Jul 1, 2020

A 100% Success and Record Race!

12 hours ahead of "Plan A", our 100% female racing crew docked back in Sandhamn after a race around Gotland and against many odds. A tough race covering some 290 NM in harsh winds and with several untested challenges on the menu. Even if yet only judged by ourselves, we consider it a success. And in several aspects: First of all, no one was hurt and the boat is back and intact, secondly the girls, that never before had sailed all together, did it at great speed and with great spirit onboard from the start to the finish line. Thirdly a potential Smaragd speed record was set in the surfs on the leg Hoburgen-Sandhamn: 14.2 knots...with two reefs in the main sail and not even the storm jib in action up front.

All safely back home with tons of new experiences and brimming with well-earned self-esteem. From left: Siri, Hanna, Hanna, Inez, and Elin.

SUNDAY – START FROM SANDHAMN

Five girls sailing together for the first time, leaving the mainland for the stretch over to Fårö on Northern Gotland...

MONDAY – GOING WEST OR EAST OF FÅRÖ?

Great winds, beautiful settings, and tricky decisions to make: – What is best for us when reaching the southern tip tomorrow and the wind will pick up to 15-20 msek and we are heading back north to Sandhamn? Inez by the tiller.

TUESDAY – GOOD WIND, HEADWIND, NO WIND...

On the east side outside Östergarn, heading south. Siri is either asleep or checking the charts...no matter what, seemingly enjoying the good times onboard a little sailboat.

WEDNESDAY – PASS BY HOBURGEN AND THEN RETURN NORTH FOR THE FINISH LINE

A chat with the team after just passing the south tip of Gotland, turning back up to Stockholm just before the strong winds were to hit them...

After reefing, surfing, and diving into big waves, the crew could spot the Almagrundet lighthouse...and enjoy some more rain.

Well...

Back after a completed race, gaining valuable experience and being even more convinced that next year's race will be even more exciting...

Happy, safe and fast...but hey, there are more aspects than safety and speed on the success list: Despite the COVID-19 cancellation of the official Gotland Runt race – that would have included some hundred participating boats, tenth of thousands of spectators and crowded events before, during and after the race – awareness about the Agenda 2030 has been raised by this unplugged single boat version:

Racing awareness:

Aspects and efforts we strive for and share on the water and online as we go:

Goal No 3:

Good health and well being – filtered water, organic ingredients, sailing

Goal No 4:

Quality Eduation – teaming up with UN's Clean Seas and their educational program and developing a popup academy program...and bringing the issues to surface by exposing colorful and unique art on our hull

Goal No 5:

Gender equality – Female crew in a man dominated sport

Goal No 6:

Clean water and sanitation – toxic free coating, electric engine, all organic foods and organic and biodegradable cleaning and hygiene products only

Goal No 7:

Affordable and Clean Energy – electric engine, solar panels, solar oven and slow cooking, fuel saving cooking equipment and methods

Goal No 12:

Responsible consumption and production – electric engine, organic food only, bulk purchases only, zero waste, no single use plastics and composting of all food scraps and leftovers