Neustadt

We agreed that the last longer stretch before we "stood on" the canal system should take place for sails.

Shortly after we had left the port of Burgtiefe, we turned off the engine and were pushed down by the wind towards Neustadt at a speed of 5 knots - pure whipped cream sailing.

It was hot and a little sad.

The wind lied and halved our speed, yet we were determined to use it only as a driving force.

Even when the chartplotter changed the expected arrival time (ETA) until midnight, we did not change the mind.

But as coal-black clouds pulled up inland, we started the engine and pulled the sails in.

We were very happy with that.

Shortly afterwards the wind came with a bang just against us with a force of 12m / s.

The harbor was shrouded in a hail of rain and there were white peaks on the small rough waves, but when we reached the sun broke through and the wind lied off.

Neustadt, which despite its name was founded in 1244, has 2 ports.

A modern marina with room for 1.400 boats and an old and cozy harbor, located up to the city.

We found in the old harbor and a free space between 2 poles.

We were well tired, went to bed at 1am. 21.30 and slept like rocks for the next morning.

We decided to stay in Neustadt and go to Travemünde on Monday to get ready for the branch at Böbs Werft on Tuesday.

We must also have arranged something else. 

The fridge broke down on the way to Burgstiefe, almost with a swan song just before it completely stopped. It could indicate that the compressor is gone. Böbs Werft has been briefed and has ordered a man who can repair or replace it on Tuesday. Until now, we have managed to buy a bag of ice cubes every day and put it among the food in the cupboard. We must then continue to do so on Tuesday.

We have also obtained offers - for safety's sake two - for the transport of the rig to Port Napoleon in the south of France.

Mast, boom and other rig depart by car from Travemunde on Monday 19 September and are (hopefully) ready for us when we get there at some point.

We have cycled in the area, slept long, relaxed and eaten at a couple of good restaurants, including a local mini-brewery with a fish restaurant. 

Here Saturday night, the weather forecast says gale force winds from the northeast on Monday. It is a bad direction for our 9sm stretch to Travemünde.

We therefore change the plan and leave either tomorrow Sunday or early Tuesday morning.