RIB cruise to the Baltic - Page 2

Nick Hearne · 27 July 2004, 10:56

Good luck, keep the photos coming!
Nick

grahamf · 29 July 2004, 18:27

Andre strated his return trip (UK to Poland) in the new Parker cabin Rib, this time by sea. He will be sending me updates via SMS which I will post as I receive them.

He started his voyage today, leaving Ramsgate at approximately 14:00 bound for Amsterdam !

The Jackeens · 29 July 2004, 18:39

Great news. Travel safely Andre & Crew.

Really look forward to reading about the trip Graham.

Us

Daniel TD5 · 29 July 2004, 18:47

good luck will be reading the posts as they come

dan

Andre · 31 July 2004, 08:46

We have a change of plans. Yesterday we left Holland and we have decided to go round Denmark. Last night we wre at Esbjerg on the western coast of Denmark and we are just about to leave (09.30 hrs 31.07.2004) now and we are heading for Alborg tonight.

Louise · 31 July 2004, 08:56

Glad to hear you've completed the first leg of your journey safely.

Hope you're taking some pictures!!!

Looking forward to seeing you later this month.

bogib · 31 July 2004, 10:02

Good to hear the trip is going well, Alborg is nice town, but beware of that all restaurant close early, this goes for all Denmark.

You must try out the Danish tradition "Smörrebröd" fully loaded bread I would say.

Good journey

Bogi

grahamf · 31 July 2004, 18:19

Well as Andre is obviously checking up I had better prost some more news from his trip !!

After leaving the UK, they headed for Ijmuiden on the Dutch coast, just to the west of Amsterdam. They enjoyed calm seas, and were able maintain speeds of around 35-37 knots.

They were pleased to be met by Jaap, who is the Dutch distributor for Parker ribs; he came out by RIB and accompanied them into port. Andre claims they stayed in a hotel in Ijmuiden, and never went near Amsterdam.

The next morning (Friday 30/7/2004) they fuelled up and left for Denmark, rather than navigating through the Kiel canal as originally planned.

grahamf · 31 July 2004, 18:29

Weather conditions again have permitted swift progress, with average speeds of 37 knots being reported yesterday on route to Esberg in Denmark.

Andre confirmed that they had arrived safely in Esberg, Denmark last night having covered approximately 250 NM at speeds of between 30 and 37 knots.

grahamf · 31 July 2004, 18:31

This morning (Saturday 31/7/2004), Andre confirmed that they planned to leave Esberg and continue up the west coast of Denmark, and try and make as much progress as possible whilst the weather conditions remain favourable.

Destination not confirmed ......

grahamf · 31 July 2004, 23:41

Andre has arrived at Alborg, situated at the eastern end of the Limfjorden, having taken a shortcut to miss out the northern tip of the west of Denmark.

Tomorrow they set out to reach Copenhagen, before travelling on to Malmo in Sweden. Weather permitting they plan to reach the Polish port of Swinoujscie on Monday morning.

David B · 01 August 2004, 20:40

Well this is from the lads themselves. Weather getting worse conditions varible 3 - 5 large swells however maintaining good speed despite the lumpy ride. Rib performing beyond expectations and all crew well and safe and sound. We are in the old port of Dragoen just opposite the new bridge to Malmo. We intend weather permitting to leave early in the morning to head South to the port of Swinoujscie in Poland.We have met up with Rene and had a beer together in the old fort where he was havinbg a barbecue.
Trip has been interesting with a various sea conditions encountered. We have run well offshore at times and experienced from moderate to difficult sea states.We look forward to the last leg at a leisure pace for the remainder of the journey. The last leg is to be the whole length of the Polish coast visiting on route many different ports.

For now best regards to all from Andre David and Dog xxxxxxxxxx

Pictures and full details to come soon when we recover !!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Andre · 01 August 2004, 21:00

Just to continue what David started we should arrive to swinoujscie tomorrow late afternoon where we will stay the night. The next day head south for the Port of Szczecin. then head back for the coast and take a steady pace along the beautiful Polish coast visiting several ports on route and ending up in Gdansk on friday.
On monday 9th we fly back home

must go cos closing internet cafe

Andre · 02 August 2004, 06:46

Just a quick up date before we are off. The weather looks good so breakfast and we are off,
this morning I received an SMS from Kevin (AY) saying We are off next stop Iceland.
This was sent yesterday but did not receive till now
.
Have a safe trip Kevin

and hope all goes well and you have a fantastic cruise and the weather is good to you. Get back safe.

We at least had a hotel to look forward to and a good meal whereas you.
But nevertheless it was hard work to get this far.
Fantastic view of the bridge to Malmo. will post some pictures on my return

Rene · 02 August 2004, 10:25

Hi Andre and Crew

I was very nice to meet up with you. All my friends where saying, What a nice bunch of people.

Carsten now want's to move to England ???

To the rest of Ribnet I have just recieved an SMS from Andre that they are 37 miles from "swinoujscie" hope I spelled it right...

Safe journey to all of you.

Regards
Rene

Mike C · 02 August 2004, 10:36

Just recieved a text from Andre to say he is just 20nm from the Polish Coast. Well done Andre. Very envious!

Don't drink too much polish Vodka..... You know what it does to you!

(And good luck to Kevin in the Atlantic too. Got your text - won't reply - cost you a fortune!)

Mike C

Andre · 06 August 2004, 18:11

Well guys , we are now enjoying a fantastic break in Gdynia/Gdansk having completed the rib cruise to Gdynia Poland taking the longer route round Jutland.
Has anyone done this route before in a rib. I know that a few years ago Jan Falkowski in Mary Mouse on route to Sweden stopped off in Swinoujscie but I believe he travelled via Kiel
The weather here at the moment is just great, very hot . Dog and I will return on Monday and David has decided he is going to stay on for a couple of weeks to enjoy the good Polish and good weather. The wife and kids will of course be joining him.

we have had a fantastic run and will post some pictures on my return with some info of the cruise, like stopovers, fuel, weather, Nm per day and some good tips

Here is one . Should you need to fuel up in a Danish marina then - know your PIN for your credit card. I did not and having run out of Danish currency and the banks being closed a very kind Danish powerboat chap offered the use of his credit card and accepted from me my Euros

Mike we are for sure staying away from any Polish vodka it is just too HOT here

, but the cool beer is GREAT

a great shame the Jolly Sailor did not share our fortune
but Guys well done what counts is that you are now back home safe.
Kevin we must meet up soon. PM me your new mobile number. Neptune is not responding to my calls

Louise · 09 August 2004, 13:01

Hi Andre & crew,

Great to hear you had a good cruise. Hope to see you on Wednesday!

Andre · 10 August 2004, 20:56

Well got back yesterday late afternoon. It was a fantastic cruise one I would not have wanted to miss. David liked Poland so much that he even flew his family out to enjoy a full week on the Polish coast.

I took over 120 photos so will select a few good ones and post over the next few days.
I believe only a few ribs from the UK have ventured into the Baltic and if we had had more time then the I would have liked to have gone round the Isle of Bornholm and then to Stockholm. Perhaps one day.

Louise · 10 August 2004, 20:57

Looking forward to seeing the piccies, Andre.