7,000 Nautical Miles into the Journey 

This is Ditte – part of the XCruising generation, sailing the Xc 47. 

Back story on this piece 

Ditte and her family set sail from Aarøsund in Southern Jutland, Denmark, on July 28th, 2024. Their destination was the Caribbean, and a year set aside to explore the waters along the way. Onboard they are one large family of eight, sharing this incredible experience together. This is our third follow up with Ditte and we hope you enjoy reading along. 

Eight Months at Sea — and Still More to Come 

As I write this, the sun is setting behind us in Grenada, casting a golden shimmer across the calm anchorage. We’ve now been sailing for nearly eight months, and with about three months left, our return to Denmark is planned for early July. It feels almost surreal to realize we’ve already logged more than 7,000 nautical miles

- Ditte shares.

Seashells for sale at Pigeon Point, Tobago,

Tobago — A Caribbean Favorite 

Their most recent adventure took them to Tobago, where they spent three unforgettable weeks. Ditte tells:

Without question, it’s become my favourite destination so far. The island’s lush greenery and vivid birdlife made every trip ashore a sensory experience. But more than anything, it was the warmth and openness of the people — especially in the small village of Charlotteville — that made it special.

There, they met Red-I, a local legend who has spent years living in the jungle and learning from nature. He guided them on fascinating treks through the forest, taught them about local plants and animals, and even showed them the beaches where he helps protect hatching sea turtles. One evening, he invited the whole family to his home for bracornza — a flavorful corn pancake he’s created and hopes to market soon. So delicious that Ditte believes the dish has great potential: “I truly believe it could become Tobago’s next big thing.” 

 

Red-I, making bracornza for us.

How the Xc 47 Performs at Sea 

When asked how they’ve experienced their new Xc 47, Ditte shares:

We’ve been fortunate with the weather overall. While conditions have occasionally been rough, the Xc 47 has handled it all with grace. Designed for ocean sailing, it moves smoothly through larger swells without slamming — a big contrast to our home waters in Denmark.

The Caribbean trade winds can bring sustained winds of 25–30 knots, and during those periods, they especially appreciated the boat’s stability and versatility. Sailing with a reefed mainsail and inner jib has kept them safe and steady, even in more challenging conditions. 

A rainy sailing trip to Dominica

Life Onboard — Comfortable and Clever 

With eight people onboard, space matters. Fortunately, the Xc 47 has proven more than up to the task. By lowering the saloon table, they’ve been able to create extra berths without feeling cramped. A major provisioning run back in La Palma allowed them to store food for three months — tucked away under bunks, in lockers, and beneath the floorboards. 

Ventilation has also been key while sailing in warmer regions. Ditte explains:

With multiple hatches providing airflow, we’ve managed to keep the cabin cool and comfortable, even when the Caribbean sun is at its peak.

Small Improvements, Big Differences 

Before departure — and throughout the journey — they made a series of small but meaningful upgrades to the boat. These include: 

• • • A new boom preventer system that’s safer and easier to handle 

• • • Lee cloths for secure sleeping in rough seas 

• • • A chain snubber for added elasticity and anchoring comfort 

• • • An easily accessible MOB (man overboard) button in the cockpit 

• • • A plug-in lamp setup for night sailing 

These upgrades have enhanced both comfort and safety. As Ditte puts it:
“Each of these changes has added to our sense of safety, comfort, and confidence at sea.” 

 

Staying Connected from Afar 

When asked how a year-long journey has impacted her, Ditte reflects:

One of the surprising joys of this voyage has been how easy it’s been to stay in touch with loved ones. Even thousands of miles from home, I can reach friends and family within seconds thanks to modern communication. That closeness has made a real difference — helping ease homesickness and allowing me to stay present and enjoy the journey more fully.

She continues: “That said, it’s still hard to miss major life events back home. My grandparents celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in March, and I’m not sure I’ll make it back in time for my friends’ graduation parties this summer. Those moments are bittersweet — reminders of what we gain, and what we miss, by being out here.” 

 

On the way to St Pierre, Martinique.

Adjusting to Caribbean Time

Many people wonder what living at sea for this long does to your perception of time and routine. Because spending months away doesn’t just shift your location — it shifts your mindset. 

Ditte shares her on experience on this:

One of the most noticeable contrasts between this life and home is the pace. In the Caribbean, time is flexible. Buses arrive when they do, events start when they start, and shops may or may not open when expected. We’ve adapted to this flow, and our days feel less structured and more spontaneous — something I hope to bring back with me to Denmark. That sense of ease, of Caribbean time, has been a gift.

That contrast — between Danish precision and Caribbean fluidity — has been one of the most profound changes of the journey. 

Tobago Cays.

Looking Ahead — North and Then East 

At the time of writing, the family had been at sea for eight months and had begun their journey north through the Caribbean. Their next major waypoint is St. Martin, where they’ll prepare for the Atlantic crossing. 

After that, it’s on to the Azores — a destination Ditte looks forward to with great excitement: ““I’m looking forward to cooler weather, mountain hikes, lush landscapes, and of course, a cold beer at the legendary Peter’s Bar,” she says with a smile.

 

A Journey to Remember 

As they approach the final leg of their voyage, the reflections grow deeper. Ditte tells:

With 7,000 nautical miles behind us, we’ve collected more memories, sunrises, and life lessons than we could ever have imagined. And with still more to come, this adventure aboard the Xc 47 continues to surprise and inspire.

We hope you enjoyed this story from our Meet an X-Sailor series, where we highlight X-Sailors and the yachts behind their journeys. 

 

Thanks to Ditte and her family who have shared their journey with us, we are honoured to be able to share this inspiring story with you all. 

 

Stay tuned for the next part of Ditte’s story, when the family returns home to Denmark and reflects on a journey of a lifetime. 

If you haven’t read the first story from Ditte and her family, you can find it here:
https://www.x-yachts.com/en/news/meet-an-x-sailor-ditte/