Midsummer Nights at Finnskär and Suppskär

July 11th. Me and my friend Per set out on Iris for a few days in the outer archipelago. No agenda, no deadlines — just the two of us, some provisions, and a vague plan to head east.

Finnskär

Our first stop was Finnskär — a small island in the outer archipelago with a well-sheltered bay that's perfect for anchoring. We dropped the hook and settled in. No docks, no people, just rocks and pines and still water.

The Sunset That Never Ended

We rowed ashore and walked up to one of the highest points on the island. From up there, the view was endless — water and skerries in every direction. And then the sunset started.

From about 21:00 until well past 23:00, the sky shifted through every shade of orange, red, and yellow. It never really got dark — this time of year, the sun barely dips below the horizon before it starts climbing again. We just sat there, taking it in.

Suppskär — Riding Out the Weather

The next day the forecast turned: wind and rain on the way. We weighed anchor and headed for Suppskär, a tiny, tight spot that offered good shelter from what was coming.

There we met up with our friend Albert, who arrived with his boat Dansa, and Per's girlfriend Bea joined us as well.

We moored up side by side and spent two nights riding out the wind and rain. It could have been miserable — but it was actually really cozy. Good company makes all the difference. With two boats rafted together, good chefs on board, and plenty of food and stories to share, the bad weather barely mattered.

A perfect summer sail. Not every trip has to be about miles and destinations — sometimes it's about the anchorage, the sunset, and the people you share it with.

— Marcus