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 last few days have been a perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and those unforgettable moments that make sailing truly special. We began in Sanary-sur-Mer, where big little sister KAP Good Hope awaited us. After careful inspection and handover, we set off for our first taste of life aboard in Port de l’Île des Embiez. A couple of nights there gave us time to get to know our new home—testing her space, finding her rhythm, and enjoying mornings with coffee on deck. From there, we cast off towards the beautiful Île de Porquerolles. Dropping anchor in a calm bay, we took our first swim off the boat, surrounded by turquoise waters and the quiet beauty of the island. That first leap into the sea was a milestone—our baptism into life with big sister. Next came the sail eastward to St. Tropez—and what a sail it was! The highlight? Spotting a swordfish leap out of the water twice, right beside the boat. An epic, once-in-a-lifetime sight that left us stunned and grinning at our good fortune. Our arrival in St. Tropez couldn’t have gone smoother. With a perfect docking, we stepped ashore into one of the Med’s most iconic ports. The town was buzzing—massive yachts, parties spilling into the streets, and people everywhere. St. Tropez is alive in every sense, a sharp contrast to the quiet anchorages of the days before. The next morning, we set sail for the Îles de Lérins, just outside of Cannes. We found a beautiful anchorage beside a small castle on Île Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the Lérins islands. Rain and thunderstorms rolled through the night, rocking us gently at anchor. But by morning the skies had cleared, the sun returned, and we swam ashore to wander the island’s paths. And now, the adventure continues: today we’re on our way to Cap d’Ail/Monaco. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come as big little sister KAP Good Hope carries us further along this iconic coast. 🌊⛵✨ #KAPGoodHope #SailingAdventure #MediterraneanSailing #SailLife #YachtLife #BoatLife #TravelBySea #AdventureAwaits #Porquerolles #StTropez #IlesDeLerins #MonacoBound #SeaStories #CoastalEscape #EpicSailing #LifeAtSea #MediterraneanDreams
🌊✨ The adventure continues… this time on the Mediterranean! We’re heading down to Sanary-sur-Mer, France, to meet the “big sister” of KAP Good Hope. She’s bigger, bolder, and built for the open waters of the Seven Seas. Our mission: take her on a maiden voyage under our watch, sailing east along the stunning coast to Genoa, Italy. ⛵💨 Sanary-sur-Mer is pure charm—colorful facades, lively quays, and that perfect mix of Mediterranean flair and working harbor grit. Picture fishermen unloading their morning catch while cafés fill the air with the smell of fresh espresso and buttery croissants. 🥐☕ From there, we’ll glide past glimmering French Riviera bays, sneak a peek at Monaco’s glamour, and sail into the Ligurian coast of Italy. Genoa awaits—a city steeped in maritime history and the perfect first chapter for big sister’s logbook. But this test sail comes with a twist: our favorite crew members, Rafi and Lola, won’t be on deck. Instead, they’re holding down the fort as Harbor Master in Chief and First Mate of Morale, keeping a watchful eye on little sister KAP Good Hope… and sneaking in a well-earned mini-vacation. 🐾☀️ We’ll miss their company, but little sister couldn’t be in better hands (or paws). Every leg of this journey is a story—coastal cultures, fresh flavors, and the magic that only the sea can bring. We’ll be sharing photos, updates, and salty tales along the way. Stay tuned: KAP Good Hope may be small, but she’s about to meet her big sister—and together, they’re ready for a brand-new chapter of sailing adventures! 🌊💙
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