We launch ourselves into January 2023 with an introduction to the stunning Swedish island of Gotland and the well preserved former Hanseatic port of Visby.
CAptain’s Mate gives helpful approach information for the south-west facing main harbour, which shares its entrance with large ferries from the mainland. The harbour, known as Gästhamn, is at the north-eastern end, in the town centre, where berthing is bows-to and buoys (with a long line needed for some), along with finger berths.
With largely intact medieval wall and towers, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Visby and island are fascinating, with Visby’s idyllic harbour giving the freedom to enjoy from the comfort of your berth.
CA member Andrew Beharrell visited Visby in early June 2022 and shares his report on CAptain’s Mate, saying:
"The Harbourmaster has run the harbour for over 20 years now and is very friendly. He lives on board his boat in the Gästhamn so can always be contacted. They now manage the berths in the old fishing harbour as well as the Gästhamn and from midsummer you will always be met by a RIB and allocated a berth.
"There is a new toilet and shower block at the old fishing harbour and this is potentially more sheltered than the main Gästhamn. They are also able, in high season, to allocate berths in the private marina close to the ferry terminal. If you are interested in exploring the island, the harbourmaster gave us details of a car hire company operating from a grey hut in the car park of the ferry terminal.
"If you just want a car to do shopping then the Gästhamn offers a free car for an hour. You simply need to sign up on the sheet inside the door of the Gästhamn and the keys are hanging there."
CA members have contributed multiple reports on Visby, which together with an overview of the harbour, shoreside facilities, gallery and map provide plenty of information if you visit.
If you are planning to cruise in the Baltic, why not come to the CA Baltic Section seminar at CA House on 18 February 2023.
CAptain’s Mate app was voted as the ‘Equipment Innovation of the Year’ at the 2022 British Yachting Awards, a fantastic accolade to win amongst a strong line-up of leading marine products and services.
About CAptain’s Mate
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CAptain’s Mate of the Month locations
Each month we feature a CAptain’s Mate location to inspire your cruising adventures and display the vast depth of information accessible on the app. In January we headed to Finike in Turkey, February took us to Grimsby in the UK, Lagos in Portugal was March’s destination, Lézardrieux, France in April, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba in May, Kuressaare, Estonia in June and Sarande, Albania in July, Cala Gavetta, Sardinia in August, Lewisporte, Canada in September, Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands for October, Tayvallich, Scotland in November and Preko, Croatia in December.
4 January 2023