Black Maggy at the 2025 Silverrudder Challenge. Photo Ⓒ Claus Nicolajsen.
Light air dominated this year’s Silverrudder Challenge, presenting a test of patience and perseverance for the 299 singlehanded sailors who set off from Svendborg, Denmark. Of the 299 boats that started, 27 retired before completing the course. Despite the fickle breeze, it was a rewarding edition for several UK Sailmakers customers.
The Silverrudder, a 134-nautical-mile nonstop race around the Danish island of Funen, has earned cult status among solo sailors since its inception. Known for its simple rules, scenic but demanding route, the event attracts a remarkable diversity of boats—from classic cruisers and lightweight sportboats to high-speed multihulls. This year’s race filled its available entries in just over an hour, underscoring its enduring appeal among singlehanded sailors from across Europe.
Racing at the 2025 Silverrudder Challenge. Photo Ⓒ Claus Nicolajsen.
Strong Performances from UK Sailmakers Customers
Among the standout results was André Bätz, sailing his Farrier F82R Flaneur, equipped with a full UK Sailmakers inventory. Bätz claimed first place in the Small Multihull Division, skillfully navigating the light-air conditions to outpace the competition and complete the solo loop of Funen in impressive time.
Stefan Voss, owner of UK Sailmakers Germany, placed second in the Medium Keelboats Division, racing OM, an Archambault A 35.
Also representing UK Sailmakers on the leaderboard was Wolfram Heibeck, whose radically rebuilt Open 40, Black Maggy, secured third place in the Large Keelboats Division. With her striking design and UK Sailmakers Titanium sails, Black Maggy was once again a standout presence in Svendborg Harbour.
Flaneur, OM and Black Maggy racing at the 2025 Silverrudder Challenge. Photo Ⓒ Claus Nicolajsen.
About the Silverrudder Challenge
Each September, hundreds of sailors take on the Silverrudder’s deceptively simple challenge: a non-stop solo lap around Funen with no mandatory marks, and no outside assistance. The course offers a mix of sheltered waters in the south and strong tidal currents in the narrow straits of the north. Success at the world’s largest singlehanded regatta depends on more than just speed—it’s about endurance, local knowledge, and seamanship.
Since its humble beginnings with just 15 participants in 2012, the Silverrudder has grown into one of Europe’s premier singlehanded events, inspiring a generation of short-handed sailors and similar races throughout Northern Europe.
Congratulations to all the competitors—and especially to André Bätz, Stefan Voss and Wolfram Heibeck—for their exceptional performances in one of sailing’s most unique and challenging events.
