The weather forecast is checked. Forecast: 4 wind forces from the northwest and sun. So nothing stands in the way of a pleasant first day of sailing. We start near St. Peter-Ording - the destination is Helgoland, about 30 nautical miles away.
We cast off, leave the harbor and are looking forward to a calm trip, but we don't notice any of the predicted wind, so we let the engine run for the time being and set course towards Helgoland under engine power. No first sailing day, but nevertheless a wonderful day at sea. Besides, even a family of porpoises followed us in the afternoon - what a great experience.
We are getting closer and closer to Helgoland, a green buoy on starboard, a red one on port and we are at the harbor, where we are the third ship to enter the pack. Towards the evening many more ships arrive, so that the packs grow up to thirteen boats.
We stay only two days on Helgoland, which is known for many sea creatures, big waves and incredible diversity. The original larger island broke up in 1721; since then the island known as Dune has existed. Only about 1300 people live here - people know each other.
In the morning after our arrival we go with one of the traditional Helgoland boats to the dune to watch seals and to walk a little on the beach. Unbelievable how many animals are lying here, our ranger gives us during the walk a lot of information about the animals, such as their eating behavior, that they are not always lying here on the beach and much much more.
Exhausted from the day and back at the harbor, a delicious meal is already waiting for us on board our friends - who are moored at the harbor today. Freshly caught mackerel, with rosemary potatoes. Delicious!
We end the day with a few beers and some wine and look forward to what awaits us tomorrow.
It has increased overnight a bit in wind, so we decided to sail already today further, and use the weather just as we love it. Fortunately we were awake early, so we can leave early and start our journey towards Borkum. We have planned about 14 hours for it, in order to be able to moor in the evening in the port.
Wind is about 25 knots. Full of anticipation - freshly cast off - we first have a large coffee. Besides we listen to a CD with old songs from Helgoland, which we bought the day before on the island.
First we sail south-west to stay clear of thick freighters and the traffic separation area, then west along the East Frisian Islands. The wind is blowing hard, which makes the crossing a bit more adventurous than the outward journey. After a long day at sea, the island of Borkum comes into view and we sail through the Riffgatt towards the island.
A last time turn to port, and drove the last meters towards the port, we arrived safely. The next day we took the train into town, walked up to the promenade, ate a fish sandwich - plus soup - saw old acquaintances and in the evening back to the port. Simply wonderful.
We have been coming to Borkum for years, feel at home here and will be here for two weeks.
Until then we send our best regards,
your Team Nordlust
