top of page

Beluga’s Doublehanded Adventure: Anders Johansen and Rene Andersen in the Garmin Round Denmark Race

Writer's picture: Søren Ilsø MahnekeSøren Ilsø Mahneke

The Garmin Round Denmark Race is one of the most challenging and iconic sailing races in Northern Europe. For Anders Johansen, this year’s entry marks a new chapter in his sailing career. Having participated in the GRDR three times as a singlehanded sailor, Anders is no stranger to the race’s grueling demands. However, this time, he’ll be teaming up with long-time co-pilot Rene Andersen to tackle the course aboard their JPK 10.30, aptly named Beluga.


Photo: Peter Brøgger
Photo: Peter Brøgger

In Anders’ own words, “This time, my challenge will be to sail the race doublehanded nonstop. In previous years, I sailed singlehanded with planned strategic pit stops. I imagine that doublehanded will be a completely different type of challenge. It’s still a challenge to complete—not a walk in the park. The challenge will be maintaining top speed for many hours and navigating the right way. It’s also significant that the start and finish are centrally located in Denmark, and that the race is organized by an experienced and professional team.”


A New Challenge, A Familiar Team

Anders and Rene are no strangers to doublehanded racing, and have been teaming up for years. Now, they’re bringing that experience to the GRDR, eager to embrace the unique challenges of doublehanded sailing around Denmark’s rugged coastline.


“I have participated in GRDR three times as a singlehanded sailor. Two times offshore and once on the inshore route. Last year, I did the Shetland Race doublehanded, and now it is time for GRDR doublehanded together with my co-pilot for many years, Rene Andersen. We look very much forward to being part of the GRDR family again. It is important for us to race an ORC race and not just go for the line honour,” Anders shared.


The Unpredictability of the Sea

One of the most exciting aspects of the Garmin Round Denmark Race is its unpredictability. The ever-changing conditions demand not only physical endurance but also mental agility and tactical prowess. As Anders notes, “Yes, there are no two identical races. That would be boring. Weather, wind, competitors, strategy, technique—it’s all different every time. That’s one of the great things about sailing. In addition, there’s always a special camaraderie among the participants—we are often each other’s closest lifelines.”'


Beluga: Built for Performance

The JPK 10.30 is a proven performer in offshore racing, designed to handle the rigors of long-distance competition. With its sleek lines, optimized sail plan, and robust construction, Beluga is perfectly suited for the challenges of the GRDR. Anders and Rene’s combined experience, coupled with their deep understanding of their vessel, makes them a team to watch.


Ready to Set Sail

As the countdown to the Garmin Round Denmark Race begins, Anders and Rene are focused on preparation. From fine-tuning Beluga’s rigging to mapping out their strategy, every detail matters in a race where seconds can make the difference. But beyond the competition, it’s the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that drives them.


The GRDR is more than a race; it’s a test of resilience, skill, and teamwork. For Anders and Rene, it’s an opportunity to push their limits, forge new memories, and be part of a community that shares their passion for sailing. Best of luck to Beluga as she embarks on this exciting journey around Denmark!


Join now and get 10 % discount on entry by using the code: GRDR10 through following link: https://www.garminrounddenmarkrace.com/event-details/garmin-round-denmark-race-2025

37 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page