07 - 19 May: Back in the water

May 2014: Time to resume our Baltic Adventure ...

We set off from Bosham to Harwich with a car full of boat stuff and took the overnight ferry to Esbjerg, Denmark.  We then drove across Denmark and Sweden to the Sune Carlsson Boatyard in Neglinge, East of Stockholm, where Astraia has been stored on land for the winter, wrapped in sort-of industrial cling film!

We were pleased with how well she had survived the Swedish winter (which this year was milder than usual anyway).  She quickly felt quite warm and cosy again as soon as we got some heating on.  But there was still quite a bit of physical hard work before she would be ready to be lifted back into the water.

We had to put on 2 coats of antifouling ...

... and clean and polish the hull ...

... and meanwhile Charles got the engine, generator, plumbing etc back into commission and refitted the rebalanced and good-as-new propeller ...

After each day's work, we relaxed at the Grand Hotel and Spa in Saltsjöbaden, where we had a lovely room with a view at the 'locals' rate'! 

Eventually Astraia was ready to be lifted back into the water very efficiently by the boatyard's big crane ...

... and she really looked quite smart!

We could then move back to live on the boat and continue to get her provisioned and ready for the sailing season.

During this time, we also took the opportunity to go into Stockholm and meet my sister, Allie, and Mona at their apartment ...

... and celebrated both their birthdays at Ho's Chinese Restaurant.

Here are some of the lovely views around Saltsjöbaden ...

... on a sunny day ...

... and in the early morning light ...

Now the boat is ready and we're ready to set off - Astraia's Baltic Adventure continues, starting tomorrow!