We start on early afternoon. There is lots of wind in tree tops but water in Vätösund is calm. I am hoping for proper 10 m/s out in Björköfjärden.
Launching in empty harbor. Most neighbors have already taken their boats for the winter.

We set sail but after a while in weak and constantly turning wind we gave up and start the engine.

There is almost 15 degrees, sunny and calm.

Wind starts shortly after passing Rosättra. That is usually the case.
In the distance, at entrance to our channel, I can see dark water. There is wind and seems like lots of it!
I decide to keep the whole sail and test how Louve and me handle such conditions.

Well, a prudent mariner would already reefed but it was, in fact, a hell of the ride.
Not once did I feel overpowered while beating upwind in these conditions but sailing required constant concentration. Louve was healing up to almost the shear strake, stiffening there and handling the wind. I was not spilling it but instead sharpened towards the wind if the gusts were too strong.
We reached Fiskebyn, I put Louve adrift to get some rest, tension the downhaul and have some sandwiches.

Sailing back home, with the wind, was a bit more scary. We certainly reached the hull speed and Louve was on the verge of broach a few times. Definitely this wind - and only me onboard - require reefing. Upwind is no issue but downwind, with overpowered sail at 10 m/s, things can go wrong quickly.

I gybed a few times, to practice this in harder wind. Managed to get sail rolled around the mast once but quick turn towards the wind saved us. It was fun sailing!

At the entrance to our channel there are shallows and stones. Yachts sail around them, in wide circle. With centerboard up and with wind behind us we sailed into the shallows with vengeance! Apart from stones all the rest is deep enough for Louve to skim by above.

Once back in Vätösund we douse sail and start the engine. Wind dies quickly and we are in wholly another world.

We aimed to be back in our harbor around 18, to avoid dew and fog, usual at this time of year.
Motoring slowly in the evening sun.
By 18 we are back in the home harbor. Just in time to avoid evening chill.

Building Louve can be found here