A New Generation Joins the Adventure – Vegvisir Race 2026 Fleet Update

As the Early Bird period enters its final hours, the Vegvisir Race 2026 fleet is already taking shape — and something remarkable is happening. The first nine months before the start have brought not only strong numbers, but a profound shift in who is joining the race.

With 64 boats and 114 sailors registered by Saturday afternoon, Vegvisir Race is ahead of last year’s pace. But even more importantly, the composition of the fleet is changing in a way that points toward a new era for adventure sail racing in Northern Europe.

A Rise in Young Sailors — and New Energy

One of the clearest trends is the significant increase in U25 participation.In 2025, the race saw 4 boats and 8 sailors under the age of 25.

For 2026, that number has already grown to: 10 boats 21 young sailors

This change did not happen by accident.The organisers — Shorthand ECM and Nyborg Sejlforening — made a deliberate decision to open the door for young sailors by introducing the €1 U25 entry during the Early Bird period.

The result has been immediate:Young teams are entering in numbers never seen before at Vegvisir Race.

And something unexpected happened along the way…

More Women Than Ever Before

Among the young sailors, the participation of women is significantly higher than in any other age group.Overall, the 2026 fleet includes:

 18 women(compared to just 7 in 2025)

This is a meaningful shift.Adventure sail racing has traditionally been dominated by experienced male sailors — and that core remains strong — but the race is now also becoming a place where young talent, mixed teams, and new perspectives meet on equal terms.

The Core Offshore Community Is Still the Backbone

Alongside this evolution, Vegvisir Race continues to attract a solid field of experienced offshore and shorthanded sailors — the backbone of the event.

Returning skippers, dedicated two-handed teams, and ambitious singlehanded veterans are once again choosing Nyborg as their September challenge.

This mix — elite, talent, youth, women, and experienced offshore sailors — is shaping Vegvisir Race 2026 into one of the most diverse and compelling adventure fleets in the region.

Growing International Interest

The fleet now represents six nations:

Denmark Germany The Netherlands Sweden Norway Switzerland

This level of international engagement reinforces Vegvisir Race’s position as a Northern European meeting point for shorthanded adventure racing.

New Courses for 2026

To match the growing ambition of the fleet, Vegvisir Race introduces two new courses for 2026:

• Approx. 100 NM adventure in the Danish belts

• Approx. 200 NM route combining inshore complexity with offshore distance

The courses will once again test:

• navigation

• tactical decision-making

• weather interpretation

• endurance

• night sailing skill

These elements are at the heart of Adventure Sail Racing — the combination of nature, challenge, and personal journey that defines the Vegvisir experience.

Sailing & Socializing — The Heart of the Event

While the competitive aspect of Vegvisir Race is strong, the social dimension remains just as important.

In Nyborg, sailors meet not only to race, but to reconnect, exchange experiences, and enjoy a uniquely warm and welcoming gathering in the heart of Denmark.

The concerts, the dinners, the harbour atmosphere — they all contribute to what many sailors describe as the Vegvisir spirit.

Adventure. Navigation. Community.This is what brings people back year after year.

Early Bird Ends Tonight

The Early Bird period — with the lowest possible entry fees — ends tonight at midnight, 7 December.

If you're considering joining the 2026 edition, this is the last opportunity to secure a place at the most favourable price.

 Registration:www.vegvisirrace.com/register

Thank You to Everyone Already Registered

To the young sailors, to the women joining in greater numbers, to the experienced offshore community, and to the sailors traveling from across Europe —thank you for helping shape the Vegvisir Race 2026 fleet into something truly special.

We look forward to welcoming all of you in Nyborg for another unforgettable edition of Adventure Sail Racing.