Sweden
From Skipper2Skipper
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General
Even for the experienced amateur sailor, sailing in Swedish waters takes on a whole new and unexpected meaning.
Not only because of the varied coastlines around Sweden, but also due to the large lakes which have excellent water for sailing by pleasure boat. The canal systems with its locks carry you into the lake system and across Sweden via the Göta Canal.
Our beautiful coastlines filled with islands and lakes offer fantastic experiences of nature with a rich bird life and unrestricted angling. Pay attention to the nautical charts if you are not used to navigating shallow waters. Sea-eagles and herons are common sights around the coast and on the large lakes.
Every time you go ashore you will find areas rich in cultural heritage with many inhabited islands where fishing and agriculture are still practised and where service to both seafarers and residents is offered. You can buy fresh or smoked fish directly from the fisherman.
The relatively unknown Swedish Archipelago offers sailors the choice of protected calm waters or the challenge of blue water cruising, all in a setting of stunning beauty. The hundreds of smoothly shaped islands form a necklace of sheltered natural harbours and red traditional fishing villages. Why not stop by one of the many quaint fishing towns and buy fresh prawns, a speciality in this region, or buy live crab and lobster and boil onboard for a tantalising lunch al fresco. Life in many of the picturesque little towns of the West Coast seems to have changed little since the 19th century and the pace of life is slow and relaxing.
Up in the north-west corner of Europe, Sweden forms half of the Scandinavian peninsula. The tongue of Sweden divides the Baltic from the North Sea and the country's two coasts offer an infinite variety of cruising.
On the west coast the most attractive cruising area is from the Norwegian border to Göteborg, while on the east coast the most picturesque region is the Stockholm archipelago and the area to the south of it. To these should be added the various inland waterways, the best known being the Göta Canal, a scenic route which allows a yacht to sail from one side of Sweden to the other without the necessity to drop its mast. There are secluded anchorages and pretty villages throughout southern Sweden, making it one of the most attractive cruising destinations in Europe.
Provisioning is easy everywhere with the exception of the remoter areas and in many places it is possible to come alongside a dock close to a grocery store. Fuel is not so widely available away from the larger centres. LPG containers can only be filled with the proper adaptor and this can only be done in some of the major towns.
There are only a few marinas, although mooring facilities are available everywhere. Most moorings belong to the Swedish Cruising Club, are painted red or blue and can also be used by foreign visitors either for short stays in daytime or for the night. Private moorings may also be used, either with permission, or if the absent owner has left a prominent green card indicating the berth is free.
The biggest marinas are in Stockholm (Vasahamn) and Göteborg, and this is also where most repair facilities are located. The standard of repair work is good throughout Sweden, but it may be difficult finding repair facilities in the more remote areas. For any major repair it is best to head for one of the larger yachting centres where almost everything is available.
Charts
#53 Ports on the East Coast of Sweden - Pitea and Lulea #57 Ports on the East Coast of Sweden #62 Ports on the East Coast of Sweden #70 Ports on the East Coast of Sweden
Weather
Through the array of islands in the archipelago and the narrow sounds of the inland lakes, winds are formed where you least expect them along with fluctuations you have seldom experienced before. In the early part of summer, when the water is still cold and the weather is fine, a strong onshore wind builds up during the afternoon and evening. In most cases it comes quickly and with force. Be prepared!
