Kattegat sailing – between Sweden and Denmark
Sailing route
Part 1: Øresund, Kattegat and the Gothenburg archipelago
Distance: 176 NM
Day 1: Vallensbæk – Landskrona
Day 2: Landskrona – Mölle
Day 3: Mölle – Getterön
Day 4: Getterön – Höno
Day 5: Höno – Rosenviksbadet
Part 2: Bohuslän archipelago and easy sailing
Distance: 52 NM
Day 1: Rosenviksbadet – Äskeron
Day 2: Äskeron – Udevalla
Day 3: Udevalla – Henån
Day 4: Henån – Ellös
The second stage brings a clear shift in rhythm – we move into the sheltered waters of the Bohuslän archipelago, where sailing becomes more precise and technical, yet noticeably calmer. It’s a part of the voyage with more time to observe the surroundings and less pressure from long passages.
The first days lead through smaller, quieter places like Äskeron – a peaceful island shaped by nature and silence. It’s a strong contrast to the more exposed Kattegat and a chance to experience the true character of the Swedish coastline.
Further on, we head inland to Uddevalla, where the harbour lies deep within a fjord, offering protection and conditions very different from open water. It’s a practical stop with full facilities and a good place to restock.
The following days take us through the islands of Orust – Henån and Ellös. This region is known for its sailing culture, boatyards and well-equipped marinas, where everything revolves around the water.
This is a more “inward” stage – less dramatic in terms of open sea, but highly enjoyable, varied, and ideal for finding a balance between sailing and slow exploration.
Part 3: Open Kattegat and island passages
Distance: 147 NM
Day 1: Ellös – Slubbersholmen
Day 2: Slubbersholmen – Skagen
Day 3: Skagen – Læsø
Day 4: Læsø – Anholt
Day 5: Anholt – Grenå
This is the most “offshore” part of the entire voyage – leaving the sheltered archipelago and heading into the open waters of the Kattegat, with passages between islands. The route leads via Skagen, where two seas meet and conditions can be dynamic and demanding.
After an intense start, the rhythm opens up into longer, steady sailing. Læsø and Anholt offer calmer stops along the way – islands with a raw, less touristic character, giving a sense of distance and space, and a chance to reset after longer legs.
The stage ends in Grenå – a large, well-organised harbour and a natural point for crew change. This leg best reflects the scale of the Kattegat – more distance, more exposure, and true sailing between defined points.
Part 4: Kattegat and the harbours of Northern Zealand
Distance: 111 NM
Day 1: Grenå – Odden
Day 2: Odden – Gilleleje
Day 3: Gilleleje – Helsingør
Day 4: Helingør – Kvæsthusgraven
Day 5: Kvæsthursgraven – Vallensbæk
The final stage brings a calmer rhythm, sailing along the northern coast of Zealand and back into the familiar waters of Øresund. The route passes through Odden and Gilleleje – harbours with a more local, fishing-town character and good infrastructure for short stops.
Further south, we pass Helsingør, with views of Kronborg Castle and heavy ship traffic in the strait. It’s a noticeable contrast to earlier stages – more urban, more movement, and a different kind of awareness on the water.
Before finishing the voyage, we stop at Kvæsthusgraven – a marina in the heart of Copenhagen, where the city and sailing meet in a unique way. The final leg back to Vallensbæk closes the loop and brings the journey to a calm and natural end.
The boat
The Najad 343 is a solid, seaworthy cruising yacht designed for safe sailing in waters like the Kattegat straight. It’s not built for speed, but for stability and predictability, which translates into calmer motion on waves and greater comfort for the crew during longer passages.
The interior layout allows a small crew to function comfortably. There is a forward cabin (2 berths), an aft cabin (2-3 berths), and a saloon with additional sleeping space. A crew of size up to 5 people will have enough room to enjoy onboard life.
Life on board is based on simplicity and function. The saloon serves as a shared living space, the galley allows for preparing meals, and the cockpit is designed primarily for sailing rather than lounging. It’s not a luxury apartment, but a properly established space for many days of sailing.
Najad 343 is a consistent and predictable boat. It performs well on reaching and downwind courses, while sailing upwind requires more awareness and active sail handling. This makes it a very good platform for learning practical, hands-on sailing.
| Name | Svala |
| Model | Najad 343 |
| Length (LOA) | 10,2 m (33,4 ft) |
| Draft | 1,65 m |
| Engine | Yanmar 4JH45 (45 KM) |
| Fuel tank | 201 l |
| Water tank | 201 l |
| Crew | 7 persons |
| Cabins | 2 |
Cost and logistics
Costs are shared in a simple and transparent way among participants. There are no hidden fees, and each crew member contributes proportionally to the time spent on board. The total cost of the trip depends on several factors, including transport, marina fees, fuel, food, yacht operation, optional activities, and the number of people in the crew. The figures below are indicative.
- Marina fees: we pay for mooring, access to electricity, and shore facilities such as bathrooms and showers.
- Fuel and gas: fuel usage depends on engine hours, while gas consumption depends on activity in the galley.
- Shared budget: used for groceries and, if agreed, occasional meals out as a crew.
- Yacht operation: a daily per-person contribution covering maintenance, usage, and preparation of the boat.
The route has been planned to make crew changes as smooth as possible. Each port where a new crew joins has good public transport connections, and we selected locations within reach of international airports. Embarkation and disembarkation points are accessible from major cities and flight connections, making logistics straightforward for each stage.
Vallensbæk
Airport: ✈️ Kopenhaga
Connection: 🚂 55min
Rosenviksbadet
Airport: ✈️ Göteborg
Connection: 🚌 2h 10min
Ellös
Airport: ✈️ Göteborg
Connection: 🚌 2h 25min
Grenå
Airport: ✈️ Århus
Connection: 🚌 1h 50min
Sailor's routine
Helming
Participants have the opportunity to steer the yacht in a variety of wind conditions and points of sail. It’s a chance to understand how the boat responds to the helm and sails in real conditions, not just in theory.
Manoeuvres
The crew takes part in harbour approaches, mooring and leaving the dock. These moments rely on teamwork, communication and a good feel for the boat in confined spaces.
Sail handling
Participants learn how to hoist, trim and reef sails depending on the conditions. It’s practical experience in adjusting sail area to match the wind and maintain comfort underway.
Passage planning
Each day begins with a discussion of the route, weather conditions and possible alternatives. The crew sees how decisions are made based on forecasts, the sailing area and the boat’s capabilities.
Navigation
During the voyage, participants are involved in coastal and archipelago navigation. This includes chart work, recognising navigation marks and maintaining situational awareness.
Watch system
Responsibilities are shared between crew members, both in sailing and daily life on board. This gives everyone a real role in the voyage and builds teamwork.
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