St. Kilda Challenge - But not as you know it!
After the 2020 event was moved to 2021 the organisers were overwhelmed with messages of support for the difficult decisions that were taken. As we edge cautiously out of another lockdown the impact of global events and their local influence has reached a point where we can make decisions for 2021.
After considering all the options the organisers will not be hosting any shoreside events or gatherings at Lochmaddy in 2021. This means that the flotilla and sprint fleets which normally start and finish from Lochmaddy, along with the shoreside festival we know you love will not be able to run.
However, we know so many of you really want to be out sailing this year and whilst we take a properly cautious approach we can confirm that the passage race will run in 2021. The exact course is planned to run from Rathlin Island to St. Kilda, as before, but with no onward events. In effect we will have an on the water event only. Timing will be taken via self declaration and satellite tracker as it was in 2018 and the same prizes will be up for grabs, albeit the prizegiving will be care of a reputable courier service!
The organisers look forward to welcoming you along for the 2021 event. In the meantime stay safe.
The next full St. Kilda challenge date will be confirmed by June 2021.
The World Heritage site awaits your visit, by Flotilla, Sprint or Passage Race
Venture into the North Atlantic through some of the world's best sailing grounds. Add to the mix some technical challenges and, if you wish, a racing element and you have a great recipe for adventure. Combined with a series of shore-side activities "The St. Kilda Challenge" is hosted by Comann na mara in partnership with the race organising authority Clyde Cruising Club and centres around Lochmaddy on the island of North Uist in Scotland's outer Hebrides.
Flotilla
Note: There will be no flotilla fleet for 2021.
Do you want the reassurance of sailing to St. Kilda with a group of like minded adventurers? Don't want to race, just cruise? Then the flotilla option may be for you. Departing from Lochmaddy, destination Village Bay St. Kilda, you have the option to stop at St. Kilda before returning to North Uist for the festivities ashore.
Race
Note: There will be no sprint race in 2021, but the passage race will be going ahead as a water based event only.
With two race options (normally) the choice of challenge lies with you! Join the sprint race from Lochmaddy to St. Kilda or the longer passage race from Rathlin Island, finishing also at St. Kilda. After some time ashore both fleets will then cruise to Lochmaddy to join in the shore activities.