North Sea Race
DATE: Friday 19th May
COURSE: Harwich – Scheveningen via marks
DISTANCE (nm): 181
A classic among classics, the North Sea Race has its origins in the Maas Race when it was run by the Royal Maas Yacht Club. Restarted in 1946 by the RORC, in its post-war years the course had to be approved by the Admiralty, taking into account potential hazards such as unexploded mines.
Date: Friday 19th May
Course: Harwich – Scheveningen via marks
Distance (nm): 181
A classic among classics, the North Sea Race has its origins in the Maas Race when it was run by the Royal Maas Yacht Club. Restarted in 1946 by the RORC, in its post-war years the course had to be approved by the Admiralty, taking into account potential hazards such as unexploded mines.
The race starts outside Harwich before proceeding around the Galloper wind farm and on north to Smith’s Knoll Buoy – the two notable marks in the course – before finishing in Scheveningen. The race is known today for its navigational challenges, including oil rigs, wind turbines and commercial traffic.
Boosting its popularity is its inclusion in the EAORA points championship as well as being part of the Dutch-run North Sea Regatta. It is preceded by a feeder race to Harwich, the Vuurschepen Race, and an inshore regatta after the finish.
At the lively prize-giving hosted by the Yacht Club Scheveningen, competitors can win a number of prestigious trophies including the Goeree Challenge Cup for IRC Overall. In 2022 this was won by the JPK 11.80 Il Corvo, owned by Astrid de Vin and skippered by Roeland Franssens, after a tactically challenging race.
Special Regulations
Category 3 with Category 2 liferaft, AIS Transponder and RORC prescriptions
Documents
UK Government Guidance - Sailing a pleasure craft that is arriving in the UK
Harwich Haven Authority - Notices to Mariners
For the results from 2022, please visit the Race Results page
To see how the race unfolded in 2022 view the YB Race Viewer here https://yb.tl/vuurschepen2022
