Finally spring did conquer winter. Who was not longing for this for weeks?

Did we yet forget what really winter means? Just before Christmas some very cold nights covered bays and harbors into ice. The yacht that layed for the New Years Eve in the harbor did freeze on. Therefor the New Years Eve Sailing could not take place. But this could not really peevish us. During New Years Eve the full moon was shining over the bay and after dancing until 4 a.m. we welcomed the new year in the first morning at the beach of Cape Arkona. After the New Years Day the land engulfed under a huge snow cover. Winter destined for the next 3 month over land, sea and people. Some of my friends got snowed in and could leave their home at the island of Rügen only after some days with the help of heavy machines. Hiddensee and other islands got concluded by ice and many vacationers had to prolong their stay their island involuntarily. The south of Sweden got invested by heavy snow storms in march and for some days highways and railways had to be closed. In the beginning of march about 50 vessels got pinned in the Baltic Sea in ice. Some huge ferry boats could be delivered after days.

At beginning of spring the sun had melted most of the snow and crocus did blossom in Berlin. But the bays around Rügen where iced yet and the boats had to wait for going into water. So we had to postpone our season start. But now the ice is gone and the vessels are in the water. At the following weekend we will sail with about 40 sailors from Rügen to Warnemünde with the Spring Race. Everybody who is interested can sail with us.

By the way winter did not leave yet everywhere in Europe. During last week I found in Sweden the lakes in Värmland and Stockholm iced and the forests snowy.

fotographer: Norbert Bass