Lasse and VoXeværk – 700 Nautical Miles Around Denmark in an X-99

For Lasse Poulsen, his X-99, VoXeværk, is more than just a sailing boat. She is a trusted companion with whom he has shared almost ten years of sailing adventures. In the summer of 2026, they embarked on another adventure together: the Garmin Round Denmark Race – a demanding race around Denmark that put both sailor and yacht to the test.

From Dream to Reality

After taking part in both 100 Mil i Fjorden and Silverrudder several times, Lasse Poulsen had long dreamed of taking the next step and sailing all the way around Denmark. But turning that dream into reality took a little encouragement.

“I had talked a lot about how the Garmin Round Denmark Race could be a great experience. In 2024, my wife Hanne encouraged me to stop talking and make it happen. The following year, VoXeværk and I successfully completed the race,” says Lasse.

It became his sailing highlight of the year, so he returned in 2026.

For Lasse, offshore sailing is about much more than simply crossing the finish line.

“For me, there are many elements to a great sailing experience. The anticipation, the preparations, life on board during a longer passage, and meeting sailing friends, both old and new. And, of course, a varied passage that presents a few challenges along the way.”

An X-99 That Continues to Impress

In 2027, Lasse and VoXeværk will celebrate ten years together. And although the X-99 is now a classic design, his affection for the yacht remains as strong as ever.

“The X-99 has always been my dream yacht, and she still is. When is it X-day? Every day!”

For Lasse, it is above all the yacht’s sailing performance, robust construction and straightforward interior layout that make her special.

Over the years, VoXeværk has been maintained and upgraded with additions including headsail furling, modern electronics and an autopilot integrated into the yacht’s network.

These improvements make her well equipped for longer single-handed passages, where navigation, sail trim, cooking and rest must all be managed alone.

“I can stand in the companionway, keep a lookout, adjust the course using the chartplotter or remote control, and prepare a good meal on my two-burner stove at the same time,” he explains.

But what matters most is something that cannot be bought or installed.

“The boat and I know each other.”

When the Sailor Is Tested More Than the Yacht

This year’s Garmin Round Denmark Race brought varied and, at times, demanding weather conditions. The passage through the Kattegat was particularly marked by strong winds and large waves.

Yet VoXeværk completed the entire race without damage.

“VoXeværk communicates clearly and doesn’t sugar-coat anything. The X-99 is a relatively light yacht, so carrying the right amount of sail and keeping her balanced are important. With the trim adjusted to suit the conditions, she can handle even the most challenging weather.”

And although the weather was harsh at times, Lasse believes it was not necessarily the yacht that felt the greatest strain.

“Was the boat pushed to her limits during the race? No, I think I was the one feeling the pressure.”

After passing Anholt, the wind and waves increased. Lasse should have reefed the mainsail, but the large waves made moving around on deck difficult.

“I needed to go on deck to reef the mainsail, but I abandoned the attempt. We got through without reefing, although it wasn’t ideal in terms of speed.”

Among other things, this meant watching the X-412 Wuchtbrümme sail past. The experience has, however, prompted a specific improvement.

“Before next year, the reefing lines will be led back to the cockpit!”

A Night-time Arrival at Bornholm

Of the many experiences during this year’s race, one stands out particularly clearly in Lasse’s memory.

After a demanding first half of the race, he approached Bornholm in darkness. A strong wind was blowing from the south-southeast, and the final hour before arrival brought heavy rain, lightning and thunder.

But just as VoXeværk reached the shelter of Bornholm, the conditions changed dramatically.

“Coming into the lee of Bornholm was an incredible contrast. The rain, lightning and thunder stopped, and the wind dropped away for a short while. VoXeværk entered Allinge harbour quietly and calmly in the middle of the night. It was a wonderful experience.”

With the wind reaching gale force, Lasse chose to stop in Allinge for some much-needed rest before continuing towards Aarhus.

Ready for Another Adventure

Although the Garmin Round Denmark Race 2026 was both challenging and physically demanding, the experience has only strengthened Lasse’s desire to return.

And he has a clear message for other X-Yachts owners considering a similar adventure.

“It has all the makings of being the sailing highlight of the year again. It is challenging, but manageable. You decide your own level of ambition and how hard you want to push.”

He also highlights the sense of community among the participants as an important part of the experience. Throughout the race, sailors regularly share photos, messages and experiences through the race’s Watch app, creating a special camaraderie across the fleet.

“No two passages are ever quite the same, and that is probably why we keep sailing.”

When the Garmin Round Denmark Race 2027 gets underway, Lasse Poulsen and his trusted X-99, VoXeværk, will be ready for another adventure around Denmark.