Crossing the canal at Kiel is never boring | step 32

The morning starts with a delightful encounter with a seal sporting a charming red crest at the jollen spot. After some last-minute preparations, including shopping and dog walks, the crew casts off at 11:15, just before the tide comes in. The initial leg of the journey sees the boat making impressive speeds of over 8 knots, thanks to the tide and a favorable downwind course and the strategic use of the Genoa/jib. Around 2 PM, we smoothly navigate through the Brünsbuttel lock, a solo passage that costs them €21, paid online in advance. As we enter the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal (NOK), the weather remains mild with only small, wispy showers. The cutter jib proves to be an excellent choice for the sheltered, winding channel, providing consistent speed and easy handling. This calm passage is particularly enjoyable for Reef, the ship's canine companion, who relishes the freedom to roam the deck and observe the abundant birdlife. Despite reaching Channel Gieselau at 18:30, we decide to press on, aiming to make significant progress through the NOK. They notice an increase in motorhomes along the shore, with more people waving as they pass. By 20:00, they reach Rendsburg, where they find a welcoming berth at the BYC harbor, a fortunate choice given the poor maintenance and lack of availability at our usual port. The following day brings a more leisurely start, with the crew and dog waking at 7:30 and taking their time to depart. The navigation proves challenging due to heavy ascending freight traffic, requiring frequent adjustments to their speed. Despite these obstacles, they manage to join a lock alongside a large vessel and several other small boats, a slightly nerve-wracking but ultimately successful maneuver. Concerns about Reef's wellbeing and the crew's own fatigue lead to a change in plans. Instead of pushing on to Maasholm, we opt for a shorter journey to Laboe Harbour. Here, they find a pleasant berth and enjoy some sunshine. The evening is capped off with a refreshing walk for Reef on the Hundestrand and dinner at an Italian restaurant by the harbor. The next leg of their journey takes them from Germany to Denmark. An early start sees them departing Laboe at 10:00, initially sailing at a leisurely 5 knots before picking up speed as the wind increases. Despite some showers, we make good progress, reaching speeds between 7 and 8.5 knots. They arrive in Sonderborg at 16:30, navigating through a bridge opening before mooring at the high quay. The following day in Sonderborg is spent at a relaxed pace, exploring the lively city center and preparing for the upcoming Midsommer celebrations. They even encounter Bodil, a famous Norwegian Forest Cat known to roam the town. After restocking supplies, albeit at inflated prices, they set sail for the Dyvig anchorage, maintaining their policy of minimal engine use. At the anchorage, they enjoy the peacefulness of being at anchor, taking Reef for dinghy rides and walks ashore. They indulge in some wine at a pricey but charming hotel restaurant before returning to their boat for dinner. The final day of this video finds us still at Dyvig, where inclement weather encourages a day of relaxation on board. We make a morning trip ashore for supplies and enjoy Reef's newfound enthusiasm for dinghy rides. The day is spent on various boat maintenance tasks, route planning, and simply enjoying the tranquility of our anchorage. #shallowwater #sailing #adventure