Since 1925, the ocean-loving sailing community has been meeting on Heligoland to compete in challenging regattas on the North Sea. The Programme of the 90th edition once again promises a successful mix of tradition and innovation from 6 to 10 June.
The classic feeder regattas from the Elbe, Weser, Jade and North Frisia to Heligoland will once again form the centrepiece of the Whitsun festival for North Sea fans in 2025. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the popular "Rund Helgoland" regatta on Whit Sunday, followed by the "Helgoländer Acht" on Whit Monday.
With the "Next Generation Cup", which is taking place for the first time, the organisers are focusing specifically on the next generation. Over two days, young sailors can gain their first regatta experience on the North Sea in shortened up & down races. The event is sailed on a J/80. To take part, three of the four-person crew must be under 30 years old.
For the second time since 2023, offshore fans will then sail a challenging long distance of 350 to 400 nautical miles with the Red Rock as the start and finish with the "Helgoland Offshore Triangle". The course has not yet been finalised: the race committee will adjust it flexibly shortly before the start depending on the wind and weather conditions in order to create conditions that are both optimal and interesting. The Offshore Triangle alternates annually with the "Pantaenius Round Skagen Race", which will be back on the programme in 2026.
Escort boat urgently needed
Meanwhile, Marcus Boehlich, Head of Organisation for the North Sea Week, appeals to boaters on the Elbe and North Sea for help: "As a participant in the North Sea Week, you will have noticed that we have a number of inflatable boats whose crews have a variety of tasks. They lay the buoys, transport photographers or race organisers and are on hand if anyone or anything is in distress."
The inflatable boats are provided by private individuals or companies, but one is still missing this year. An inflatable or rigid-hull boat suitable for the North Sea is required from 5 to 9 June, with the start and finish harbour being Wedel on the Elbe. Owners do not have to drive the boat themselves: "We have dinghy drivers who have been volunteering for more than 20 years and know exactly how to handle a dinghy so that it is not damaged," assures Boehlich. If you would like to help, please send an e-mail to boehlich@nordseewoche.org.
Anniversary squadron trip with the German Sailing Association
To mark the 100th anniversary of the "Rund Helgoland" regatta, the German Sailing Association, in cooperation with the North Sea Week, is organising a Squadron trip. The cruise is open to all DSV members. It starts on 31 May 2025 in Kiel-Schilksee, leads through the Kiel Canal via Cuxhaven to Helgoland, includes participation in the round Helgoland race and concludes on 9 June with a joint return trip to the Kiel Canal.
Registration and participation
Reporting via the platform Manage2Sail. The official closing date for entries is 23 May 2025, after which a surcharge of 50% on the entry fee will be payable. Late entries are possible until 4 pm on the day before the regatta.
Ursula Meer
Redakteurin Panorama und Reise
