Calm during Gotland Runt? You can now use the engine during the regatta!

Gotland Runt 2025 became a showcase of extreme weather shifts when strong winds swept into Sandhamn and the start had to be postponed in a historic decision. Many participants, however, experienced something entirely different along the course: mirror-flat water and flapping sails.

Race Management for Gotland Runt is therefore now launching the possibility of using the boat engine. If the boat wind instrument shows less than 2 m/s, sailors will be allowed to propel the boat by engine at a maximum of 5 knots. The measure is being introduced to curb irritation on board and to guarantee happy faces when the sailors reach shore and the regatta dinner.

- This is fantastic news, says Alice Rosberg, who was becalmed aboard Elanen Groundbreaker in 2025. In flat calm, you will do almost anything to keep moving so you do not go crazy, so we are looking forward to facing calm conditions and starting the engine during this year’s race.

The requirements for starting the engine are that the boat is equipped with a digital wind instrument that sends data to the Race Management team in Sandhamn, and that the boat engine is fitted before the race with a limiter restricting speed to 5 knots. Boats may run under engine as long as the wind instrument shows below 2 m/s, and until the fuel runs out. Boats whose engine delivers less than 5 knots may be equipped with extra outboards.

KSSS now looks forward to hearing fewer stories about dead calm and to being less dependent on the weather reports.