The Flensburg Fjord is already an exciting area for sailors, as our report in YACHT 17/2020 showed. But when charter crews in particular set off on a Baltic cruise in the far north of Germany, they usually have other destinations in mind: the islands of the Danish South Sea or even a trip around Funen, the Danish classic par excellence. The operators of the large charter bases in Flensburg and Sonwik confirm that most of their customers start by making miles to get to the neighbouring country quickly.
And that makes sense. Especially if you want to sail around Funen, you should plan a time buffer for the way back. Because in a strong westerly wind, this can turn into a tough cross. The direct route of just over 20 nautical miles can quickly turn into 40.
For a round trip through the Danish South Seas, it is also very important how you approach the islands - clockwise or anti-clockwise. Not an easy decision. The prevailing summer wind direction is west to south-west. However, it can also turn to the north-west or, during long periods of fine weather, to the east. If the wind is clearly blowing from the south-west, the anti-clockwise direction is advantageous at the latest in the Great Belt. A light northerly current often pushes there, often at one or two knots depending on the wind. If the wind shifts to the north-west, the current usually reverses.
However, if you first sail in the Great Belt because of the shifting current, it is often against you in the Little Belt, and usually even stronger. The current conditions should therefore not be the only factor when planning a trip.
You can read all about what else to consider when choosing a route, which worthwhile destinations await with entertaining shore excursions and what the harbours have to offer in the report about the area on our doorstep in YACHT 6/2022.
The booklet with the Denmark tips is available in the DK-Shop available. Or you can download the article directly via the link below.
