An interesting initiative from the organisers of the Vegvisir Race Nyborg: to make solo sailing in their race safer, they have introduced a new rule specifically for the longer 200-nautical-mile solo leg. From this year onwards, rest periods are set to become a fixed part of this demanding offshore challenge. This adds a new dimension to the race’s tenth anniversary edition, which takes place in Danish and German waters.
This year, the race starts on 3 September in Nyborg and takes its competitors – whether sailing solo or in a crew of two – back there too. The new rule is aimed at solo sailors; its basic principle is as follows: the race, which lasts a total of around 55 hours on the longer course, Vegvisir Race Nyborg is divided into consecutive 42-hour cycles. Within each of these cycles, single-handed sailors may sail for a maximum of 30 hours at a time, but must also take a break of at least six hours.
Flexible scheduling for the six-hour break
However, no fixed time is specified for this mandatory rest period. The skipper decides for themselves when to take and make use of the six hours. This can be done immediately after the start or during periods of light wind, as well as at other times that make tactical sense. For the competitors, the new rule offers, on the one hand, the chance to rest and, on the other, the rather challenging task of choosing the optimal time for their break.
This means that the rest period becomes part of the race strategy. The 42-hour cycles to be taken into account begin when the solo leg of the Vegvisir Race Nyborg starts. The first cycle begins on 3 September at 10.00 and runs until 4.00 am on Saturday. The second cycle then begins, even though the race ends at 5 pm on Saturday. Skippers will then take another rest period, which must be completed before crossing the finish line.
Rest periods will be deducted from the sailing time at the finish, at a rate of six hours each. A rest period of more than six hours counts as elapsed time. The organisers are convinced: “The result is an unusual combination of a fixed safety framework and considerable tactical freedom.” The new rule is not intended “to turn the 200-nautical-mile race into a regimented endurance exercise”. Rather, the organisers want “the skippers to continue to make one of the most important decisions in offshore sailing: when to stop”. The new rule merely establishes the safety framework for this.
Additional option for the final sprint in the Vegvisir Race Nyborg
In addition to the new six-hour rule, there is a special rule on the way to the finish: If boats reach the 15-nautical-mile circle around the finish line of the Vegvisir Race Nyborg before the 36-hour limit of uninterrupted sailing time has been reached, solo sailors may decide for themselves to head straight for the finish. They are no longer required to take a rest break. This decision rests solely with the participants, who must, however, inform the race organisers of their choice. Once the decision has been made, it cannot be reversed.
The new rules also cover another issue: what happens if the skipper wishes to drop anchor or seek shelter but needs to use the engine to do so? The engine may be used as soon as the boat is within half a nautical mile of the chosen resting position. The position at which solo sailors start their engine is recorded as the ‘engine start position’.
At the end of the rest period, the skipper may use the engine to move away from the rest position, but must return to the engine start position before switching the engine off again and the Vegvisir Race Nyborg continues. The aim is to ensure that solo competitors can use their engines to reach their rest position safely, but do not gain an advantage in the form of a lead as a result.
Vegvisir Race Nyborg: Strengthening the safety net on land too
Every participant in the Vegvisir Race Nybord must appoint a ‘Designated Person Ashore’ (DPA) – that is, a designated contact person on shore – before the start of the race. This DPA must possess qualifications comparable to those of the skipper. In this way, the organisers aim to ensure that every participant has someone on shore who can understand and assess the situations at sea that may arise during an offshore regatta.
The DPA acts as the skipper’s representative on land should safety issues arise or crisis management be required. The DPA must be available at all times, but is not required to attend the skipper’s briefing or to be in Denmark during the race. Registration for the Vegvisir Race Nyborg is still until 24 August here possible.
The race is a real draw and regularly attracts a large number of German boats to the start and finish port of Nyborg. This year, around two-thirds of all registered boats are from Germany. The race’s popularity is regularly ensured by the stories of those who have already done it. There are seven single-handed and seven double-handed divisions each for the shorter and longer courses, covering around 100 and 200 nautical miles respectively, for keelboats and monohull yachts.
Memories of the last edition of the Vegvisir Race Nyborg 2025:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter