what were old fishing villages and anchor out. We will stick to the itinerary as weather allows and make announcements if and when changes become necessary.
The NAS and GKSS
The North American Station of the Royal Scandinavian Yacht Clubs and Nyländska Jaktklubben (“The NAS”)
The North American Station of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club was founded in 1945 in New York by Count Pehr Sparre. The purpose was to “encourage the art of building, rigging, and handling small vessels, and interest in seamanship and naval architecture, particularly in connection with promotion of a closer tie between North American and Scandinavian yachtsmen. In order to do so, the Station will not primarily seek a large membership but especially welcome as members those distinguished by their activities in racing, cruising and naval architecture, and those who have sailed or contemplate sailing in Scandinavian waters or who have any special interest in Scandinavian yachting".
Affiliated originally with the Royal Swedish Yacht Club, in 1964 the station expanded to become the North American Station of the Scandinavian Yacht Clubs and Nyländska Jaktklubben, also representing KDY (Denmark), KNS (Norway), and NJK (Finland) in addition to KSSS (Sweden). In 1967 GKSS (The Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club) requested that NAS also become their station in America, bringing the “Home Club” total to five. The NAS has a Post Captain as its head. It does not maintain a clubhouse.
The Station sponsored Transatlantic races in 1959 from Newport to Marstrand; 1960 Bermuda to Skagen; 1966, Bermuda to Skagen, 1972, Newport to Vigo, Spain; 1978, Bermuda to Christiansand; and 1981, Bermuda to Horta and Cowes.
The station also is the organizing authority for an annual regatta called the Atlantic Round at which teams from the Home Clubs and the NAS race and meet. Every third year the NAS hosts in America.
The Station sponsors an active exchange program for juniors called The Five Club Regatta, with American teenagers meeting and sailing with teenagers from Scandinavia.
NAS cruises in Scandinavia have taken place since 1983, a Baltic cruise from Helsinki to Sandhamn. Since then: 1986 Kiel to Helsinki and back to Copenhagen; 1988 Coast of Norway and Sweden, ending in Marstrand; 1990, Kalmar to Saltsjöbaden; 1993, Danish Cruise; 1996, Finnish Cruise; 1988 Swedish Cruise; 2002, Saltsjöbaden to Kalmar to Gotland and ending in Sandhamn; 2003 Helsinki to Mariehamn; 2005 Swedish Archipelago Cruise; 2008 Norwegian Fjord Cruise; 2011 Finnish Archipelago Cruise; 2014 the Denmark Cruise; and now in 2017, The Swedish Cruise along the west coast.
The Annual Meeting and gala formal dinner dance is held on the first Friday in December at The New York Yacht Club in New York. The Spring Meeting and clambake is held on the first Saturday in June on Shippan Point in Stamford, Connecticut.
NAS Post Captain Ernest Godshalk at the wheel of Golden Eye.
The Danish Cruise:
Golden Eye and PENÉLOPE crews discuss which is the fastest boat ☺
The Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club (“GKSS”)
In 1860 six young sailors, each about 25-years-old, met at the home of Mr. Josef Lithman in Gothenburg. They formed their own sailing club since they had been declined membership in The Swedish Yacht Club in Stockholm (today KSSS), because their boats were too small.
They named the club Göteborgs Segel Sällskap (GSS), designed a burgee, and declared that boats from 16 to 26 feet were welcome to join. The founders formulated the GSS motto:
“To establish a sailing association that without doubt in time will be respected and feared in the racing arena, not just in Sweden, but all over the world.”
GSS was a yacht club for young people, and in 1912 in keeping with its organizing promulgation formed the first club committee: The Junior Committee.
In 1881 GSS organized its first International regatta in Marstrand in the presence of King Oscar II. He was so impressed with GSS that he promised to give the young yacht club the dignity and glamour of becoming a Royal Yacht Club. He followed the same year and officially gave GSS royal protection.
King Oscar II
The First Regatta in Marstrand
In 1897 a new law was established in Sweden regarding the Swedish flag, and GSS lost the right to use the Swedish Naval Flag with its GSS symbol.
King Oscar II was appealed to immediately. He had not forgotten his pledge in Marstrand sixteen years earlier, and on 16 September 1897, GKSS received the right to use the King’s crown and became a royal yacht club. The new flag was established with the King’s crown, and GSS became GKSS – the “K” is for King.
The founders also succeeded in their ambition with “respect and fear on the racing arena”. The medals on display on the “Wall of Fame” in the GKSS clubhouse in Långedrag from World Champions and the Olympics are numerous.
HKH Princess Madeleine, GKSS honorary member in 2008
HMK King Carl XVI Gustav, today the guardian of GKSS.
GKSS was the first Nordic challenger in the America’s cup - first in 1977 and again in 1980 with R 12 Sverige, designed and helmed by Pelle Petterson, the winner of several Olympic medals and world championships, i.e. in Star boat.
11
R 12 Sverige
The GKSS clubhouse in Gothenburg Långedrag.
The well-protected harbor was constructed beginning in 1910 and today can accommodate 600 yachts.
The Långedrag harbor in 1910
The GKSS summer clubhouse is in Marstrand, 25 miles to the north, where the racing waters are among the best in the world. GKSS and Marstrand started the World Cup in Match Racing in 2007, launched under the name Swedish Match Cup, which takes place every year during week 27.
Cruise Organization
Cruise Board Ernest Godshalk Post Captain David Tunick Fleet Captain
Cruise Management Stefan Holmgren Cruise Chairman Nick Orem Cruise Treasurer
Michael Geagan
Cruise Information
| Day & Harbor | Activities |
| Day 1, Saturday 17 June GKSS Harbor, Gothenburg | Arrival • There will be a NAS/GKSS courtesy desk near the harbor office. Charter boats will be ready to board. • A RIB boat will be in the harbor to help out and a minibus will be available to drive to a close by supermarket for provisions. Dinner • In the evening the clubhouse restaurant and bar will be open. |
| Day 2, Sunday 18 June GKSS Harbor, Gothenburg | Fleet gathers. • The courtesy desk is open, and the ground staff will help the fleet to prepare for the cruise. Dinner Welcome dinner in the GKSS clubhouse • Starts with drinks and opening ceremony at 18.00 hours. • Dress code: club jacket and tie for men, comparable yacht evening wear appropriate for women (slacks okay). |
| Day 3, Monday 19 June Langedrag to Skärhamn 27 NM | Dock space is reserved for the fleet in the Skärhamn guest harbor. Activities: • Good provisions are available near the harbor in a very large supermarket and at a Systembolaget (liquor and wine store) next to the supermarket. • Nordiska Akvarell Museum, www.akvarellmuseet.org o Guided tour group 1, 50 people starts at 16.00 o Guided tour group 2, 50 people starts at 17.00 Dinner • On your own. |
| Day & Harbor | Activities |
| Day 4, Tuesday 20 June Skärhamn to Gullholmen 14 NM | Guest harbor – dock space is reserved for the fleet Activities: • Visit Hallberg-Rassy, the yacht building company. o 50 people maximum. o Register with Cruise Chairman Holmgren. o Boats with visitors to Hallberg-Rassy should leave Skärhamn by 0700 to be in Gullholmen about 1100, as the visit means both ferry and bus from Gullholmen. The Ferry leaves Gullholmen at 1245, and the bus will pick us up at 1300. The bus will leave Hallberg-Rassy at 1500, to return to Gullholmen. • For those not going to Hallberg-Rassy, there will be a guided tour around Gullholmen starting from the grocery store on the dock at 1500. Dinner • On your own. |
| Day 5, Wednesday 21 June Gullholmen to Fjällbacka 32 NM | Guest harbor – space reserved Activities • Good shopping Dinner • At Restaurant Bryggan on the water (dress code casual). |
| Day 6, Thursday 22 June Fjällbacka to Kalvö 14 NM | Anchorage – please pay attention to Cruise Chairman’s instructions where to anchor Activities • Enjoy the wildlife – Kalvö is one of the most beautiful islands in Sweden and offers some of the best hiking on the coast. Dinner • On the beach barbecue, weather allowing. Bring your own. |
| Day 7, Friday 23 June Swedish Midsummer Layday on Kalvö | Activities • Enjoy the wildlife and help out organizing the midsummer party. • Midsummer party starts in the afternoon, with music, dance, and something to eat at the house of the Spångberg family (location and directions to be provided at the Captain’s meeting on Thursday). |
| Day & Harbor | Activities |
| Days 8 & 9, Saturday 24 June & Sunday 25 June Koster Islands or Strömstad | Explore the Koster Islands or Strömstad (your choice) • Two days of your own choice, exploring the most beautiful archipelago of the most northerly Swedish west coast, the Koster Islands, or… • Go to Strömstad, the best place to shop and provision in the area. Flagship Penélope will be going to Strömstad to bunker. • The harbor in Strömstad is large - no need to reserve dock space. |
| Day 10, Monday 26 June Sail to Hunnebostrand 36 NM | Guest harbor – dock space is reserved for the fleet Activities • Guided tour • 18.00: Cocktail party onboard Loyal Dinner • Of your choice |
| Day 11, Tuesday 27 June Hunnebostrand to Lysekil 16 NM | Guest Harbor – dock space is reserved for the fleet Activities • Shopping • Underwater museum • Guided tour Dinner • On your own |
| Day 12, Wednesday 28 June Lysekil to Hermanö 7 NM | Anchorage Activities • 15:00 Hat party Dinner • Common barbecue on the beach |
| Day 13, Thursday 29 June Hermanö to Käringön 3 NM | Guest harbor – dock space is reserved for the fleet Activities • Guided tour • Option seal safari and visit Måseskär lighthouse • Sponsors cocktail party at Sailors Lodge Dinner • On your own |
| Day & Harbor | Activities |
| Day 14, Friday 30 June Käringön to Marstrand 18 NM | Guest harbor – dock space is reserved for the fleet Activities • Shopping • Walking Dinner • Of your choice |
| Day 15, Saturday 1 July Marstrand | Activities • Guided tour of the Carlsten Fortress Dinner • Farewell dinner at the restaurant Shanti Shanti next to the GKSS summer clubhouse. • Dress code: club jacket and tie for men, comparable yacht evening wear appropriate for women (slacks okay). |
| Day 16, Sunday 2 July Marstrand to GKSS |
Harbor Descriptions
Skärhamn
Our first stop is Skärhamn.
The guest harbor is located all the way in to the bay on your starboard side going in. The channel is deep enough for all our boats on the way in. The Loyal has separate instructions.
In the picture below the guest harbor is very bottom right.
Skärhamn is an old shipping village and serves as a base for several shipping companies. There is some fishing. The local art museum, “Nordiska Akvarell Museet”, is widely known.
The village has many shops and good bunkering.
Services include:
Groceries, Systembolaget, marine chandlery, propane, restaurants, boutique shops, and the art museum.
Showers, toilets, water, electric.
No diesel.
Gullholmen
Attention: On the way to Gullholmen we pass Mollösund, which has diesel availability.
Gullholmen is located just by the fairway on your port side going north. The harbor inside is deep enough for boats up to a draft of 2,2 meters. Larger boats need to be docked on the outside. The Loyal will have separate instructions.
Fishing in Gullholmen goes back about 800 years, when the village was located on the little island in the photo. There are small museums open to the public in some of the several unique old houses. Today Gullholmen is mostly a summer village, where even very small houses are costly.
Services include:
Small grocery store, café, large restaurant.
Showers, toilets, water, washing machine, and electricity available to boaters. No diesel.
Fjällbacka
Fjällbacka harbor is located on the edge of a big rock hill, and the guest harbor, deep enough for our entire fleet, is near the center below the rock. The Loyal will have separate instructions.
Fjällbacka was founded in 1617 as a fishing village which prospered due to the increasing volume of herring outside the harbor. Today it is a popular, smart summer resort especially attractive to Norwegian families.
Services include:
Grocery store, gas station (you need to walk), many summer shops, marine chandlery, propane, restaurants and cafés.
Showers, toilets, water, washing machine.
No diesel in the harbor.
Kalvö Island
Welcome to the wilderness!
All boats anchor. Depending on weather and wind direction, possible off the southeast and/or off the northeast side of the island
The island is part of a larger, wildlife preserve area. Few houses.
The island is big and offers great hiking. Please treat the island, its natural beauty, and its residents with respect. This includes not leaving anything ashore and usage of heads on board your boat.
Services include:
Nothing…
Koster Islands
The Koster archipelago has hundreds of islands divided into Nord and Sydkoster Islands. There are several guest harbors and bays in which to anchor.
Alternative: Ramsö and Resö, to the S and SE of Sydkoster, both with guest harbors.
Services:
Service differs between the islands but there are grocery stores on North and Sydkoster, water, showers, and toilets.
Strömstad
The city of Strömstad, close to the Norwegian border, plays an important role in cross-border shopping. There are many shops and all services. - for Norwegians extremely inexpensive, with consequent numbers visiting Strömstad and Sweden.
Very large marina on the edge of the city.
Hunnebostrand
Hunnebostrand is an old fishing village dating to 1500, It was an important stop before going around Sote Huvud before the Sotenkanalen was built in 1935. NO SAILING IN THE CHANNEL.
Good restaurants and summer shops.
Sotenkanalen
Services include:
Diesel where the boats dock. Water, showers, toilets.
Lysekil
Lysekil was founded in 1850 and was a popular summer city for city people. Famous for its lovely water, swimming, and recreation. Today the population of 7600 is engaged in the petroleum industry and the fishing industry.
Nice marina close to the city.
Many shops, restaurants, marine water museum.
Services include:
All
Hermanö
Hermanö is a wildlife preserve famous for walks with few houses. We will anchor on the east side just by the marked café on the map below.
In the 1750’s the Swedish King had a portion of his west coast fleet anchored where we will anchor. The warship command liked Hermanö bay since they could get out on both the north and south sides. The Danish fleet under the command of Admiral Thordensköld was beaten where we will be at anchor by the Swedish Admiral Strömstjerna (born on the island of Käringön, where the ferry is named after him).
Käringön
Käringön’s history dates back to 1600. The early inhabitants were fisherman, sailors, and later also responsible for the Måseskär lighthouse on the west side of the island. Today there are 100 people year-round; in the summer the population of this small island increases to over 2000, with 1000 more visitors every day in July. Käringön is considered one of the most fashionable places on the west coast for a summer house.
The island is famous for the Vicar Simpson, a very tough man. He ordered the construction of the church and demanded that every woman bring soil to the site whenever they returned to Käringön from the mainland.
Excellent walks, historic houses, and good restaurants.
Sailors hotel Käringön
Services include:
Grocery store
Water, showers, toilets.
Marstrand
Marstrand became Swedish in 1658, when King Karl X Gustav started to build the fortress to protect the Swedish west coast fleet that was based in Marstrand. The fortress, not completely finished until 1800, was one of the strongest in Europe. However, the Danish fleet under Admiral Thordensköld attacked the fortress in 1719 and tricked the Swedish fortress commander into surrender. The fortress was handed back to the Swedes in 1720.
Marstrand has been the center of Swedish west coast society since the late 19th century. It was here that King Oscar II came every year on the Royal Ship Drott to party for a week or two, and it was here that he promised GSS royal protection and became GKSS.
Marstrand is the sailing center of the Swedish West coast and each year hosts several international regattas.
Services:
Many shops and restaurants.
All services are available
Yachts & Crew
Fleet Roster
| Yacht | Crew | Persons on board |
| ALOHA Beneteau 473 Charter | Skipper: Doug Adkins Susan Adkins Harry Morgan Sue Morgan | 4 |
| AMORE Regina af Windö | Skipper: Robert Hellman Maria Bofeldt | 2 |
| BR II Hanse Charter | Skipper: Chace Anderson Josie Anderson, Christian Bernadotte Marianne Bernadotte | 4 |
| CANTY J-42 | Skipper: Paul Rogers Martha Rogers Dale Bruce Doug Bruce | 4 |
| FOXTROT X-482 | Skipper: Nick Brown Larry Ahlfert Britt Ahlfert Brown John Brown Elisabeth Lavers Larry Lavers Heather McHutchinson | 7 |
| GOLDEN EYE Hinkley 42 | Skipper: Ernie Godshalk Bob Godshalk Vicki McGrath | 3 |
| GULDMAKRILLEN Hanse 45.5 Charter | Skipper: Ove Haxthausen Neda Haxthausen Henrik Andersen Michael Coady | 4 |
| Yacht | Crew | Persons on board |
| HAVGAN Bavaria 462 Charter | Skipper: Pieter de Zwart Joanna Miller de Zwart Jennifer Bowden Nick Orem Phyllis Orem William Schoettle | 6 |
| JOYRIDE Farr 60 Charter | Captain: Karl Svensson Barbara Ellis Mark Ellis Dianne Embree Jeb Embree Anne Glenn Larry Glenn Bob Medland Sally Medland | 9 |
| KIA ORA Swan 50 | Skipper: Per Settergren Karin Settergren Thomas Thesleff Yvonne Thesleff | 4 |
| LOYAL 1877 galleas ketch LOA 124’ Mothership Owner operated | Captain/Owner: Stein Arve Olsen Marty Barclay Elaine Falkenberg Charles Goodrich Ed Kane David MacFarlane Pam MacFarlane Sue McNab Aneilia Szot Dawn Szot Walter Szot Gaynelle Templin Steve Wolfe | 15 |
| Yacht | Crew | Persons on board |
| NIGHT WATCH 55’ S&S/A&R custom | Skipper: David Tunick Dave Brown Jim Gage Lynne Gage Sheila McCurdy Kathy McKnight Phil McKnight | 7 |
| PENÉLOPE Nautor Swan 44 | Skipper: Stefan Holmgren Maria Holmgren John Holmgren Jessie the dog | 3 |
| SOLUTION Aage Nielsen 50 | Skipper: Carter Bacon Peggy Bacon Ashley Cadwell Louise Cadwell Patrick Curley | 5 |
| VILDANDEN Najad 440 | Skipper: Torben Pind Gale Sherman Steve Sherman | 3 |
| 15 Yachts | Total Crew (includes 2 professional captains) | 80 |
Cruise Participants
| Name | Hometown | Club Affiliation | Yacht Name |
| Doug Adkins | Seattle, WA | NAS | ALOHA |
| Susan Adkins | Seattle, WA | ALOHA | |
| Larry Ahlfert | Stockholm, Sweden | KSSS | FOXTROT |
| Henrik Andersen | GULDMAKRILLEN | ||
| Chace Anderson | Cleveland, OH | NAS | BR II |
| Josie Anderson | Cleveland, OH | BR II | |
| Bink Bacon | Cambridge, MA | NAS | SOLUTION |
| Peggy Bacon | Cambridge, MA | SOLUTION | |
| Marty Barclay | Newburyport, MA | LOYAL | |
| Christian Bernadotte | Shaker Heights, OH | BR II | |
| Marianne Bernadotte | Shaker Heights, OH | BR II | |
| Maria Bofeldt | Göteborg | GKSS | AMORE |
| Jennifer Bowden | New York, NY | HAVGAN | |
| Britt Ahlfert Brown | Cambridge, MA | FOXTROT | |
| Dave Brown | Middletown, RI | NAS | NIGHT WATCH |
| John Brown | Providence, RI | NAS | FOXTROT |
| Nick Brown | Providence, RI | NAS | FOXTROT |
| Dale Bruce | Camden, ME | CCA | CANTY |
| Doug Bruce | Camden, ME | NAS | CANTY |
| Ashley Cadwell | SOLUTION | ||
| Louise Cadwell | SOLUTION | ||
| Michael Coady | Darien, CT 06820 | NAS | GULDMAKRILLEN |
| Patrick Curley | SOLUTION | ||
| Pieter de Zwart | Ft Lauderdale, FL | NAS | HAVGAN |
| Barbara Ellis | Essex, CT | JOYRIDE | |
| Mark Ellis | Essex, CT | JOYRIDE | |
| Dianne Embree | Lyme, CT | NAS | JOYRIDE |
| Jeb Embree | Lyme, CT | NAS | JOYRIDE |
| Elaine Falkenberg | Rowayton, CT | NAS | LOYAL |
| Jim Gage | Boston, MA | NAS | NIGHT WATCH |
| Name | Hometown | Club Affiliation | Yacht Name |
| Lynne Gage, | Boston, MA | NIGHT WATCH | |
| Anne Glenn | Newport, RI | NAS | JOYRIDE |
| Larry Glenn | Newport, RI | NAS | JOYRIDE |
| Bob Godshalk | Alachua, FL | GOLDEN EYE | |
| Ernie Godshalk | Boston, MA | NAS | GOLDEN EYE |
| Charles Goodrich | Rowayton | LOYAL | |
| Neda Haxthausen | Stamford, C | NAS | GULDMAKRILLEN |
| Ove Haxthausen | Stamford, CT | NAS | GULDMAKRILLEN |
| Robert Hellman | Gothenburg, Sweden | AMORE | |
| John Holmgren | PENÉLOPE | ||
| Maria Holmgren | Kullavik, Sweden | GKSS | PENÉLOPE |
| Stefan Holmgren | Kullavik, Sweden | NAS, GKSS | PENÉLOPE |
| Ed Kane | Concord, MA | NAS | LOYAL |
| Elisabeth Lavers | Bristol, RI | NAS | FOXTROT |
| Larry Lavers | Bristol, RI | NAS | FOXTROT |
| David MacFarlane | Barrington, RI | NAS | LOYAL |
| Pam MacFarlane | Barrington, RI | LOYAL | |
| Sheila McCurdy | Middletown, RI | NAS | NIGHT WATCH |
| Vicki McGrath | Alachua, FL | GOLDEN EYE | |
| Heather McHutchinson | Tiverton, RI | FOXTROT | |
| Kathy McKnight | Williamstown, MA | NIGHT WATCH | |
| Phil McKnight | Williamstown, MA, | NAS | NIGHT WATCH |
| Sue McNab | Seattle, WA | LOYAL | |
| Bob Medland | Toronto, Ontario | JOYRIDE | |
| Sally Medland | Toronto, Ontario | JOYRIDE | |
| Joanna Miller de Zwart | Ft Lauderdale, FL | HAVGAN | |
| Harry Morgan | Cold Springs Harbor, NY | ALOHA | |
| Sue Morgan | Cold Springs Harbor, NY | ALOHA | |
| Nick Orem | Newbury, MA | NAS | HAVGAN |
| Phyllis Orem | Newbury, MA | NAS | HAVGAN |
| Torben Pind | Copenhagen | NAS | VILDANDEN |
| Martha Rogers | Camden, ME | CCA | CANTY |
| Paul Rogers | Camden, ME | NAS | CANTY |
| Name | Hometown | Club Affiliation | Yacht Name |
| William Schoettle | Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA | NAS | HAVGAN |
| Karin Settergren | Kullavik, Sweden | GKSS, NAS | KIA ORA |
| Per Settergren | Kullavik, Sweden | GKSS, NAS | KIA ORA |
| Gale Sherman | Tucson, AZ | NAS | VILDANDEN |
| Steve Sherman | Tucson, AZ | NAS | VILDANDEN |
| Aneilia Szot | Solomons, MD | LOYAL | |
| Dawn Szot | Key West, FL | LOYAL | |
| Walter Szot | Key West, FL | NAS | LOYAL |
| Gaynelle Templin | Onamia, MN | LOYAL | |
| Thomas Thesleff | Helsinki, Finland | KIA ORA | |
| Yvonne Thesleff | Helsinki, Finland | KIA ORA | |
| David Tunick | Stamford, CT | NAS, KSSS | NIGHT WATCH |
| Stephen Wolfe | Boston, MA | NAS | LOYAL |
Cruise Information for Skippers and Crew
9.1 Communications and Announcements
A daily update routine will be established, most likely via email.
9.2 Captains’ Meetings
Meetings will be held as follows:
- Monday 19 June 07.00
- Tuesday 20 June 0630
- Wednesday 21 June 0700
- Thursday 22 June 0800
- Tuesday 27 June 0800
- Wednesday 28 June 0800
- Friday 30 June 0800
Place: Close to PENÈLOPE, look for the blue GKSS Cruise chairman burgee:
9.3 VHF
International regulation for VHF traffic is used.
All vessels are expected to monitor channel 16.
Cruise information will be announced on channel 16 and directed to channel 72. If other channels are to be used, it will be announced at the captains’ meetings.
When entering harbors, to communicate with cruise members already ashore for help, switch to channel 72.
DO NOT USE CHANNEL 16 IF NOT NECESSARY.
9.4 Harbors & Mooring Culture in Sweden
Most harbors on the west coast are well protected. At the time of the cruise there should be ample space in all of them.
Normally a vessel enters a slip bow-first, but stern-first is also okay. In most harbors there are lines connected to the dock and secured to the bottom about 15 meters out from the dock; consequently, you do not need, and are not allowed, to use an anchor. The usual procedure is to pick up the lines when you have fastened your lines to the dock.
In most cases there will be people on the dock to help.
If a harbor is empty it is permissible to tie up side-to.
9.5 Harbor Fees
Each captain is responsible for paying his/her vessel’s harbor fees upon arrival.
9.6 Flag Protocol
Flag protocol is of the highest importance when entering port, especially for the first vessel from the cruise fleet.
US boats are respected and welcome in all Swedish harbors.
National Flags
1. US boats fly US flags.
2. Charter boats less than 12 meters long and beam less than 4 meters are allowed to fly the stars and stripes if the crew is American. A vessel with an American flag is more likely to attract help when docking.
3. Chartered Swedish boats over 12 meters length and 4 meters beam are registered as ships and are required to fly the flag of the country where registered.
4. Your national flag should be set in the morning at 0800 and taken down in the evening at 2100.
Courtesy Flags
1. Foreign ships fly the Swedish courtesy flag on the starboard side.
2. It is not necessary to lower the Swedish courtesy flag on your starboard side overnight. Burgees
1. All vessels from outside Scandinavia will fly a GKSS cruise burgee on the port side as guest members during the cruise. The GKSS cruise burgee will be handed out at registration. Members of KSSS, KNS, DKY, and NJK will fly their burgees according to each club’s official flag protocol.
2. The NAS burgee should be flown at the top of the mast. If not possible, the NAS burgee will be flown under the GKSS or other home club burgee on the port side if not a Swedish registered vessel. GKSS and KSSS vessels registered in Sweden will fly their NAS burgee on the starboard side under the GKSS and KSSS burgee if not at the top.
GKSS Burgees on the Cruise
There are five different GKSS burgees present on the cruise:
GKSS Commodore burgee GKSS Cruise Chairman burgee
GKSS Member burgee GKSS Honorary member
GKSS cruise fleet burgee for guest members
9.7 Weather Forecasts Weather forecasts are easy to pick up:
Websites:
• www.smhi.se
• www.dmi.dk
• www.yr.no
Weather Apps:
• Windityv
• Windy
• Vindguru
A Special Note on Wind Speed Forecasts:
WIND IS MEASURED
IN SWEDEN BY
METERS PER SECOND (m/s)
This can lead to underestimates of wind speeds: a forecast of 12-15 is pleasant if that means 12-15 knots, but not so pleasant if it means m/s… this would be the equivalent of 24-30 knots!
To convert knots into m/s,
divide by 2.
To convert m/s into knots,
multiply by 2.
20 knots = about 10 m/s
30 m/s = about 60 knots
Wind Speed Conversion Chart
| Meters per second (m/s) | Knots | Beaufort |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | 6 | |
| 4 | 8 | 3 |
| 5 | 10 | |
| 6 | 12 | 4 |
| 7 | 14 | |
| 8 | 16 | |
| 9 | 17 | 5 |
| 10 | 19 | |
| 11 | 21 | |
| 12 | 23 | 6 |
| 13 | 25 | |
| 14 | 27 | |
| 15 | 29 | 7 |
| 16 | 31 | |
| 17 | 33 | |
| 18 | 35 | 8 |
| 19 | 37 | |
| 20 | 39 | |
| 21 | 41 | 9 |
| 22 | 43 | |
| 23 | 45 | |
| 24 | 47 | |
| 25 | 49 | 10 |
| 26 | 51 | |
| 27 | 52 | |
| 28 | 54 | |
| 29 | 56 | 11 |
| 30 | 58 | |
| 31 | 60 | |
| 32 | 62 | |
| 33+ | 64+ | 12 |
9.8 Buoyage System:
Lateral Marks
Remember, lateral marks in Europe are the opposite of the US, so red will be on the left and green on the right when you are entering a harbor.
• port marks are red and may have a red flashing light of any rhythm except 2+1. • starboard marks are green and may have a green flashing light of any rhythm except 2+1.
| (Port) (Left) (Red) | (Starboard) (Right) (Green) |
Cardinal Marks
Cardinal marks indicate the direction of safety as
a cardinal (compass) direction
(north, east, south or west) relative to the mark.
This makes them meaningful regardless of the
direction or position of the approaching vessel, in
contrast to the (perhaps better-known) lateral
mark system.
A cardinal mark indicates one of the four compass
directions by:
• the direction of its two conical top-marks,
which can both point up, indicating north;
down, indicating south; towards each
other, indicating west; or away from each
other, indicating east
• its distinctive pattern of black and yellow stripes, which follows the orientation of the cones - the black stripe is in the position pointed to by the cones (e.g. at the top for a north cardinal, in the middle for a west cardinal)
• optionally, its distinctive sequence of flashing light, which consists of a sequence of quick or very quick flashes whose number gives the clockface position which corresponds to the direction of the cardinal (e.g. three for an east cardinal, nine for a west; north has continuous flashes, and south may be augmented with a long flash, to help distinguish it from a west in difficult conditions)
The topmark configurations for north and south are self-explanatory (both cones pointing up, or both pointing down). Those for east and west "follow the Sun"—the top cone points in the direction in which the rising (for an east mark) or setting (for a west mark) Sun appears to move with respect to the horizon, while the bottom cone points in the direction in which its reflection on the ocean surface appears to move.
9.9 Fuel & Pumpout
A document will be handed out separately regarding where to get fuel and empty your waste tank 9.10 In Case of Emergency: Security and Sweden Rescue
Sweden Rescue is well equipped and has many stations and boats close by on the route we are going.
In case of emergency:
Use VHF channel 16 for MAY DAY OR CALL 112 on your mobile phone.
Make sure you give your position accurately when requesting help.
9.11 Medical
In an emergency, call 112 on your mobile phone.
In harbors the Cruise Chairman, on board PENÉLOPE, will have information regarding the closest medical help.
10 Sponsors
We are grateful to the sponsors for their significant contributions to the cruise.
Thank you to:
Trendmark AB/Sebago
The agent for Musto and Sebago in Sweden, the leading nautical clothes wear company in Sweden. Trendmark is also a main sponsor of GKSS.
Seglarhotellet Käringön
The sailor’s hotel at Käringön.
Bohus Charter
One of the largest yacht chartering firms in Sweden specializing on the Swedish west coast and the agent for Hanse boats.
StensVreta Asset Management
Private equity investments in small unlisted companies in south of Sweden.
Sponsor Flags
Golden Eye, Night Watch, and Penélope will fly the sponsor flags in the forestay while at mooring.
About Sweden
General
• The Kingdom of Sweden is the 5th largest country in Europe—in terms of area—with a population of 10 million people, (22.2 residents/square km vs the USA 32.7 residents/square km).
Scandinavia
• The country of Sweden is in its shape a very long country having a long coastline, with country borders to Finland, Norway and Denmark. It is the largest country in Scandinavia.
• The main religion is Christianity.
• Sweden became a member of the United Nations in 1946, and joined the EU in 1995— but is not a member of NATO.
• The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. • The Swedish King, Gustav XVI, is the 7th King of the house of Bernadotte.
• The House of Parliament consists of six political parties with no majority government. The prime minister, Stefan Löven, represents the largest party “Socialdemokraterna.”
• Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK) (not EURO)
• Natural resources: Sweden is rich of forest, iron ore and waterpower
• The capital of Sweden is the city of Stockholm, very pretty with a lot of water and the King’s castle, located on the east coast.
• The second largest city is Göteborg (Gothenburg), on the west coast. Gothenburg is known as the industrial city of Sweden because of its history in shipbuilding, car manufacturing and is the largest port in the country
• The third city is Malmö on the south end of Sweden.
City of Stockholm - Capital of Sweden
History
Scandinavia was first known to the world through the Vikings. The Viking period started in the year of 700 CE to about 1066 when the last Viking chief “Harald Hardråde” invaded England.
Scandinavia at that time was not different countries. Viking tribes were located in the areas which we now call Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland, and made hostile forays to Scotland, England and Shetland, where they built villages and stayed. Forays were also carried out to France, Germany and Russia.
Viking long ship
The Kingdom Svea was established in the year of 1000 and the country was divided into two clans: Svear and Götar, (Folkungar). Svear was on the east coast and Götar on the west coast. Many battles and different kings were appointed until Birger Jarl, with roots in Götar, was able to unite the country as head (but not king) in 1248.
The arms of Sweden
The Lions in the arms of Sweden are the symbol of Folkungar (Götar), and a lion is also the city symbol of Göteborg. The three crowns are a religious symbol.
At the time the Danish Kings attacked and ruled parts of the country and in the end all parts of it until Gustav Vasa once and for all defeated the Danish King Kristian II and was elected King of Sweden in 1523.
Gustav Vasa
The Gustav Vasa family ran the country until 1751. During this period the two most famous and ambitious Swedish kings, Gustav II Adolf and Karl XII, enlarged the Swedish Kingdom substantially.
Gustav II Adolf dies at the Battle of Lutzen
Gustav II Adolf (1594-1632), a war king who died at the battle of Lutzen in Germany, played a leading role in the 30-year war with Germany and extended the Swedish borders to include Finland, Norway, parts of Germany, Poland, and Denmark once and a while. Stockholm is now located in the middle of the kingdom.
His grand grandson Karl XII, (1682-1718), also a keen war King, decided to take back what was lost after his grand grandfather died. Karl started new wars and extended the Swedish empire once again to hold Poland, Baltic states, Finland, Norway, large parts of Germany and Russia. He died in battle in Norway.
Carl XII and his soldiers (“Karoliner” in blue/yellow uniforms)
The Vasa family died out in 1751 and was succeeded by the German family Gottorp.
The Gottorp family held the crown for a short period and died out in 1818, when the Swedish parliament elected a new King from the family of Bernadotte, King Karl XIV Johan, an officer and nobleman from France, close to Napoleon. The Bernadotte family still holds the Swedish crown today.
During all these wars all of Sweden’s occupied countries were lost. Sweden tried to hold Norway as a union but Norway was at last declared independent in 1905.
From being a violent nation Sweden is now peaceful and has not today been involved in war action since 1814.
During the first and second World Wars, Sweden declared itself to be neutral.
Important dates in Swedish history
6 June National day - celebration of election King Gustav Vasa 1523
24 June Midsummer – to celebrate the lightest day of the year, summer solstice http://sweden.se/culture-traditions/midsummer/
1905 Norway is declared independent from Sweden
1919 Women’s voting right
1953 Dag Hammarskjöld appointed general secretary of the United Nations and was probably murdered in a plane crash in Zambia 1961.
1959 Ingemar Johansson from Gothenburg, becomes Heavy weight Champion beating Floyd Pattersson at Yankee Stadium
1986 Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme is murdered in Stockholm.
Industrial history
From a political point of view the country has had the opportunity to focus on industrial development during a long peacetime and was able to take advantage of its natural resources. Sweden was an early adapter of new technology in all fields and welcomes digitalization.
The Swedish model of a modern society accelerated after 1945, when large parts of Europe were suffering from the war. Swedish companies grew rapidly and the country took a role as one of the leading industrial countries in Europe.
• Alfred Nobel invented the high explosive powder, dynamite, in 1866 and established a trust with his fortune that every year makes a substantial donation worldwide to research and achievements in scientific areas called “The Nobel Prize”.
• Ericsson Company was very early in producing telephones world wide
• ASEA – manufactures trains and all sorts of industrial heavy machines
• Electrolux – manufactures house hold machines
• Volvo cars – manufactures cars, trucks and industrial machines
• SAAB – these days SAAB builds fighting aircraft “Jas Gripen” and defense systems. • SAAB Automobile went bankrupt in 2012.
• IKEA - manufactures furniture
• And part of that history is also of course the music group ABBA, tennis player Björn Borg, producer Ingmar Bergman and actresses Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman.
Sweden today
With a strange political situation with no real majority the country is in favor of and often leans towards the EU. Germany is Sweden’s largest trading partner.
During the terror in Syria, Sweden has welcomed more refugees per capita than any other country in Europe, but closed the borders a year ago because of problems taking care of the people coming.
With the ongoing situation in the world, Brexit, ISIS, Syria, new winds from the US and Russia in Ukraine, the Swedish parliament is allocating more funds to the defense budget than in past years.
As in many countries the nationalist party has gotten stronger and now holds about 15% of the votes in parliament. The next election in Sweden is in 2018.