Mainland Finland gets closer

The next couple of days saw a mixture of light winds on the nose and just free enough to sail close hauled on my course.  I know a purist would tack upwind but I've earned the right to be lazy!  The engine therefore played its part and behaved well.  Until I was a mile from harbour and throttled back whilst I rigged lines, fenders and dropped the sails.  It didn't like low revs and soon overheated again, so I haven't solved the problem yet.  The next harbour had a Volvo agent just a mile away.  I telephoned to enquire about spare parts and the guy promised to call me back.  Despite a reminder I'm still waiting for the return call a day later.  Finns are no better when it comes to customer service than Brits it seems and I thought we had a monopoly on bad service.

I've now reached mainland Finland on the Hanko Peninsular.  Only about 50 miles further to Helsinki.  I'll email the girls and tell them I've been battling strong winds and big seas getting here.  But they won't believe me.  They never believe a word I tell them!

Salmon to die for.  Well the salmon did!

I'm in Hangoby and I'm told the best smoked fish supplier resides here.  President Putin is a customer I'm told.  Is that a good recommendation?

Joan and Geoff on Symphony got in this morning so I'm sure we'll share a drink this evening.

I had some of the salmon this evening.  Putin knows how to eat well!