Island Offshore Race to the Arctic: Fully booked quickly, but stocked up!
Morten Strauch
· 30.11.2025
Fans of Nordic offshore regattas such as Vegvisir, Baltic 500 and the Garmin Round Denmark Race will have another opportunity to prove themselves on 26 June 2026. In four stages, the race will cover around 750 nautical miles from Lindesnes along the impressive coast of Norway to Svolvær on the Lofoten Islands.
The aim of the format initiated by Shorthanded Sailing Norway is to combine challenging regatta sailing with the Norwegian experience of nature. The former CEO and two-time skipper of the Ocean Race, Knut Frostad, is also enthusiastic: "This has to be the most exciting and challenging race that has ever taken place in Northern Europe. The participants can expect a truly unique experience as they sail along the Norwegian coast from the south into the midnight sun."
Increased number of participants in the "Island Offshore Race to the Arctic"
Due to capacity bottlenecks in the harbours along the coast, the number of boats was initially limited to 60. Due to the high demand, the number of participants was increased to 80, so that not only the 16 boats on the waiting list can take part. Four more places are still available.
German participants also at the start
As expected, the majority of the registered boats come from Norway, as the logistics are more difficult to manage than at the Baltic 500, for example. Nevertheless, five German crews have registered alongside a few teams from Sweden: The entry list includes Lina Rixgens with Sverre Reinke on their Sun Fast 30 OD "Gaia" and Jochen Denkena's Sun Fast 3200 "Arrabbiata". A boat from Switzerland and even one from the USA are also registered.
Four stages over 775 nautical miles
The race comprises four stages over nine days. This provides participants with short breaks for equipment repairs and social activities ashore. It also allows the race organisers to ensure safe and fair sailing conditions as the Norwegian coast can offer challenging weather. The regatta division is intended for two-handed sailors, while a crew of up to four is permitted in the cruising division.
Race Officer Thomas Nilsson on the race format: "We have divided the 'Island Offshore Race to the Arctic' into four legs of around 200 nautical miles each, including stops that give most crews 12 hours of rest between legs. Even in summer, the Norwegian coast can present challenging conditions with currents and swell. The safety of the boats is the responsibility of the skippers, but the race organisers aim to create controllable and fair conditions."
Requirements and support
The race is open to monohulls with an APH between 0.99 and 1.25 and does not allow sports boats or foiling boats. The organisers assume that many sailors will want to stay in northern Norway after the finish and therefore offer logistical support with holiday equipment and an overview of marinas with winter capacity.
The article from 30.11.2025 was updated on 9 December.
