By Marcin Wojtyczka

2 minutes read

We left Flensburg, slipped through the Kiel Canal and out into the North Sea, crossed the Skagerrak to Norway and worked our way up to Oslo through Oslofjord, then turned south again through the Swedish skerries and the Danish straits and back home to Flensburg — 1,106 nautical miles round trip. The North Sea gave us the full range: 2-metre waves and a top speed of 8.6 knots, but also a glorious run under spinnaker across the Skagerrak, where we flew the kite.

It was not without its dramas. We climed the mast once to fix VHF antenna, nursed the boat through five engine failures, got flashed by a cruise ship swinging in Oslo harbour, and even brought her alongside in Oslo with no engine at all. All told we logged 226 hours under sail, including 80 hours at night and 6 night-time harbour entrances. What a trip!


This journey was truly unforgettable, and it's all thanks to the incredible crew. I appreciate everyone's efforts in making this such a memorable adventure!

Leg 1:

  • Gian - Italy
  • Dmitry
  • Clement - China
  • Siri - USA

Leg 2:

  • Pieter - Netherlands
  • Gibong - South Korea
  • Keith - Ireland
  • Miguel - Spain

Skipper: Marcin Wojtyczka

Leg 1 (623 NM), 15 - 22 August

Visited: Flensburg - Kiel Canal - Hörnum (Sylt) - Esbjerg (Denmark) - Thyborøn (Denmark) - Lillesand (Norway) - Blindleia (Norway) - Oslo (Norway)

Leg 2 (483 NM), 22 - 29 August

Visited: Oslo (Norway) - Strömstad (Sweden) - Smögen (Sweden) - Rörö (Sweden) - Ven Island (Sweden) - Flensburg

Merle (Bavaria C38)

General info:

  • Year: 2023
  • Type: sailing
  • Hull: monohull
  • Length (LOA): 11.90 m
  • Waterline length (LWL): 10.28 m
  • Hull speed: 8.8kt
  • Berths (Bunks): 6+2
  • Cabins: 3
  • WC / Shower: 1
  • Beam: 3.98 m
  • Draught: 1.65 m
  • Air draft: 18.6 m
  • Engine: 40 PS Volvo
  • Fuel capacity: 210 L (Diesel)
  • Water capacity: 210 L
  • Displacement: 9.3 t
  • Single spade rudder
  • 2 steering wheels
  • Sails: Fully battened Mainsail 42.80 m2, Furling genoa 27.00 m2, Asymmetric Spinnaker: 121.00 m2, Storm Jib 9.00 m2
  • Plastimo drogue