This summer, our cruise is set to take us north through the western Baltic and into the Kattegat. How far we will eventually get remains to be seen. Before the real adventure begins, however, we first move Blue Layla westwards along Germany’s Baltic coast. With the prevailing westerlies in mind, we want to start the cruise from a position that gives us a useful westing. Our first leg, from Warnemünde to Fehmarn, goes entirely to plan. Despite an unsettled weather pattern bringing dramatic cloudscapes, frequent showers and more than a little spray in the cockpit, we make steady progress under sail.

After some 30 nautical miles of alternating sunshine and rain, the south-eastern tip of Fehmarn comes into view (above). A little later, the distinctive Fehmarn Sound Bridge appears ahead (below), followed by Staberhuk Lighthouse, looking particularly atmospheric in the rain.

By the end of the day, we are safely alongside in Burgtiefe harbour on Fehmarn (below). Our westing has increased by just under one degree of longitude – a worthwhile start to the voyage.