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The ultimate shorthanded sailing experience of 2026.

The regatta will be a real test of skill and stamina. Doublehanded crews will face the challenge of navigating Norway´s dramatic coastline. We will highlight the sport of sailing and the unique demands of shorthanded offshore racing.
May the best sailors prevail !

Island Offshore

Race to the Arctic 2026

Days
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Countdown finished!

Join the regatta by registration your boat on Manage 2 Sail. Please registrer on the waitlist.

Looking for crew or want to join a boat? Please registrer in the crew exchange database.

Race overview

Join us when we race the Norwegian coastal majesty from Lindesnes to Lofoten !
- 4 legs and plenty of beauty...

The Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026 seeks to challenge doublehanded sailors to race approximately 750 nautical miles, close to 1400 km. The race will start in Norway's southernmost point, late June and end in Lofoten early July 2026. Through 4 stages the participants will face variable weather, complex navigation and the beauty of sailing under the midnight sun. This route tests maritime knowledges and endurance while showcasing Norway’s breathtaking landscapes.
The overall winner will be crowned in Svolvær, Lofoten the first weekend in July 2026 !

Sailboat on blue water with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

We are proud to present our sailing partners

Overall Title Sponsor

Island Offshore Logo

Class sponsors

Delmar logo
Wergeland logo

Other sponsors

Raymarine logo

Island Offshore

Race to the Arctic 2026

Leg 1 : Mandal - Fedje, Nordhordaland


Leg 2 : Fedje - Kristiansund, Nordmøre


Leg 3 : Kristiansund - Sandnessjøen, Helgeland


Leg 4 : Sandnessjøen - Svolvær, Lofoten


The stages and dates for the competition

The regatta runs from June 26 to July 5 in 2026. The competition will consist of 4 legs, each with 12 hours rest in between racing. The route offers a mix of offshore and coastal sailing, giving participants tactical options to sail inshore or offshore depending on conditions. The race aims to attract the best doublehanded sailors in Norway, and we expect international, European teams to join the regatta as well.

Lindesnes Fyr

Follow us on sosial media

Doublehanded sailing is our passion! We want to give a shout out to our DH-racing friends in Germany, organizing @baltic_500 . This race is a 500nm non-stop race with start and finish in Strande, Germany, racing all the way up and around Læsø in Denmark. Register for a great challenge starting May 14th 2026! @rixgensreinkeoffshoreracing @sharifaracing
Doublehanded sailing is our passion! We want to give a shout out to our DH-racing friends in Germany, organizing @baltic_500 . This race is a 500nm non-stop race with start and finish in Strande, Germany, racing all the way up and around Læsø in Denmark. Register for a great challenge starting May 14th 2026! @rixgensreinkeoffshoreracing @sharifaracing
Looking for boat or crew? Try our new matching service for skippers looking for crew members and crew looking for a boat to join! Register using the link in the comment section.
Looking for boat or crew? Try our new matching service for skippers looking for crew members and crew looking for a boat to join! Register using the link in the comment section.
53 Meet the competition @sharifaracing
53 Meet the competition @sharifaracing
46 Meet the competition @cantaloop_racing
46 Meet the competition @cantaloop_racing
@race_arctic Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve increased the maximum number of competing boats from 60 to 80. Sign up for the waiting list now – availability is limited, this is the final opportunity to participate!
@race_arctic Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve increased the maximum number of competing boats from 60 to 80. Sign up for the waiting list now – availability is limited, this is the final opportunity to participate!
Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic was sold out in 19 days. The Race Committee is looking at the possibility to increase the number of entries, and encourage sailors to sign up for the waiting list. We are overwhelmed by the interest, and looking forward to seeing all participants in Mandal. https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/IORttA#!/
Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic was sold out in 19 days. The Race Committee is looking at the possibility to increase the number of entries, and encourage sailors to sign up for the waiting list. We are overwhelmed by the interest, and looking forward to seeing all participants in Mandal. https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/IORttA#!/
2 Meet the competition @hyrrokkin_sailing
2 Meet the competition @hyrrokkin_sailing
Ready to race «Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026» - A doublehanded sailrace to the midnight sun…. ☀️⛵️ We are over halfway to fully booked ??
Ready to race «Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026» - A doublehanded sailrace to the midnight sun…. ☀️⛵️ We are over halfway to fully booked 😊😮
11. Meet the competition @mrsfrecklessailingteam
11. Meet the competition @mrsfrecklessailingteam
5. Meet the competition - Pretty Fast
5. Meet the competition - Pretty Fast
Join the Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026. A doublehanded race to the land of the midnight sun.
Join the Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026. A doublehanded race to the land of the midnight sun.
Påmeldingen er åpen! www.racearctic.no
Påmeldingen er åpen! www.racearctic.no
4. Meet the competition @hhjortho @chjorthoy in Iluminati is ready for Race to the Arctic 2026 @race_arctic
4. Meet the competition @hhjortho @chjorthoy in Iluminati is ready for Race to the Arctic 2026 @race_arctic
3. Meet the competition: @puravida_sailingteam Ready for Race to the Arctic 2026
3. Meet the competition: @puravida_sailingteam Ready for Race to the Arctic 2026
2. Meet the competition: @sigmund_hertzberg og Tim Sandberg in @hyrrokkin_sailing Klar for Race to the Arctic 2026
2. Meet the competition: @sigmund_hertzberg og Tim Sandberg in @hyrrokkin_sailing Klar for Race to the Arctic 2026
1. Meet the competition: @sigurd_boasson og @miina_sail er klar for regatta !
1. Meet the competition: @sigurd_boasson og @miina_sail er klar for regatta !
Målet er satt til brygga på Thon Hotels Svolvær !
Målet er satt til brygga på Thon Hotels Svolvær !
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By SAILORS for SAILORS

- The regatta will be organized by sailors, without a commercial organizer, based on non-profit organizations and volunteers to do the main work.

– Asker Sailing Association is the main organizer.

- The class club "Shorthanded Sailing Norway" (SSN) is the rightful owner of the regatta and co-organizer together with The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).


- Local sailing associations will participate at each stop: Mandal, Nordhordland, Sandnessjøen and Kristiansund.

Two people in safety vests and hard hats on a sailboat, looking at a device with the sun setting.

Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026, enforces strict safety protocols tailored for shorthanded crews. All participants must carry approved emergency gear, including personal locator beacons, ensuring readiness for any situation.

Continuous weather monitoring and real-time communication systems keep sailors informed and connected throughout the race. The race committee will overview the conditions to make sure the race is fair and safe, coordinates rapid response plans, prioritizing swift assistance while maintaining the race’s competitive spirit.

Taking care of crew and boats