The Wadden Sea: a place of untamed nature, shifting tides, and unique islands. For many, this UNESCO World Heritage is a source of inspiration and a unique location for adventurous sailing trips. One sailing competition brings all these elements together: the annual Slag in de Rondte, a sailing marathon that challenges participants not only to conquer the elements but also to test themselves and each other. This year, the race returns on Monday, November 4, at 9:30 a.m., when participants will set off to sail their hearts out in the Slag in de Rondte.

What battle is Slag in de Rondte?

Since 1995, the Slag in de Rondte has drawn lovers of historic sailing vessels to the Frisian city of Harlingen. The event is no ordinary race; it’s a tribute to traditional sailing skills and requires expertise and experience on the Dutch Wadden. For five days, barges, tjalks, and clippers sail the tidal waters of the Wadden Sea, where each participant must rely solely on pure sailing skill and navigation know-how—modern tools like engines and GPS are strictly prohibited. This makes the Slag in de Rondte not only a physical but also a strategic challenge, where wind, water levels, and tides become key partners (and sometimes adversaries).

Rules and Conditions of Slag in de Rondte

Race Objective The goal of Slag in de Rondte is to earn as many points as possible within five days by visiting different Wadden ports. Participants start and finish in Harlingen and must determine the best strategic route themselves.

Point System and Route Planning Each port visited by the ships earns a specific number of points. More difficult-to-reach ports, such as Schiermonnikoog or Noordpolderzijl, yield more points. This points system adds an extra layer of strategy to the race, as skippers must constantly make decisions based on weather, tidal direction, and shifting currents. Routes are carefully chosen to maximize points while staying within safe limits.

Restrictions and Traditional Navigation Engines and modern navigation tools like GPS are not allowed. Participants sail based purely on their knowledge of sailing and their understanding of the Wadden Sea’s tides. This restriction emphasizes traditional skills and makes the race a true test of craftsmanship.

Tides and Weather Conditions The Slag in de Rondte takes place in November, meaning participants typically face cold, rain, and strong winds. Tides play a crucial role; a well-timed crossing can save time and energy, while poor timing can lead to delays. The shifting weather conditions demand experience and tactical insight from the sailors.

End of the Race After a maximum of five days, participants return to Harlingen. Their scores are calculated based on the ports visited and the points earned. The ship with the highest score is crowned the winner of the Slag in de Rondte and earns the honor of participating again in the next edition.

Who Is Participating in Slag in de Rondte This Year?

This is no easy cruise, that’s for sure; it’s cold, the sea is treacherous, and most participants have already had a long season. The remaining hardy sailors can almost be counted on two hands. This year’s participants include: Pallieter, Boreas, Ideaal, Welvaart, Hollandia, Najade, Eenvoud, Overwinning, and the sea skiff ST 58.

Other Legendary Sailing Races on the Wadden Sea

In addition to Slag in de Rondte, there are several other legendary sailing races that challenge historic ships and their crews to chase each other across the Dutch Wadden Sea.

Waddenrace The Waddenrace also starts from Harlingen and heads toward four different ports. This race requires an exceptional understanding of tides and wind directions, where strategy and timing are crucial. Like Slag in de Rondte, it emphasizes historical sailing skills and the art of navigating without modern tools. Additional challenge: visiting all ports within 24 hours, which often means sailing in the dark.

Brandarisrace Named after the iconic Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling, the Brandarisrace is an annual classic. Ships race from Harlingen to Terschelling, and the competition is intense. This race attracts many participants eager to compete with their traditional sailing ships and crews to be the first to cross the finish line.

Each of these races—the Slag in de Rondte, the Waddenrace, and the Brandarisrace—brings its own charm and challenges, where skippers and crews face the waters, navigate without modern tools, and together honor the age-old sailing culture, marking the ultimate end of the traditional sailing season.

Challenging Weather Conditions for a Sailing Competition

The Slag in de Rondte typically takes place in the first week of November. This means sailors can prepare for cold, turbulent weather. Strong gusts and unpredictable currents are more the rule than the exception at this time of year.

This is not a race for the faint-hearted: rain, low temperatures, and choppy seas make this race a real test of perseverance and seamanship. For many, this challenge is what makes Slag in de Rondte so appealing; it’s a unique opportunity to compete against the elements in one of the world’s most beautiful sailing areas.

An Ode to Tradition and Craftsmanship

An essential part of Slag in de Rondte is respect for the craftsmanship required to complete the race. Participants must rely entirely on their knowledge of wind, currents, and tides, making the race a tribute to traditional sailing. These skills are often passed down from generation to generation, creating a unique bond between skippers and their vessels. Both ship and skipper often share a long tradition of hard work, braving the elements (and making bad jokes along the way).

Slag in de Rondte as a Board Game

In addition to the actual race, there’s also a board game version. This game is a creative way for young and old alike to explore the Wadden Sea and experience the challenges of sailing in tidal waters without actually going out on the water. Through the board game, players learn about navigation, tides, and strategic decisions that real skippers must make. It’s a fun introduction to Slag in de Rondte and a way to enjoy the excitement of the race from the comfort of home without getting cold or wet.

The Magic of the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is one of the last places in the Netherlands where you can experience nature’s rhythm in full force. The combination of sandbanks, islands, channels, and dynamic tides makes it an unpredictable and unique sailing area. For participants in the Slag in de Rondte, this landscape is not just the backdrop but an active element of the race. Sailors become one with the environment, and every turn, current, or gust of wind can mean the difference between winning and losing!

Slag in de Rondte: For Whom?

The Slag in de Rondte is an essential race for sailing enthusiasts who want to test their skills, for those who love the nostalgia and charm of historic vessels, and for those who enjoy sitting on the edge of their seats. It’s an experience that goes beyond competition; it’s a journey where participants discover themselves, learn from the water, the wind, and the beauty of the Wadden Sea—though for that last part, you might prefer to book a leisurely trip in the summer.

Make no mistake, the participating ships are captained by seasoned sailors who know the Wadden Sea like the back of their hands, but even for them, the Slag in de Rondte is the ultimate end to the sailing season. Only a select few are up for the challenge.

Are the Lotus Sailing Ships Participating in the Slag in de Rondte?

The ships from Lotus Sailing are not competing in the Slag in de Rondte, but the crew will be there! They’re sailing aboard De Overwinning, one of the vessels from the Goudenvloot fleet. Want to follow this thrilling race up close? Download the SZW tracking app for Apple here or for Android here and track the participants’ positions! Interested in joining a historic sailing ship or participating in a race? Contact us to book a weekend on one of our ships or join us on a sailing trip.