Jumbuck moored in Mariehamn, Arland

We've had two days to cover this leg, and the Rally team provided a list of suggested anchorages we could make use of if we didn't fancy using one of the many guest marinas in the region.

Brilliant sail from Mariehamn across the 30 miles of open Baltic from the Arland islands into Swedens eastern archipeligo. With a course heading WSS and a stiff SE breeze, Jumbuck creamed along before at times, 17 knots of breeze. The code 0 proved its worth yet again, but couldn't stop our new race mates, Capriai the Norwegians fast 45 footer. She came past us like we were standing still - and we weren't!

Eventually wound our way into the Swedish archipeligo and early evening, dropped anchor in a paradise type bay on the small islet of Findhamn to break the journey. We were not alone.

As well as half a dozen rally boats who made the same choice, the bay was full of Swedish boats, most moored bow to the rocky shore, and it was great to see how local Swedish sailors and families enjoy their vacations. Later that night we had a few drinks on 'Jenny B', then a pasta dinner on 'Boisbarbu', rounded off with late night beer and champagne on 'Capriai'. Our small dinghy felt terrible soft and wet as we rowed an pretty erratic track back to Jumbuck.

Fortunately the crystal clear but slightly icey water helped wake us and four boats set off in convoy (including us), aiming to take a longer than needed but beaut scenic route from the anchorage all the way into the KSSS Marina in Stockholm. I mean they say it's in Stockholm, but in truth it's way out in the sticks.

But the extended motor sail through the islands and then up into the centre of Stockholm to google the old town from the water, was pretty special. Then, backtracking through some very very narrow channels we finally fetched up at KSSS late arvo, where we got a allocated a super berth - well away from the bar music. Tonight we need a quiet night!

Impressions so far are that the Finns mark their waters a bit better than the Swedes, but with the trusty Raymarine E plotter showing us all the known passages and tracks, it's really all just like driving around a race track. Except we weren't racing of course.

We've a couple of days here with some tours arranged in the city, then off we go heading south towards Kalmar and then finally our end stop, Mons near Copenhagen in Denmark.

Funny but I'm feeling a tad flat, as it's feeling like this two month party is reaching it's end. But in truth we've nearly two weeks yet to go, followed by me having pal Alan's company as he and I sail Jumbuck back to the UK from Denmark. In any other situation - that itself would be a great vacation!