Entry #13: Garmin Round Denmark Race – One More Time

For many sailors, the Garmin Round Denmark Race is a dream to be fulfilled once in a lifetime. For others, it becomes a recurring point of reference – something they return to because they simply can’t help it.

“I’ve sailed around Denmark six or seven times,” he says. “The first time was in the late eighties. Back then we sailed with a full crew, a free start time and a choice of direction around the course. It was freer – but also far more unpredictable.”The last three times, he has competed as part of the Garmin Round Denmark Race, sailing the entire course solo.

“Sailing singlehand changes everything. You carry full responsibility all the time, and there are no breaks. On the other hand, the sense of satisfaction is enormous when it works. I’ve finished first twice and won overall twice, so I must have done something right,” he says. Still, it’s not the results that draw him back.

“You could argue that I should be done with that race by now – but I’m not.”

New boat – same uncompromising approach

In 2026, he will be back on the starting line once again, this time in a new First 36 SE.“It’s a very sharp boat that still promises plenty of performance, but also offers a bit more comfort than my previous Figaro 2. That matters when your body isn’t quite as young as it used to be – even if the ambitions are the same,” he says.

At the same time, the race has been moved in the calendar.“The timing now fits perfectly into my retirement schedule,” he says with a smile. “New boat, new timetable and renewed motivation – everything lines up.”

It’s the process itself that drives him.

“I thrive in the sailing itself. In constantly trimming the boat and keeping it right on the edge. In having strategy, weather forecasts, navigation and competitors all running through my head at the same time.”

Yet singlehand sailing is never truly alone.

“My shore crew means everything. I’m incredibly fortunate to have Helle Hansen and Morten Davidsen. The long conversations we have along the way provide both clarity and calm – especially when I’m under pressure.”

Energy, balance – and why it all makes sense

When you sail alone, energy is the most valuable currency.“Every sail change has to be carefully considered. How much energy will it cost – and how long can I live with that choice?”

The manoeuvres are physically demanding, especially with a 170 m² gennaker.“Everything below deck has to be moved from side to side, and often fore and aft, to achieve optimal trim. That’s why short tacking along the coast is usually out of the question. It’s simply too expensive in terms of energy.”

When everything comes together, the reward is substantial.“When the boat is in balance, when the next wind shift has been anticipated, and when the energy level is still holding up – that’s when it all makes sense.”

Beyond being an extraordinary adventure along the Danish coastline, the Garmin Round Denmark Race also covers a distance of 680 nautical miles. Jan, however, takes that with calm composure.“It’s just sailing around Funen five times in a row,” he says. “But it’s still something most people are rightly proud of simply completing.”

For him, sailing is more than just an expensive hobby.“This is where I live. This is where my identity is. This is what I do.”

And that is why he will line up for the Garmin Round Denmark Race once again. Alone. One more time.

👉 Register here: https://www.garminrounddenmarkrace.com/event-details/garmin-round-denmark-race-2026

Use code GRDR10OFF and receive 10% discount on entry.