Leave Norderney two hours before low water to get the last of the outgoing current. Go to buoy TG9, turn to port and cross the shipping lane with a course direct to Helgoland. That was the instructions I got from a local sailor. Not a completely straight course but it allowed me to cross only one shipping lane, and with an angle of 90 degrees towards the lane, which is the proper way. I have heard the German coast guard is very sensitive about this and can give you a fine of 1000 euros if you break the rule. I have also heard that they are not that sensitive, but with 1000 euros at stake I was not willing to take the chance.

Not very much wind this day so as usual on this whole trip it was a mix of sailing and motor sailing. After rounding the buoy I had the wind from the back so I tried to go goose winged, or butterfly as the Americans say. That is with the genua out on one side and the main fully out on the other. I have often problem with this setup, at least in light winds but today it worked very well.

I was at Helgoland around two in the afternoon and went direct to the Binnenhafen where the diesel pump is located. Just to be met by a big sign that said Hafen Gesperrt. Which means port closed. A call to the company that runs the pump gave me the instructions to go to another harbour just a bit north and wait to 15:30 for a truck to come with the diesel. After filling up the tank and the jerry cans with 0.95 euros diesel, I asked the man where I could stay for the night and was told I was not allowed to stay at all, Helgoland was completely closed, I had to leave. I said that is impossible, I can't go 50 miles against the current to Brunnsbuttel. He had some understanding for that and told me to anchor outside Binnenhafen. Hmm, another cold night, it really feels I have had enough of them this extremely cold May.