The Viking Challenge: A New Flagship ORC Series for Northern Europe
13 November 2025 - Northern Europe’s big boat racing scene is entering a new chapter with the launch of the Viking Challenge, a Scandinavian and Northern European ORC regatta series set to begin in 2026. The Viking Challenge is designed to provide a unified, high-performance racing platform for the region’s most ambitious teams, connecting several of Northern Europe’s leading offshore events into one competitive series.
The inaugural season in 2026 will include:
- Marstrand Big Boat Race, Sweden – 22–24 May
- Kieler Woche, Germany – 20–23 June
- Blue Week, Middelfart, Denmark – 29–30 August
Additional events and host nations are expected to join as the series grows.
A Series Designed for Ambitious Teams
The idea for the Viking Challenge developed over time and stems from a clear need for stronger continuity and a recognisable competitive structure for top-level ORC teams in Northern Europe.
“There are many strong individual regattas in the region, but the most ambitious big boat campaigns need a series that delivers consistency and high sporting standards,” says Lars Wilhelmsen, initiator of the Viking Challenge and manager of the Marstrand Big Boat Race. “By linking three leading regatta venues and organising bodies, we create a competitive level that matches the ambitions of the best teams and attracts international participation. The German big boat community, including Kieler Yacht Club and Point of Sailing, has been an important driver behind this initiative.”
Raising the Standard On and Off the Water
The Viking Challenge focuses on delivering a complete racing and spectator experience:
All events will use ORCi with the same class divisions used in European and World Championships.
Courses will be technically demanding and professionally managed.
The spectator experience will be a core priority, featuring race tracking, onboard cameras, live broadcasts, interviews, commentary, social media coverage, and public viewing points in the harbors.
“We want teams to feel that they are part of something meaningful. This is big boat racing at the highest level in Northern Europe, comparable to what you would find at a European or World Championship,” says Wilhelmsen.
Marstrand as a Sailing Hub
Marstrand has a long history and strong reputation as a premier sailing destination. As a central venue in the Viking Challenge, the event contributes to regional development and growth in the sport.
“This initiative strengthens the local sailing environment and creates positive effects for the community,” says Wilhelmsen. “Marstrands Segelselskap is investing in race management competence, safety, and athlete development. The goal is not only to offer a beautiful venue but to support the long-term growth of the sport.”
Long-Term Championship Ambitions
Marstrand has expressed a clear ambition to host major ORC championships from 2028 onward. The objective is to be ready to welcome either an ORC European Championship or an ORC World Championship, depending on the international calendar and allocation process.
Progression toward that goal is planned step by step:
2026: Full transition of the Marstrand Big Boat Race to ORCi.
2027: Targeting hosting of an Open Swedish ORC Championship.
From 2028 onward: Ambition to host an ORC European Championship and/or ORC World Championship, with the Marstrand Big Boat Race serving as a natural lead-in event during the same season.
“Our aim is to build capacity steadily so that when we host a European or World Championship, we deliver an event that sailors will talk about for years,” says Wilhelmsen. “Long-term planning allows teams, sponsors, volunteers, and partners to prepare and contribute to delivering the highest possible standard.”
A Platform for Regional Growth
The Viking Challenge aims to strengthen big boat sailing across Scandinavia, Germany, and the Baltic region. One expected effect is increased adoption of ORC in countries where other measurement rules have been dominant.
“We believe this series will inspire investment in boats, teams, and competence. It gives top sailors a natural goal in the region and builds pride and momentum in the sport,” says Wilhelmsen. “This is the start of something that will grow together with the entire Northern European sailing community. We expect additional events and host cities to join after the first season.”
