Barbórka Cruise

     It has become a tradition for Conceptsailing that we organize the “Barbórka Cruise”, if the boat is in Poland. This time we are sailing Nashachata II. The weather forecast is not very encouraging: it says S to SW above 8 and heavy rain. Disregarding the weather, a team of eight people from Kraków, packed in two cars, head north. There are twelve berths on the yacht and the rest of the crew will join us in Gdańsk. When passing Toruń we receive a phone call from David asking how to start Webasto, so we know that a warmed up mess is awaiting us. Before midnight we are on the quay. The wind is really strong but to call this an 8 would be a slight exaggeration. We are very happy with the high sea level because a crane has been ordered for Monday and we will be lifting the boat out of the sea for the winter. The second part of the crew arrived with some delay and due to the maneuvers planned for Saturday the entertainment part of the trip was performed in a limited group.
     We spent a rainless albeit windy morning consulting the planned reconstruction and modernization of the interior, unloading equipment and the initial setting of supports for the yacht. Early in the afternoon we set sail. After all, we need to perform a trial approach to the wharf available for the crane. Unfortunately, during the night the wind turned to the S and blew water from the marina. We couldn't approach further than the second dolphin. All we can hope for now is a change in wind direction. OK, direction - Hel. Wind S 6-7, flat water, we are sailing broad reach slightly over 11 knots. Closer to Hel – more swinging, plans to sail around the peninsula abandoned near cardinal mark, the reason is a pre-ordered dinner and approaching darkness. When contacting the harbour master we received a warning that the pool is heavily rocking and one yacht has already decided not to moor. Decision made – we're entering and we'll see how it looks. Inside the yacht basin Zjawa IV is bravely swinging. Despite high waves, Zbyszek parked very efficiently. By the way, thanks to the crew of Zjawa for receiving hawsers. Grateful for the miraculous deliverance, we headed Maszoperia to have our dinner. We spent the rest of the evening in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
     On Sunday early morning around noon we threw our moorings and traveled back to Górki Zachodnie. SW wind, the yacht went wonderfully, part of the crew even acted as ballast. A nice surprise awaiting us in Górki - the water is up so there is a chance to get close to the waterfront. A slight obstacle at the second dolphin - fast, brave decision, full speed and we jumped over a peak. At the quay we unrigged the yacht, moved everything possible into the container and said goodbye to part of the Kraków team. Six of us left for further work.
     Monday morning we spent on preparations for pulling Nashachat II out. The 160-ton crane ordered for noon arrived even earlier, but the preparations took a while therefore we started the operation at about 1pm. It was not easy. Longer than 20m, 46.5 ton - impressive (even if we deduct the hook, chains and slings weight). We lacked the capacity to put the boat at the scheduled space but fortunately only about a meter. Positioning, setting props, etc., etc. lasted until dusk. After a quick meal we moved the remaining equipment and secured the installations against freezing. We headed towards Kraków after 8pm to check in at home by the dawn.
     Now the yacht is secured for winter and lots of further preparations for future expeditions awaiting.