Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Ditte – Part of the XCruising generation, sailing Xc 47.
From Denmark to the Caribbean
On July 28th, we set sail from Årøsund in Southern Jutland, Denmark, with dreams of adventures and new experiences. Our journey’s ultimate destination is the Caribbean—from where we’ll sail back to Denmark. This journey is not just a vacation; it’s a life project that we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve set aside a year for the trip, and we are already sailing into our second month.
The journey to our final destination is long, and in a straight line, it’s about 4,800 nautical miles. But we’re taking the trip at our own pace, stopping at places that fit into our plans over the remaining ten months, and looking forward to seeing what the adventure will bring us.
Family Onboard
Onboard the boat, we are a large family: me, Ditte; my father, Klaus; my mother, Lise; my sisters, Signe and Ellen; as well as my brother, Asmus, his girlfriend, Mathilde, and my boyfriend, Victor. It’s amazing to be able to share this experience with all of them.
Traveling as a family gives us unique flexibility when planning our route. Instead of following a strict schedule, we’ve chosen to navigate our sailing routes along the way, making each day a new experience and planning as we go.
A Brand-New Xc 47
We previously sailed in an Xp 44, which we loved for its speed and agility, and we had numerous unforgettable moments while sailing it.
On this trip, we’re sailing in an Xc 47, which we picked up five months before departure.
The Xc 47 is more comfortable for long-distance cruising, which is a luxury we truly appreciate on such a long journey.
Sailing a brand-new boat has its advantages, but it also means there’s a lot to learn as we navigate toward our destination. I must admit that it’s been a challenge to get used to and learn all the new features and systems onboard, but at the same time, that’s part of the fun of the journey.
Preparing for the Long Journey
I previously went on a long sailing trip from Denmark to French Polynesia in 2018, and it feels almost surreal to have the chance to do it again. Since the route is very similar to the one I sailed before, I haven’t felt the same need to prepare mentally.
However, if I had to sum it up in two key points: expect challenges and enjoy the moment. While they may seem contradictory, the essence lies exactly between them: be prepared for challenges, but also appreciate the moments as they happen.
For this trip, the preparations have been mostly practical: we tested the storm sails, and I reviewed the boat’s technical systems with my dad.
I’ve felt really well-prepared for the trip, and I’ve been able to focus on looking forward to all the fantastic places we’ll visit.
Adventures in the Spanish Rías
Along the way, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in the charming Spanish Rías — four river estuaries located on the southwestern coast of Galicia, Spain. These places have a very special charm, and it’s been a pleasure to explore them, as I hadn’t been here before. It’s been exciting to discover the local cultures, enjoy the fantastic food, and meet friendly people. Each Ría offers new adventures and experiences, and it has been enriching to see them through the eyes of my family members.
Next Stop: Madeira
We’re now heading toward Madeira in Portugal, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the island’s stunning nature. It will be great to reach warmer waters, as we’ve been sailing in temperatures between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius so far. I’m excited to dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Madeira has to offer.
As we continue our journey toward the Caribbean, I look forward to sharing more stories and experiences from our trip.
Every day brings new challenges and new adventures, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us.