Getting over my fear of big ships (and naked sailors?) in the Kiel canal #13

I’m scared of getting close to the big ships. Which is exactly what we are about to do many times over the course of one day, as we enter the Kiel canal. I was quite excited to take the Kiel canal on our sailboat, even if that meant a full day of motoring. The perspective of going into locks for the first time in the most trafficked man-made channel in the world felt appealing. When I started to realize that it probably meant we were going to get quite close to the big ships that scare me so much, the Kiel canal became a little more daunting of a place. Our first close encounter with a big ship occurred 5 minutes after our exit of the locks, as our neighbor passed us, forming a big wake that bounced us properly. Less than an hour later, an even bigger ship appeared in front of us, scaring the living h*** out of me. We cozied up with many big ships that day, and if exposure counts as therapy, the Kiel canal should have cured my fear of big ships permanently (the story shows that this isn’t true…) The constant proximity with other ship came to take a more awkward turn later that day, as we very slowly passed a bare-skinned sailor on his sailboat. Ryan told me the guy seemed to wear no shirt, and as I hand steered to passed him, I realized he wasn’t wearing pants either. I accelerated to make the awkward moment as fast as possible. While I was embarrassed by the situation, Ryan wondered about the clotheless sailor the entire day. The locks passage in Holtenau was way smoother, and for 5 minutes, I really appreciated entering the North Sea. 5 minutes later, I realized traffic, boats and proximity with big ships was actually way worse in the Elbe river than it was in the canal. After a couple of close calls near a big ships anchorage, we eventually enjoyed a nice sunset before arriving in Cuxhaven, after 14 hours of motoring. I can rarely film our arrival. Partly because we shorthand Polar Seal and I haven’t found a way to have the camera out, partly because I’m generally dead-tired when we arrive. That day, Ryan and I had a “docking argument”(they are classic), that we managed to eventually laugh about. We arrived in Cuxhaven safe, sound, and richer of experience. Next week, we start answering the questions you’ve sent us! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** GEAR ** ⛵️Our boat: Polar Seal, 2007 Beneteau Oceanis 40, owners version (2 cabins layout) 🎥 Photo & Film gear Our camera: https://amzn.to/2KyC8mi Image stabilizing lens: https://amzn.to/2Kiq89i Our microphone: https://amzn.to/2Ix8MQd Microphone windjammer: https://amzn.to/2KeEmYS Our action camera: https://amzn.to/2Ky8IBS Our drone: https://amzn.to/2tDjRdU 🌊 Foul weather gear & Equipment Foul weather jacket: https://amzn.to/2lGSzyW Foul weather pants / Bibs: https://amzn.to/2N6AF5h Life jackets /PFB: https://amzn.to/2INKJNk Ryan’s foul weather jacket: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/skagen-offshore-jacket-33907 Sophie’s middle layer jacket: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/aegir-h2flow-jacket-33905 ⚠️ Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. As a friend of Ryan & Sophie Sailing, you allow us to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate links! We only disclose links for products that we use and love, and believe you will love too. If you shop on Amazon, you can support this channel at no cost by using the link: https://www.amazon.com/?tag=ryansophiesai-20 Thank you for supporting this channel! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** LINKS 🖇** http://www.ryanandsophie.com // Videos, stories, photos and other goodies of our travel and sailing adventure https://www.facebook.com/ryanandsophiesailing | Short stories and videos of our life onboard. https://www.instagram.com/ryan_and_sophie_sailing | Sweet photos of our sailing and the places we visit. https://www.twitter.com/ryan_and_sophie | Ask us short questions, get fast answers! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL FOR FREE! 🙌🏻 ** 🛒 If you shop with Amazon, you can support us at no cost to you by using this link: https://www.amazon.com/?tag=ryansophiesai-20 You pay the same and Amazon gives us a little share of their profit, which helps us. We really appreciate your support! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** CONTACT 📬 ** Say hi! 📩 ryanandsophieonaboat@gmail.com