KAP Good Hope • July 22, 2025
🚨 Engine Trouble, Island Tows & A Windy Escape from Hven
They say sailing is equal parts adventure and unpredictability — and our last two days were a masterclass in both. What started as a calm crossing to Hven quickly turned into a test of patience, resourcefulness, and the kindness of fellow sailors.
🛥 Gilleleje to Hven: No Wind… and Then, No Engine
We set off from Gilleleje toward the tiny Swedish island of Hven, this time with zero wind, which meant a quiet (if uneventful) motor ride across the Øresund. That is… until our engine suddenly failed just as we were approaching the island.
Adrift and unsure of our next move, we were incredibly lucky to have a friend on the island who came to the rescue and towed us into the marina. It wasn’t an easy operation — harboring a boat without an engine takes serious coordination — but thanks to the support of some skilled sailors onshore, we managed to dock safely.
🔧 Plan B: When Repairs Don’t Go as Planned
Once we were tied up, we turned our attention to troubleshooting the engine. Despite our best efforts (and some help), things weren’t looking good mechanically. So we did what all seasoned sailors eventually learn to do: go with Plan B.
⛵ Sails Up, Spirits High: Hven to Rungsted
The next morning, the wind was strong, the sea was choppy, and rain was spitting down — but we had a mission: sail to Rungsted using only our sails.
With determination (and some trial and error), we tacked our way out of Hven and eventually found our heading. The sail was intense, but satisfying. When we neared Rungsted, we radioed ahead and received assistance to tow us into the marina and get safely docked.
It wasn’t our smoothest landing, but it was a success — and one we won’t soon forget.
🐾 Home Again, Tails Wagging
We left KAP Good Hope safely moored in Rungsted and made our way back home, salty, exhausted, and full of stories. The dogs, Rafi and Lola, are thrilled to have their land paws back — and so are we (for now).
Every sailing journey has its curveballs — this one just had a few more than usual. But with some help, quick thinking, and a little luck, we made it through.
Until next time! ⚓
#kapgoodhope #sailingadventure #enginetrouble #towrescue #hvenisland #rungstedhavn #sailinglife #dogsonboats #planBsailors
The sea has a funny way of humbling you — just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, it throws a little wind in your face and reminds you who’s boss. ⛵ Hornbæk to Gilleleje: 5 Hours of Fight We set off from Hornbæk with high hopes and calm minds, aiming for the nearby harbor town of Gilleleje. It’s not far on the map, but the wind had other plans. With strong headwinds and rough waters, we spent nearly five hours tacking back and forth, inching our way forward while constantly adjusting sails and keeping spirits high. It was one of those days where sailing feels like both a workout and a test of patience — but KAP Good Hope held strong, and when we finally cruised into Gilleleje’s harbor, it felt like a true accomplishment. 🎶 Gilleleje: Music, Friends & Solid Ground After that kind of sail, land felt especially sweet. We harbored for a couple of days and gave ourselves permission to just be. Gilleleje welcomed us with sunny skies, good food, and the kind of laid-back harbor charm that makes you want to stay a little longer than planned. We caught up with friends and family, soaked in the vibe of the Musik i Lejet festival in Vejby — a seaside music celebration that brought life, dancing, and a bit of magic to the coast — and wandered through the town’s streets, cafes, and quiet corners. It’s these kinds of moments, off the boat and on the ground, that remind us why we’re out here. The balance between sea and shore, movement and stillness. 🧭 A Change in the Return As we look ahead to the next leg of our trip, we’ve decided to change course slightly on our way back: we're heading back to Hven. The island charmed us the first time around — and there's something about it that keeps calling us back. Maybe it’s the peaceful pace, maybe the views… or maybe we just really missed it. The journey continues. With each harbor and horizon, we’re learning more about the sea, the boat, and ourselves. Thanks for sailing along with us. 🌊 #kapgoodhope #sailingadventure #gilleleje #hornbæk #musikiljelet #lifeatsea #tackinglife #sailingdenmark
Our sailing adventure continues — and the last two days have been filled with wind in our sails, unforgettable food, and postcard-perfect views on both the Swedish and Danish sides of the Øresund. ⛵ Hven to Helsingborg: Sails Up, Spirits High We left the dreamy island of Hven on a high — the kind only good neighbors and great seafood can give you. (More on that in a minute.) The sail from Hven to Helsingborg was pure magic. For the first time on this trip, the wind was exactly what we needed. The sails were up, the engine stayed off, and KAP Good Hope soared across the water, reaching 7.4 knots — our fastest yet! There's nothing quite like the sound of the hull cutting through the sea under full sail. We arrived in Helsingborg glowing with that "we actually know what we’re doing" kind of energy and quickly went exploring by foot. It’s a vibrant coastal city with a lively harbor, cobblestone streets, and, fun fact: home to the global headquarters of IKEA. (Sadly, no meatballs were consumed.)
We’ve officially cast off! After all the prep, packing, and bubbly-filled blessings, KAP Good Hope finally left Christianshavn and began her journey up the Danish coast — with us (and two slightly skeptical dogs) aboard. 🚤 Day 1: Christianshavn to Rungsted Havn We waved goodbye to the canals of Copenhagen under a soft gray sky, full of excitement and caffeine. The sail north was… how should we put it? Very wet. The rain came in waves — sometimes misty and gentle, sometimes dramatic and horizontal. But even soaked through, there was something magical about cutting through the Øresund with the city fading behind us and nothing ahead but sea and possibility. By late afternoon, we pulled into Rungsted Havn, the charming harbor town that was once home to the iconic author Karen Blixen. The marina was small and cozy, lined with adorable shops and restaurants that made us want to linger (and dry off). And Rafi and Lola? Overjoyed. After hours at sea, they pranced onto dry land like they’d just discovered Earth. Soggy paws, wagging tails, and that unmistakable “we’re not sure we like this boat life yet” look in their eyes. 🛶 Day 2: Off to Hven, Sweden The next morning, after some strong coffee and a quick stretch of the legs (and paws), we untied the lines and set our course across the water to Hven, a tiny Swedish island known for its rolling hills, bikes-only lifestyle, and one very famous resident: Tycho Brahe, the Renaissance astronomer who once called this beautiful place home. The crossing was smooth, and as we pulled into the picture-perfect harbor, we were greeted by pastel cottages, lush greenery, and a calm that made it feel like time slowed down. We spent the afternoon exploring — winding footpaths, tiny shops, and views that looked like they belonged in a fairytale. Hven may be small, but it’s full of charm, history, and that quiet kind of magic that reminds you why you’re out here in the first place. Two days down, countless more to go. We’re still finding our rhythm, but already we’ve laughed, gotten drenched, dried off, and fallen just a little more in love with life at sea. Next stop: Helsingborg, Sweden — stay tuned. #kapgoodhope #sailingdenmark #venisland #rungstedhavn #lifeatsea #dogsonboats