[Sea Sprite]

First of all I recommend you to buy all 3 charts inbound Stockholm avoiding that you might have to use the one you didn’t buy.
All routings through the archipelago of Stockholm are very beautiful and well marked as long as you stay on the main route.

When leaving the marked routing the charts are generally correct concerning depth markings as well as obstacles and landmarks indicated. As a different to many other places in the world you can trust the information given on these charts.

Concerning your lack of an anchor winch I do not se that as a problem when looking for night anchorages in one of the many natural lagoons offered in the archipelago. You normally drop your anchor from the stern 20-30 meter before the selected “stone” or cliff and then just have a jumper ready on the bow to jump and tie up the bow to one of the nearby trees or branches.

Concerning how to assist you entering these lagoons there a plenty of cruising guides available and on many places you will see the entry information necessary on the chart. The 3 “båtsportskort” have several small scale inset which very well indicate a recommended approach.

See all these lagoons as a natural harbor or marina free to use without having to spend money for expensive overcharged marinas. Save the money to the fee’s on Stockholm City’s Marina and enjoy what the city can offer you instead.

Finally a general advice; don’t be afraid to explore this beautiful archipelago because of the seamanship required navigating in these waters. It’s not so difficult as it might look when preparing the routes on the maps. If being in doubt during a tricky navigation, then slow down the speed, look around and compare what you see on the chart, and check if all the other boats around you also might get into navigation problems; if not just follow them until you are sure about your position. Remember there are PLENTY of boats navigating in the waters around Stockholm, especially during holidays, vacation season and week-ends.

Enjoy your trip…