Segelfreunde

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You can sail well on the schooner 'La Marie Chantal'. The roughly 70-year-old teak two-master conveys the image of magnificent boat-building craftsmanship and almost delicate elegance. Nevertheless, the vessel measures nearly 18 metres in length and 3.50 metres in width. The interior is dominated by a small saloon, a small galley with an original paraffin stove. Berths with canvas panels complete the impression.

An initially confusing number of lines control jib, foresail, mainsail and mizzen, almost exclusively made fast to cleats. The sleek long-keeler, thanks to its 9.5 tonnes of ballast, can be sailed quite close to the wind and runs sensationally on a beam reach. Properly trimmed with jib and mizzen, 'La Marie Chantal' holds her predetermined course almost without help from the tiller. An impressive quality for sloop sailors.

Burke and Ute are also impressive. Burke knows ship and sailing area like the back of his hand. Assisted by the good soul Ute, he conjures up excellent dishes with an Asian touch in next to no time. Respect!

The weather god also looked after our wellbeing. Only on the first two days did we experience freezing cold and drizzle. Subsequently we were able to explore Wismar, Heiligenhafen, Nysted, Neustadt and Travemünde in mostly glorious sunshine.

Conclusion: a successful sailing week in the company of lovely people with lasting effect!

Trip in April 2025, sea area/route: Baltic Sea from Lübeck to Marstal and back

The trip over 6 days was a wonderful sailing experience. Anyone who wants to experience authentic sailing is in exactly the right place here. With the help of the sails you can clearly experience and influence weather helm and lee helm. The tiller helps those experienced in dinghies to hold course; you can hardly feel the vessel beneath you more directly.

The trip was equally a fantastic community experience. Ute and Burke are really wonderful people who made it easy for us to find our way around on board and also to feel comfortable. The planning and preparation of meals, the provisioning overall were exemplary. There was cooking on board, but also eating out ashore.

Burke is a very experienced skipper who has the vessel under control at all times and explains the functional relationships to all who are interested. Even during harbour manoeuvres there were no tricky situations, as Burke acts very calmly and with foresight.

We, the crew, were a mixture of young and old and got on well. I think that the shared interest in sailing also brings together and holds together different characters. 'La Marie Chantal' certainly encourages this as well.

Ute must definitely be mentioned here too. She's like the ship's guardian angel, always looking out for everyone's wellbeing. At just the right moment during the trip, biscuits appear, for example, or she offers hot drinks.

THANK YOU!

The trip begins with a short passage followed by a meal at Fehmarn's finest
fish restaurant.
On the second day to the artists' island of Møn; the harbour at Klintholm is in hibernation at this time of year,
not even the famous rum bar is open. Then straight on to Copenhagen.
The schooner runs smoothly and fast under 4–5 sails, steers herself.
You'd think she knows the way. In the evening on board in Dragør, a wonderful meal,
the heating is on, 9 degrees outside.
Copenhagen the next day by bus and on foot, including Christiania.
A cold wind, but sunshine in the sky. The city is simply wonderful and generously laid out.
Then departed the harbour at night, starlit sky, almost full moon, the sea glittering silver.
In the morning the cliffs of Møn in full morning sun, grey-reddish,
to starboard, simply fascinating.
Called in at Hessnæs for breakfast, got the superb rolls from the award-winning bakery
for breakfast, then on close-hauled to Fehmarn.
The next day we sail the opening rally with the museum harbour fleet from Neustadt,
and party in the evening, of course. The Baltic really is a varied sailing area;
every trip becomes a unique experience. A great crew and a superb experience.

The week really was sailing with the wind, sometimes exciting, but brilliant.
Copenhagen after 2 days, night passage with morning sun on the cliffs of Møn, an incredible
panorama. Doesn't happen often. Also fascinating when all the sails together steer the ship
on course to the destination harbour for hours without autopilot. Feel incredibly good,
absolutely safe, relaxed, free and uncomplicated. Very happy to come again.
A fantastic sailing week on the schooner. Best regards, Bettina