KAP Good Hope • July 6, 2025

Welcome Aboard KAP Good Hope

Hi there — and welcome to the KAP Good Hope blog! We're so glad you've found your way here.

We’re Thomas and Michelle, a couple who traded the usual pace of summer for something a little more adventurous: a sailing journey around Denmark aboard our sailboat, KAP Good Hope, with our two salty sidekicks, Rafi and Lola (our very enthusiastic dogs).

Why We're Sailing

For Thomas, sailing is more than a hobby — it’s a deep-rooted passion fueled by a love of adventure, the open sea, and the freedom that comes with following the wind. Michelle brings the curiosity, the creative spirit, and the snacks (always the snacks). Together, we dreamed up a plan to spend the summer exploring Denmark’s islands, coasts, and hidden harbors — and now, we’re doing it.

What You'll Find Here

We created this site to share our journey:
  • Stories from sea and shore
  • Photos of breathtaking views and charming marinas
  • Tips for sailing around Denmark
  • And of course, updates on Rafi and Lola’s adventures (they’ve already claimed favorite nap spots on deck).
Whether you're a fellow sailor, a dreamer of coastal escapes, or just curious about life aboard a sailboat — we hope you’ll feel at home here.

What's Ahead

Our summer route will take us through Denmark’s beautiful archipelagos, from well-known sailing towns to tucked-away gems only reachable by boat. We’re taking it slow, soaking in the magic of each port, and letting the journey unfold one anchorage at a time.

Thanks for joining us on this adventure. Raise a glass (or a compass) — and let’s see where the wind takes us.

– Thomas & Michelle, KAP Good Hope
By KAP Good Hope July 22, 2025
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
By KAP Good Hope July 19, 2025
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
By KAP Good Hope July 14, 2025
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.)