The Journey - Tim, Andreas & 'Frida'

The Journey is a portrait series that brings you closer to the Garmin Round Denmark Race. We follow sailors from different backgrounds, with different boat types and dreams, giving insight into their journey — both physically and mentally. The series is a collection of personal stories showing what drives them, the challenges they face, and the moments that leave lasting impressions.

Each portrait in the series is a small story about dedication, teamwork, and experiences at sea. We want to inspire future participants and give a vivid insight into what awaits them when they embark on this unique sailing adventure.

Welcome to “The Journey: A Friendship Bound by the Sea” — a window into Tim and Andreas' Garmin Round Denmark Race 2025 in their JPK11.80 'Frida'.

Tim and his longtime sailing partner have shared both friendship and adventure for more than 30 years. Together, they’ve crossed the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic — always driven by a love for sailing and exploration.Since 2015, the duo has been competing in short-handed medium-distance regattas with their JPK10.80 Frida, and since 2022, they’ve been pushing new limits aboard their JPK11.80 – also named Frida.

The Motivation Behind Joining

After years of curiosity and planning, 2025 felt like the perfect time to take the leap.“We’d been wanting to take part in the Garmin Round Denmark Race for years. This year, we were eager to sail a regatta of more than 500 nautical miles as a qualifier for 2026. We’d also been wanting to race around Bornholm for ages, but it never worked out with the regatta that starts in Warnemünde. So when GRDR2025 came along, the timing was perfect — and it was absolutely worth the wait.”

Challenges Along the Way

When you sail around Denmark, it’s not just about the distance — nature itself sets the pace.“We knew that the weather in the Kattegat and the western Baltic can change quickly in summer. You always face strong currents and calm patches in the Øresund and Little Belt. Some stretches of the course let you rest a bit, while others demand full tactical focus and attention. We’ve raced these waters before, so we knew what to expect — and we knew the tricky spots.”

Unforgettable Moments

For some, racing is about competition — for others, it’s about the moments that take your breath away.“There were the magical full moon nights when Jupiter and Saturn appeared as twin stars in the sky. And then there was the leg from Falsterbo to Christiansø — full speed under gennaker in pure ‘champagne conditions’. What a feeling!”

Lessons From a Life at Sea

After so many years sailing together, their teamwork is second nature.“We’ve been racing short-handed for years, so our routines kick in quickly. We love that sailing groove — making tactical calls, pushing the boat when needed, and enjoying the quiet moments when they come. The Garmin Round Denmark Race is a perfect fit for how we sail.”

Advice for Future Participants

Experience has taught them that success is about more than skill — it’s about rhythm, discipline, and keeping spirits high.“We always take the same positions during maneuvers, no matter the time of day. It helps reduce mistakes — especially at night or under pressure. And we have strict wind limits for our gennakers. That makes the decision to keep or change sails much easier — and helps the sails live longer.

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We also prioritize good food. We cook proper meals together — not just canned food. Every day, we look forward to the main meal. It lifts our spirits and keeps us going. Food is such an important part of a long journey — for both body and soul.”

In One Sentence

When asked to describe the Garmin Round Denmark Race in one sentence, their answer comes instantly:“It’s pure fun — do it!”

Tim and Andreas’ story with Frida is a perfect reflection of what the Garmin Round Denmark Race is all about: adventure, teamwork, experience, and joy. Every sailor brings their own story to the race, and together they form a rich, diverse portrait of courage, passion, and curiosity at sea.

We hope their journey will inspire others to take the plunge and create their own Journey in next year’s race.

Get your entry fee for GRDR26 now with a 10% discount, when using the code "GRDR10OFF" here: https://www.garminrounddenmarkrace.com/event-details/garmin-round-denmark-race-2026