Sweet September Solo Sailing

September 28th. The days are getting shorter, the air is crisper, and the archipelago is emptying out. Perfect conditions for a solo trip.

I motor-sailed out to Härsö — one of those spots that rewards you for making the effort. Two hours from door to door, with the sun sinking the whole way out.

Since I was on my own, I decided to anchor out in the bay rather than trying to manoeuvre alongside a dock single-handed. Dropped the hook, inflated the dinghy, and motored in.

Predikstolen

The main attraction at Härsö is the climb up to Predikstolen — a rock outcrop high above the bay. From up there you can see Iris sitting at anchor far below, looking tiny against the water. It's one of those views that makes you stop and just take it in.

September Sunsets

The sunsets this time of year are something else. Low light, warm colours, and that particular golden hour that seems to last forever in late September. Watched the sun go down from the cliffs and again from the cockpit — couldn't get enough of it.

Cozy Evenings On Board

The 6kW diesel heater keeps the cabin warm and comfortable even when the temperature drops in the evening — autumn sailing doesn't have to mean suffering. Woke up to a calm morning, made breakfast in the cockpit — cheese sandwiches, porridge, and tea — and just sat there for a while, watching the water.

The sauna at Härsö is also well worth a visit. Nothing quite like warming up in a wood-fired sauna after a day in the autumn air, then stepping out to the cool evening by the water.

Solo sailing in September — highly recommended.

— Marcus