We learn that the roadstead off Skagen is used by many shipowners to keep their ships waiting there for new cargo. Sometimes for months. An LNG tanker is said to have waited there for three months for a new job. Russian ships are also involved. Their crews are not to be envied. The Danish government has decided that Russian vessels will not receive any service. So no provisions either.

In the middle of the slalom, a Danish naval vessel suddenly pulls up to us. Minutes later, a heavily motorized rib (inflatable boat with a solid bottom) pulls alongside us. Two women and a man (all in survival suits) climb on board. And then we can't stop being amazed: a dog is the last to be lifted on board. A black cocker spaniel. A drug dog - officially a narcotics detection dog. We have a surprise visit from the Danish drug squad. A routine check, we are told. The sniffer dog immediately gets to work. Via the navigation system, the engine to all the back boxes. The dog sniffs every bunk. Only once - in the mess hall - does the cocker spaniel get nervous. But not because of drugs, but because Peter has just placed delicious sausage and cheese slices on the trade fair table for lunch. With much laughter, the customs staff bring the dog back on deck. Unfortunately, we don't have any photos of the visit because the officials don't want to be photographed at work.

Abschließend wird noch ein (natürlich negatives) Protokoll angefertigt und dann sind die Dänen auch schon wieder verschwunden. Für uns folgt der lang ersehnte Segeltag. Wir sind in der Nordsee angekommen. Endlich passt mal der Wind und wir segeln unter Vollzeug entlang der dänischen Westküste nach Süden. Am Abend machen wir in Hirtshals fest. Bisher sind wir 41 Tage unterwegs und haben 1546 Seemeilen zurückgelegt.

(Matze)

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