Nieuwpoort (BE) → Thyborøn (DK) → Hansholm (DK) via Norderney & Helgoland
Spring / Early summer 2026
MY SISU 2026 – Trip 1 / 2026
Crew,
This is the rough plan for Trip 1 of our 2026 journey on MY SISU. We depart Nieuwpoort (51° 09′ N, 002° 43′ E) and head north across the North Sea, taking in relaxed islands, dramatic wildlife, a lively Danish fishing town, and then prime Yellow Reef fishing before continuing toward Skagen and the Norwegian fjords. Total distance ≈ 585 nm. We cruise at a comfortable ~7 knots with 24/7 capability when required, using our three-person watch system. We begin with ≈50 % fuel (2,900 l) and top up duty-free in Helgoland. Two electric scooters (≈35 km range each) come ashore at every stop for easy exploration – they charge from marina power. All stops are very dog-friendly: leash required in most places, plenty of beaches and trails for Piet.
Leg 1: Nieuwpoort → Norderney (DE)
- Distance & time: ≈ 290 nm – ≈ 41 hours (one overnight passage, normal watch rotation)
- Fuel burn: ≈ 415 l
- Harbor: Norderney Hafen (53° 41.9′ N, 007° 09.9′ E) – tidal lock, call VHF 17 for entry and berth
Stopover: 1–2 days
Perfect relaxed island start. Scooters for dune trails and beaches; Piet loves the vast sands and shallow pools. Ride east to the nature reserve, loop to the lighthouse and promenade, or do the full coastal path circuit. Sunset beach walks with Piet are a must.
Leg 2: Norderney → Helgoland (DE)
- Distance & time: ≈ 50 nm – ≈ 7 hours (easy day run)
- Fuel burn: ≈ 72 l (total used ≈ 487 l)
- Harbor & fuel: Helgoland Südhafen yacht basin (54° 10.7′ N, 007° 53.5′ E) – VHF 67; we fill tanks to 100 % duty-free + stock provisions
Stopover: 1–2 days
Dramatic red cliffs and seal heaven. Scooters for cliff-top paths to Lange Anna; ferry to Düne for beaches and hundreds of seals (Piet will be in paradise – keep distance from colonies). Evening sunset from the cliffs with Piet.
Leg 3: Helgoland → Thyborøn (DK)
- Distance & time: ≈ 195 nm – ≈ 28 hours (one overnight passage)
- Fuel burn: ≈ 280 l (full tanks give strong margin)
- Harbor: Thyborøn Yacht Harbour (56° 42.4′ N, 008° 13.3′ E) – modern, sheltered in the big fishing port, just 50 m to one of Denmark’s best beaches
Stopover: 1–2 days
Lively working fishing town with unique attractions and endless space for Piet.
- Scooters ashore immediately – charge at marina power.
- Let Piet enjoy the huge dog-friendly beaches (off-leash zones common) and swim in the shallows.
- Scooter explorations: coastal paths, Sea War Museum Jutland (WWI exhibits), Jyllandsakvariet (seals and touch pools), Sneglehuset (shell-covered house), and Kystcentret bunkers (dogs welcome outside). Optional seal/oyster safari boat trip.
- Fresh fish from the harbor auction – grill onboard or eat out (dog-friendly spots).
Evening beach walks watching the North Sea waves.
Leg 4: Thyborøn → Hansholm (DK)
- Distance & time: ≈ 55 nm – ≈ 8 hours (relaxed day run north along the coast)
- Fuel burn: ≈ 80 l
- Harbor: Hanstholm Havn (57° 07.5′ N, 008° 35.7′ E) – large, modern, well-protected
Stopover: 1–2 days (extend if Yellow Reef is firing)
Main focus: legendary Yellow Reef (Gule Rev) fishing – drift or anchor for big cod, pollock, coalfish, and ling. Ashore: scooter runs into Thy National Park dunes and trails, Bunkermuseum, lighthouse climbs, and beaches for Piet to run and swim.
General Crew Notes
- Total trip duration: 10–14 days including stops, fishing time, and weather buffers.
- Watch system: standard rotation – we have the crew for safe overnight legs.
- Piet kit: water bowl, poop bags, towel, long line for café stops.
- Scooters: foldable, easy shore transfer, charge every night.
- Next after Hansholm: north toward Skagen, then into the Kattegat and on to Stavanger and the Norwegian fjords with their epic fishing grounds.
| Waypoint | Coordinates | Dist. Prev. (nm) | Cumulative (nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nieuwpoort (Departure) | 51° 09′ N, 002° 43′ E | – | 0 |
| Norderney | 53° 41.9′ N, 007° 09.9′ E | 290 | 290 |
| Helgoland | 54° 10.7′ N, 007° 53.5′ E | 50 | 340 |
| Thyborøn | 56° 42.4′ N, 008° 13.3′ E | 195 | 535 |
| Hansholm | 57° 07.5′ N, 008° 35.7′ E | 55 | 590 |
Fair winds and happy tails,
Skipper & Crew of MY SISU