24 Uurs Zeilrace

Date: 28 August 2026 – 29 August 2026

Location: Medemblik harbour, Medemblik, Netherlands

Organizer: 24 Uurs Zeilrace organisatie

The Kustzeilers 24 Uurs Zeilrace is the largest keelboat race in the Netherlands, and possibly anywhere: around 400 boats and 2,500 sailors take part each year. The idea is simple and a bit mad. You have exactly 24 hours to sail as many miles as possible across the Markermeer, IJsselmeer, Waddenzee and North Sea, choosing your own route between marks. Navigation strategy matters as much as boat speed, since tide gates in the Wadden and wind shifts over the IJsselmeer can make or break a plan. Boats start from 13 different harbours on Friday and finish 24 hours later. The race grew out of a trial event in 1950 and has run officially since 1965; the 2026 race on 28-29 August is the 61st edition. Organized by the Nederlandse Vereniging van Kustzeilers.

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