Four legs in one of the worlds most beautiful coastline
Four legs in what is known to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world !
From Southern Shores to Arctic Horizons in Norway
Race to the Arctic 2026 - Preliminary schedule
The Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026, charts a demanding race from the southern most part of Norway, through 4 legs, to the majestic Lofoten and the quay of Thon Hotel Svolvær.
From the home port of Mandal the race, and first stage, will start going north at Lindesnes light house. This is the southern most point of mainland Norway. This leg will challenge sailors offshore, past the open waters of the Jæren reef, making the choice of going inshore or offshore past Karmøy, pass the Bergen archipelago to the finish line at the charming island of Fedje. Optimally located in the sailing route with minimal deviation, whether sailing inland or out of the coast.
215 nautical miles that will favor navigation skills
From Lindesnes to Fedje - 215 Nm
01
The small island of Fedje is 7.4 square kilometres so far west that you are actually closer to Shetland than to Oslo. Although Fedje is a small island with fewer than 600 inhabitants, it offers plenty for visitors and are looking forward to host the race with its protected harbor. Leaving Fedje for the second leg may be the most challenging in the race. This part of the Norwegian coast is probably the most weather-exposed, going offshore past the famous Stadlandet and Hustadvikas rough seas. The goal for this stage is the town of Kristiansund with its excellent protected harbor.
185 nautical miles with weather and potential tough conditions.
From Fedje to Kristiansund - 185 Nm
02
From Kristiansund the race will take the sailors offshore, crossing Frohavet before having the opportunety to sail inshore. The Helgeland coast might well be the most beautiful costline in Norway. The coastline is characterized with more than 14,000 islands and islets. Long fiord arms break up the coastline as the competition enters the the Vega archipelago, one of eight areas in Norway listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
195 nautical miles with mostly offshore sailing and tactical choices
From Kristiansund to the Helgeland coast and Vega islands - 195 Nm
03
This stage may also be sailed offshore. If the weather is challenging the leg may also contain the most smooth sailing as the boats are protected from the rough seas by thousand and thousand of islands, along the way to Lofoten. Leaving Vega will soon cross the arctic circle and sail into the midnight sun. Crossing Vestfjorden with the majestic mountains that form the Lofoten wall in sight.
170 nautical miles with midnight sun sailing and lots of navigation.
From Helgeland to the finish line in Svolvær, Lofoten - 170 Nm
04
Svolvær Lofoten
The finish of Island Offshore - Race to the Arctic 2026, will be in Lofoten and the town of Svolvær. It is nicely located between mountains and sea and is the largest town in the Lofoten islands with almost 5000 inhabitants. Here the boats will have a safe harbor at the long quay of Thon Hotel Svolvær. There will be an race village at the same quay as well as dinner and award ceremony at the hotel. All in the first weekend in July 2026.
Expect a big crowd and lots of honor and glory to all sailors - may the best boat win!
Explore the breathtaking journey from southern Norway, through the Arctic Circle and to the jagged mountain wall of Lofoten
