Racing to the midnight sun

New race from France into the Arctic circle and back

A new event is bound to explore territories almost unknown to offshore racing, and nevertheless not so far away from Britain.

The Dinartica Race, also known as the Midnight Sun Race, taking place this summer will run between Dinard in northern France and the Lofoten Islands at the tip of Norway some 1,300 miles away. The first leg sets off on 20 June and will see the boats sailing up the North Sea. The return leg back starts on 7 July and the rule require leaving England to port, a route of 1,600 miles.

The race will see the boats sail into the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Island, located at 65deg north. According to race Director Bruno Reibel, the temperatures are surprising mild thanks to the effect of the Gulf Stream and compare to the channel in the summer.

UK-based Charter company Windward Sailing are planning to enter their Corby ?? Incisor of Wight into this event with a paying crew. The boat has won a number of RORC race and is the current record holder in the RORC Round Britain Race.

Qualifications to enter the Dinartica Race is similar to the Rolex Fastnet Race with competitors having had to compete in a number of RORC races before the event itself.

Windward Sailing are offering berths on board Incisor of Wight for the race, some training and two qualifiers (the Cervantes Trophy and Morgan Cup) for a price of £1,800. This includes one leg of the Dinartica Race.

For more information on this race click here
To contact Windward Sailing click here