The Vegvisir Race is bearing the full brunt of late-summer Scandinavian weather. There was already a palpable sense of nervousness in the air at the skippers’ briefing for the single-handed sailors on Wednesday evening, as Jochen Rieker, editor of the Yacht ... he recounted. Outside, showers were passing through; in the almost empty marquee, the patter of rain meant that at times it was almost impossible to make out a word.
Race Director Morten Brand was still discussing the general direction of the course with the skippers. The question under discussion was whether the 200-nautical-mile circuit should be sailed clockwise or anti-clockwise.
The long route has been cancelled altogether for some
On Thursday, shortly before the start, the race organisers took the necessary decision: the 200-nautical-mile race was cancelled entirely for the solo sailors.
Prior to this, the organisers had explored various options for shortening the course. However, the mandatory six-hour rest period in particular would have posed a problem for the slower boats. They would not have been expected back at the finish line until Saturday afternoon or evening – precisely when, according to the current forecast, wind speeds of up to 35 knots are expected to set in.
The decision is therefore likely to bring a sense of relief to many crews, despite their disappointment. As early as Thursday morning, the weather conditions were anything but inviting. Strong gusts and persistent rain showers created conditions that even the hardiest among them found little joy in.
Start of the Double-handed 200-nautical-mile regatta
Despite the unfavourable weather forecast, 37 boats lined up at the start of the double-handed 200-nautical-mile regatta. Around 66 yachts had originally entered the race. The fleet was divided into three starting groups and then set off into the challenging conditions.
The Small class is particularly well represented: with twelve boats on the starting line, it makes up the largest sub-field in the 200-nautical-mile race.
So the race is in full swing for now, even though the conditions are likely to put the crews through their paces. The combination of strong gusts, rain and the forecast of increasingly strong winds is already creating a sense of excitement right from the start.
In order to avoid the strongest winds as far as possible, the route of the Vegvisir Race was adjusted at short notice and shortened by around 25 nautical miles. Instead of heading towards the Flensburg Fjord, the route now passes Ærø, skirting its western side, towards the Little Belt and then into the Svendborg Sound.
The 100-mile race is also under scrutiny
Attention now turns to the 100-nautical-mile race, which is scheduled to start on Friday at 5.00 pm. However, the race organisers are remaining flexible here too.
Participants have already been informed that several shortened course options are being organised. The aim is to ensure the fleet returns safely to Nyborg in good time, before the forecast strong winds reach the sailing area.
As a result, this year’s Vegvisir Race is very much being dictated by the weather. Instead of chasing records and making strategic route choices, the focus is currently on safety considerations and the question of how much of the originally planned route can actually be sailed.
The mood amongst the crews is understandably subdued. And as if the regatta needed yet another bad omen, on Thursday morning a bloated rat drifted past the stern of one of the competing boats, belly-up. Complete with white, slimy fur.
Whether it’s a bad omen or just a curious find in the water: the coming hours will show whether the mini version of the Vegvisir Race 2026 can go ahead under acceptable conditions.
More information you will find here.
The tracker for the Vegvisir Race 2026 is here to be found
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama