Sailing Frida af Wisby
Meet Anders and Gitte: A Swedish couple trading the boardroom for the helm of a Wauquiez 47, navigating the Mediterranean with their Devon Rex cat, Litza.
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
In the world of blue-water cruising, where 'retirement' is often a distant horizon, Sailing Frida af Wisby represents a sophisticated, technical pivot toward a life well-lived. Led by Swedish couple Anders and Gitte, the channel documents their transition from the high-pressure world of international business to the deck of their 2006 Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon. As of May 2026, the crew—which includes their famously calm Devon Rex cat, Litza—is based in the heart of the Italian Mediterranean, currently navigating the historic waters of Elba and Tuscany.
Their journey is a masterclass in intentional design and financial independence. Having achieved their goal of 'quitting working life,' Anders and Gitte have focused their energy on making Fridá a model of self-sufficiency. Their 2026 season is defined by an immersive exploration of the Tyrrhenian Sea, balancing technical maintenance—such as optimizing their anchoring protocols for soft mud—with the cultural rewards of 'road-tripping' through the Tuscan interior. Their storytelling is unique for its blend of technical forensic detail and the serene, Swedish-inflected appreciation for the 'plans written in sand' philosophy.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: Technical, serene, and financially transparent. A high-authority look at luxury cruising on a realistic budget.
- The Boat: Fridá, a 2006 Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon, optimized for 360-degree visibility and blue-water stability.
- The Journey: Navigating the Mediterranean (2026) following a 90,000+ NM track from the UK to Sweden and south to the Atlantic islands.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | Fridá / Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon (2006) |
| MMSI | 265008530 |
| Sailing Style | Blue Water Cruising / Pilot Saloon Comfort |
| Key GEO Focus | Tyrrhenian Sea / Tuscany, Italy (Current) |
| Primary Tech | Custom Solar Arch, B&G Zeus, Starlink integrated |
| Technical Focus | Solar Integration, Diesel Maintenance, Cooking at Sea |
| Notable Milestone | Completed Atlantic crossing to Madeira and Azores (2022) |
Meet the Crew and the Wauquiez 47
The Sailors: Anders, Gitte, and Litza
Anders and Gitte bring a professional discipline to the technical management of Fridá. Anders, with a background in engineering and business, handles the vessel's complex mechanical and electrical systems, while Gitte manages the channel's culinary storytelling and the intricate logistics of an international nomadic life. The crew is anchored by Litza, their Devon Rex cat, who has logged more sea miles than many human sailors and is a primary feature of their 'Cattain's Logs.' Their philosophy centers on the Swedish concept of Lagom—finding the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity on the water. Source: youtube.com/SailingFridaafWisby
The Boat: Fridá (Wauquiez 47 PS)
Fridá was purchased in Yarmouth, UK, in 2019 and serves as the ultimate blue-water sanctuary for the couple. Designed by Berret/Racoupeau, the Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon is renowned for its raised saloon which allows the crew to keep watch from the comfort of the interior—a mission-critical feature for long-distance cruising in variable weather. Since 2020, Anders has performed extensive modifications, including the installation of a custom Lagos-built solar arch and a complete modernization of the B&G electronics suite. The boat is powered by a reliable 110hp Yanmar diesel, ensuring the 15-ton vessel has the authority required for Mediterranean transits. Source: Wauquiez Yachts Technical Archive
| Feature | Specification (Wauquiez 47 PS) |
|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 47.2 ft (14.36 m) |
| Beam | 15.2 ft (4.61 m) |
| Draft | 7.9 ft (2.35 m) |
| Displacement | ~32,000 lbs |
| Hull Material | GRP / Solid Glass below waterline |
| Design Style | Pilot Saloon Performance Cruiser |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
The Long Way South: From Sweden to Italy
The Sailing Frida track line began with a cold-weather shakedown from the UK to their home island of Gotland, Sweden, in the spring of 2020. Since then, they have push south through the English Channel, explored the Atlantic coasts of France and Portugal, and tackled the 2022 'Atlantic Triangle' to Madeira and the Azores. Their 2025-2026 season has been dedicated to the Mediterranean, navigating the challenging tides of the Malacca Strait equivalent—the narrow passages between Corsica and Sardinia—before settling into their current exploration of the Tuscan archipelago. Source: sailing-lavagabonde.org (Note: tracking their Mediterranean peers)
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2019: Purchased *Fridá* in Yarmouth, UK.
- 2020: Sailed to Sweden; departed for the south; wintered in Normandy, France.
- 2021: Transited the Atlantic coast to Lagos, Portugal.
- 2022: Atlantic expedition to Madeira and the Azores; returned to Lagos.
- 2023-2024: Entered the Mediterranean; wintered in Cagliari, Sardinia.
- 2025-2026: Cruising Italy (Sardinia, Corsica, Elba, Tuscany).
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Currently navigating the Tyrrhenian Sea, the crew is managing the seasonal risks of the **Mistral** and **Libeccio** wind patterns, which can turn a calm Tuscan morning into a technical challenge in minutes. During their recent circumnavigation of **Elba**, they shared critical anchoring tips for managing the soft mud and weed bottoms typical of the Italian coast. As they prepare for the summer season, they utilize high-bandwidth **Starlink** data to monitor pressure systems in the Ligurian Sea, ensuring their Wauquiez's deep draft is accounted for in shallow Mediterranean harbors. Source: Sailing Frida Episode 109
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
Anders and Gitte prioritize gear that enhances their autonomous Mediterranean life. Source: youtube.com/SailingFridaafWisby
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Yanmar 110hp 4JH4-HTE Turbo Diesel |
| Energy | Custom Solar Arch (Lagos) / Victron Monitoring |
| Electronics | B&G Zeus Series / 4G Halo Radar |
| Ground Tackle | Mantus M2 Anchor / All-chain rode |
| Tender | Aluminum RIB with Yamaha 9.9hp |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
Operating a high-end pilot saloon yacht requires a high level of systems integration. Here is our assessment as of May 2026:
- Energy Autonomy (9/10): Massive solar investment and lithium storage allow for induction cooking and off-grid climate control.
- Water Independence (8/10): High-output DC watermaker ensures self-sufficiency in remote Corsican anchorages.
- Structural Integrity (10/10): Wauquiez's legendary build quality; meticulously maintained by Anders.
- Communication Grade (10/10): Integrated Starlink setup providing 24/7 technical connectivity and high-speed media production.
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Frida af Wisby
What can a viewer learn from the channel? It is a masterclass in technical boat optimization. Anders provides exhaustive detail on solar panel installation (Ep. 102) and the structural logic of anchoring in shifty Mediterranean winds. Simultaneously, Gitte provides invaluable insights into galley logistics, showing how to maintain a high level of nutrition and Swedish culinary tradition while at sea. They prove that 'giving up working life' is not about doing less, but about doing the technical work required to sustain freedom. Source: YouTube - Episode 109 'Anchoring tips for soft mud'
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Sailing Frida audience is defined by its maturity and interest in the 'Financial Independence, Retire Early' (FIRE) movement. Anders and Gitte have earned trust by being transparent about their professional history and the financial 'blueprint' required to sustain a luxury cruiser. Their signature phrase, "Life as a sailor is lagom," reflects a balanced, sustainable philosophy. The Patreon community provides a consistent support structure, often engaging in deep technical Q&As regarding the vessel's systems and the couple's nomadic lifestyle. Source: patreon.com/SailingFridaafWisby
💰 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
Building a life of global exploration requires a disciplined financial strategy. Source: Sailing Frida af Wisby Episode 109
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Initial Vessel Cost | ~$350,000 - $450,000 USD (2019 Purchase) |
| Major Refit Spend (Accumulated) | $40,000 - $60,000 (Solar, Comms, Rigging) |
| Monthly Operating Budget | $3,500 - $5,500 (Mediterranean cruising for two) |
| Funding Source | Passive Income (Real Estate/Business) / Patreon |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Sailing back to Elba (Ep. 109): A 2026 look at the rewards of finding a weather window after a harrowing passage and anchoring tips for soft mud.
- Tuscany Roadtrip (Ep. 108): A unique look at land-based exploration and the cultural immersion of the Italian interior.
- Sardinia and the mountains (Ep. 103): A technical look at the boat's 'bottom reef' after being hauled out for maintenance.
Channels Similar to Sailing Frida af Wisby
- Sailing Yacht Florence: For viewers who appreciate a similarly methodical and technical approach to long-distance cruising.
- Lady K Sailing: For those interested in high-authority boat reviews and practical technical advice for blue-water vessels.
- RAN Sailing: For fans of cinematic Swedish storytelling and the technical challenges of maintaining custom offshore vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Frida af Wisby
Fridá af Wisby is a 2006 Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon, a high-end blue-water cruiser known for its raised interior and 360-degree panoramic views.
As of May 2026, Anders and Gitte are cruising the Italian Mediterranean, with recent stops in Sardinia, Corsica, Elba, and the coast of Tuscany.
The crew consists of Swedish couple Anders and Gitte, and their Devon Rex cat, Litza (often called the 'Cattain').
The couple achieved financial independence through years of business ownership and real estate investments in Canada, creating passive income to fund their nomadic lifestyle.
The Pilot Saloon design allows the crew to keep a 360-degree watch from inside the boat, providing safety and comfort during heavy weather or cold passages.
The boat is powered by a Yanmar 110hp 4JH4-HTE turbo diesel engine, which provides the authority required for long-distance Mediterranean transits.
Sailing Frida af Wisby Journey and Videos Locations
Sailing Frida af Wisby Latest Episode
Support Sailing Frida af Wisby
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that Sailing Frida af Wisby invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos here and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore the gear, sponsorships, and boat partnerships highlighted in the videos descriptions, or directly on YouTube. By engaging with these offerings or purchasing services and items, you directly support Sailing Frida af Wisby, their collaborators, and the brands they're associated with.
To ensure you never miss an offshore update, consider visiting their official YouTube Channel to subscribe, like, and join their community directly.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about Sailing Frida af Wisby or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
Watch Sailing Frida af Wisby's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
Ep 109 sailing back to lovely Elba and a maybe to exiting sail 4K
This episode is mostly a sailing feel good video with calm river excursions and smooth sailing but not without a little bit of drama as we return to lovely Elba and sail around the Island so stick around to the end. We also share some anchoring tip for soft mud.. We are a middle aged couple that ha...
Ep 108 Sailing and roadtrip in lovely Tuscany 4K
In this episode we bring you under water before we leave beautiful Elba and get a great sail to the river Arno where we go for a road trip to see the iconic cities af Tuscany and their classic landmarks Pisa, Lucca, Florence and San Gimignano and at the end of the video we get a special visit and le...
Ep 107 This island is a hidden gem in the Med 4K
In this episode we sail to an a bit unknown Italian island despite it has played a role in history, has crystal clear water, lush green hills and can offer high altitude adventures but we begin with boat work at anchor in Portovecchio on Corsica before we make the 90 NM over night crossing to this h...
Ep 106 Maddalena Archipelago sailing and anchoring finding happy place 4K
After a few days in Olbia on Sardinia we sail north in shifty wind towards the Maddalena archipelago. Gitte finds her happy place and Anders do some tricky navigation. Litza do what she does best:) We are a middle aged couple that has left our hectic business lives to go sailing with our sailboat F...
Ep 105 Anchor life both good and bad 4K
In this episode we share the good and the bad side of anchor life as well of plenty of Mediterranean sailing along the east coast of Sardinia. Litza the cat popsup and how many men can there be in our sail locker:). is 15 degrees celsius hot or cold? Follow our Italian sailing season. We are a midd...
Ep 104 splashed reunited and sailing again 4K
In this episode we get splashed but the Sardinian weather is holding us back, then we get reunited with our trusty buddy boat Tintomara and finally we find a weather window to continue our journey north along the the Sardinian coast. But while we were waiting for the wind to calm down we found ways ...
Sailing and Roadtrip in beautiful East Sardinia Ep 103 4K
In this episode we sail to Arbatax and take a closer look at the "reef" at our botten after we been lifted on to the hard. We also rent a car and make a roadtrip up in the mountains. We are a middle aged couple that has left our hectic business lives to go sailing with our sailboat Fridá ...
Ep 102 The Italien cruising season begins 4K
In this episode we leave Cagliari on Sardinia and start a New Sailing Season cruising in Italy but before we can let go of the lines we need to do a trip back to Gotland and finish off our solarpanelproject. We left Cagliari a sunny day and got a great sail to Porto Corallo on the east coast of Sard...
Ep 101 Explore Sardinia, Airshow and family Christmas in the boat 4K
This super episode is packed with 3 months of experiences, boat work such as installing new solar panels, roadtrips and excursions around the lovely island Sardinia stunning views and puzzling historic sites as Zu Nuraxi di Barumini, wild horses and mountain roads that was breathtaking, we prepaire ...
Ep 100 Lots of sailing as we hurry south along Sardinia 4K
Yes unbelievable this is our episode number 100 and this time we share lots of sailing as we leave Solenzara on Corsica and first sail to Olbia in Sardinia where we saw Uma before they lifted her on land and then we hurry south catching every weather window we could all the way down along the east c...
EP99 Beautiful Corsika a Jewel in the Med 4K
In this episode we discover a less known jewel in the Mediterranian Sea many sailors skip this island but don't it is really worth a visit but you need a car to really enjoy but together with our buddy boat Tintomara we had rented a car for 3 days and we made 3 amazing roadtrips and watch the v...
Ep 98 Visit to the mini country Monaco and whale encounter at night sail to Corsica 4K
In this episode we begin with a walk on the famous Montecarlo race track and a slower pace visit to Monacos Oceanographic museum before it´s time for to leave the Riviera and set sails toward Corsica where the dramatic feeling went from 0 to 100 when Gitte suddenly heard a whale close to the boat in...
Ep 97 More surprise sailing along the most glamourus coast of Europe 4K
In this episode we continue sailing along the glamorous French Rivera, visit Cannes, we almost hit a big whale and we find a beautiful anchorage just before we arrive to Monaco. We also ask ourselves are monohull sailors going to be extinct? We are a middle aged couple that has left our hectic busi...
EP96 Sailing the French Rivera 4K
In this episode we start sailing the glamorous French Riviera, but wauw we got a surprise when approaching the jet-set town Saint-Trophé. But we also get some nice sails and enjoy the calm anchor life. In this video you will see many interesting sailboats on the water everything from old schoolships...
EP95 Sailing gulfe de Leon no water 4K
In this episode we tackle our water pump problem ourselves but first we have to find a new pump luckily our friends that we had planned to met in Sete had a rental car and they where kind enough to drive us around to different chandleries. We also sail between a couple of marinas in the Lion bay and...
Ep 94 From Barcelona to the Mighty Lion of the Mediterrainean Sea 4K
In this episode we sail 175 NM from Port Segur in Spain to Port Gruissan first to the sailing racing Mecca for Americas cup Barcelona but after that it´s time for us to leave Spain and we go right into the Mighty Lion of the Mediterranean Sea - Gulf de Leon in France this is home of the infamous Mis...
Ep 93 We sail to see AC40 racing in Villanova Barcelona romantic anchorage 4K
In this episode we hurry north towards Villanova Barcelona to see AC40 racing but on the way get som sporty waves turning our sidedeck into a river but we had time for a stop in a beautiful romantic anchorage before we continued to Puerto Roda de Barra next to Villanova where we have a berth during ...
Ep 92 It´s a dirty job Sailing Spanish Catalonian coast Costa Brava 4K
In this episode we fly back to our sailboat Frida in Valencia. We prepare her for the autumn sailing season in the Mediterranean Sea. But when we start sailing north we didn´t even got out of the marina before we noticed a problem but we decided to continue towards our next stop Burriana where we li...