All places taken

Save for seven extra spots for overseas entries in Norwegian singlehanded 250 miler

Simrad OneStar, the new 250 nautical miles solo regatta in Skagerrak, was maxed out with 50 competitors in 48 hours. Now the regatta has opened up a quota for foreign sailors. There are 7 available spots left for sailors looking for a true adventure.

"The interest has been overwhelming. We had no idea that we would attract so many sailors with an urge for a solo adventure," says Morten Jensen, editor in the Norwegian yachting magazine SEILmagasinet and media partner in the Simrad OneStar.

The registration for Simrad OneStar opened up on 1 February this year with all 50 places gone within just two days. Of these there where three foreign sailors; Patric Grund (SWE) is sailing his Mini, a Pogo 1, Magnus Kullberg (SWE) with his Open 50, the former South Carolina which sailed the Around Alone in 1998-99 and Dr Gerhard Clausen (GER) will compete in his 40 foot Nigel Irens trimaran named Fritzz Fratzz.

On 14 February the organisers, Fredrikstad Seilforening, decided to allocate a special quota of ten entries for non-Norwegian skippers. With three spots already taken, that leaves seven places up for grabs.

The Simrad OneStar starts from the Race Village in downtown Fredrikstad on 1 August 2006 and the course goes south to the Swedish islands of Väderöarna. After rounding the islands the sailors will cross Skagerrak and arrive in Arendal over 24 hours later. The worst case scenario will give the sailors ten hours rest before they are sent out on an eight hours course before they return to Arendal again. The start from Arendal back to Fredrikstad is early morning Friday 4 August, and hopefully the boats will be back at the Race Village the day after. The total length of the regatta is 250 nautical miles.

"This is a true adventure and shorthanded sailing has become the big thing in the last couple of years here in Scandinavia. Simrad OneStar will give us an excellent opportunity to showcase our products for the sailing community," says Jan-Hugo Schnelle, managing director Simrad Marine AS.

Those interested in entering the Simrad OneStar, should visit www.Simrad-OneStar.com or contact marketing@Simrad-OneStar.com .