Island Offshore Race to the Arctic Reaches the Helgeland Coast
by Race to the Arctic 3 Jul 08:22 PDT
26 June - 5 July 2026
Race to the Arctic Reaches the Helgeland Coast © Race to the Arctic – SailLogic Media
The fleet in the inaugural Island Offshore Race to the Arctic has reached Sandnessjøen after completing the longest and most tactical leg of the race. Norwegian Swan 45 Zorro, sailed by Per Haugen and Thomas Robberstad, claimed Line Honours after a demanding upwind passage from Kristiansund.
After more than 36 hours at sea, Zorro crossed the finish line at Tjøtta, securing the first arrival of the fleet on the spectacular Helgeland coast.
The 250-nautical-mile third leg offered a completely different challenge from the opening stages. After two predominantly downwind legs, the fleet faced a long beat north through Trøndelag before reaching the dramatic mountains and islands of Helgeland.
Tactical sailing
Variable conditions made Leg 3 a true tactical challenge. Some crews chose the sheltered waters of Trondheimsleia while others remained offshore, but in the end weather routing, current and patience proved to be the winning combination.
As forecasts indicated very light winds around Sandnessjøen on Friday morning, the Race Committee decided to shorten the course by approximately 15 nautical miles, moving the finish line south to Tjøtta to ensure fair racing for the entire fleet.
"This leg had everything," says Principal Race Officer Thomas Nilsson.
"The race started in light winds, developed into a long tactical beat, and finished under the magical light of the Arctic summer night. Watching the first boats cross the finish line beneath the midnight sky is something none of us will forget."
Sandnessjøen welcomes the fleet
More than 60 team and 120 sailors are expected to arrive in Sandnessjøen over the coming hours, where they will enjoy two lay days before the final leg to Svolvær.
The arrival marks one of the highlights of the race, with the local community preparing to welcome competitors from several nations.
"Race to the Arctic is about much more than racing," says Nilsson.
"It's about showcasing one of the world's most spectacular coastlines and the communities that make it so special. The welcome we've received in Sandnessjøen has been fantastic, and we're grateful to everyone who has helped make this stop possible."
The Final Challenge
Following two days in Sandnessjøen, the fleet will depart on Saturday evening for the fourth and final leg to Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands, completing almost 800 nautical miles of offshore racing from Mandal. With close racing in all classes, the overall standings remain wide open heading into the decisive finale.
About Race to the Arctic
Island Offshore Race to the Arctic is Norway's largest offshore race for double-handed crews and one of Europe's newest offshore sailing events.
The race covers nearly 800 nautical miles over four legs from Mandal to Svolvær, taking competitors through some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery.