Island Offshore
Race to the Arctic 2026

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The ultimate shorthanded sailing experience of 2026.

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

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.

Island Offshore

Race to the Arctic 2026

Start at Lindesnes light house - home port: Mandal

Leg 1 : Lindesnes - Fedje

Leg 2 : Fedje - Kristiansund

Leg 3 : Kristiansund - Helgeland (Vega area)

Leg 4 : Helgeland - Svolvær, Lofoten


The stages and dates for the competition

The regatta runs from June 25 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
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 owner of the regatta and co-organizer together with Norwegian Sailing Federation (NSF) and The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).


- Local sailing associations will participate at each stop: Mandal, Nordhordland 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