Record interest

Archipelago Raid comes of age with pre-entries from 14 countries

On Monday 30 July 2007 the seventh edition of the Archipelago Raid will start in Stockholm. The race has established itself as one of the toughest, non-stop, extreme sailing and orienteering competitions. It brings out the best sailors and adventurers worldwide to brave the beauty of the Stockholm, Åland and Finnish archipelagos.

For five intense days and nights a maximum of 35 teams will navigate the amazing labyrinth of thousands of islands and rocks on Formula 18 catamarans. Along the way they have to find almost 30 checkpoints located on beaches, pontoons, boats and lighthouses.

The event is organised in the true spirit of a Raid, demanding an extreme performance in sailing and respecting nature in an adventurous spirit. The course can vary between 300 and 500 nautical miles depending on the wind strength. Main attributes to win this race are endurance, experience with multihulls, navigational skills and knowledge of the Scandinavian Islands.

Race director and initiator Christine Salen-Guillou from Atlant Ocean Racing comments: “We planned this year’s edition at the end of July to fit better into the international sailing calendar. At the moment we are working on the possible routes and the various headquarters and checkpoints.”

Teams have to confirm their pre-registration this month. Soon after that the organisation will confirm the official entry list for the 2007 event.

How does Salen-Guillou feel about the entries so far? “Very good. We have never had so much interest this early. And the level of the competitors is extremely high.”

Teams from all over the globe want to compete. And it seems like the Archipelago Raid is here to stay. Salen-Guillou continues: “We have pre-registrations from 14 countries. This event has definitely matured now. We have a strong reputation.”

The countries are: Italy, New Zealand, America, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Norway, France, Switzerland, Finland, England, Belgium, Norway and Åland.

Last year’s winners Magnus Woxen (SWE) and crew Damian Foxall (IRL) came straight from the Volvo Ocean Race. The duo sailed onboard Ercisson in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race. “This is the icing on the cake, no it is the whole cake. I’m really very happy,” said Foxall in 2006 just after finishing.

See http://www.archipelagoraid.com/media/flash_video.php?video_id=6 for a short six minutes video report of last year’s unique event.