Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) in 2022 will put on a record-breaking 24 regattas, including two World Championships in ORC double-handed and in F18 Raid sailing.

KSSS has a long tradition of organizing regattas at the highest level, both the event on the water as well as the spectator experience on land (including for those following online). The expectations are high on every, and execution happens quickly. One of the Club’s cornerstones is to be a leading regatta organizer by international standards, and to drive the process to the next level. As a result, KSSS has in 2022 been selected to arrange the ORC offshore double handed Worlds and the F18 Raid Worlds. In addition, KSSS looks forward to hosting the 29^th European Championships in 2023.

ORC Offshore Double-Handed Worlds Championships

Sailing in the Baltic Sea in early July should be on every sailor’s bucket list. Warm weather, manageable winds, nights where the sun barely sets comes together to create an incredible atmosphere for great sailing. The ORC DH Worlds was all that – and more. More than 80 boats left Stockholm City Center to sail the classic race round the island of Gotland, or as it’s called in Swedish, Gotland Runt. The DH-boats started first, but on the same course there were an additional 200+ boats from other classes competing in the Gotland Runt race. The race starts with 50 miles of inshore sailing, passing through the Stockholm archipelago. It is intense sailing with many maneuvers and close navigation. When passing Sandhamn, the offshore parts take on with some 300 NM of open sailing.

The past few races have been quite windy, and the 2022 edition was no exception. The leg from Sandhamn down to the very southern cape of Gotland, Hoburgen, offered a relatively messy upwind. The sea state was rather choppy and life onboard the smaller boats can be described in one word – wet. After Hoburgen, it was time to show off the downwind skills in 20+ knots of breeze. Many boats logged new speed records on the way back.

Thanks to all participants for contributing to such a great event. We hope to see you next year in the Gotland Runt Offshore Race – the World’s largest annual offshore race!

Results >>

F18 Raid World Championships

For five days, 29 F18 cats raced back and forth in the Stockholm archipelago in all conceivable conditions, from sunny and light breeze to gusty winds and pouring rain. It turned out to be a very close finish between the Belgian team, Patrick Demesmaeker and Olivier Gagliani, and the Swedish team, Jakob Lundqvist and Rasmus Rosengren, with the Belgians coming out as the winners.

The Raid format is extremely challenging as the competitors are put to the ultimate test in maneuvering in high speed, navigation in shallow waters and endurance. Many dagger boards probably need some love after this event, but there has not been any major incident nor any severe injuries.

Even the spectators get tired just watching the boats, and one can only imagine the feeling of crossing the finish line after five tough days at sea. Thank you to all participants, from 10 different countries.

Results and Video >>

Photos: Henrik Trygg and Malcolm Hanes