The Racer of the Sea is growing. From the 2026 season, the 1001grad Events team is expanding its offering with the new One Hour series. The format based on the legendary events of the 80s and 90s is no longer just aimed at slalom surfers, but is open to windsurfers of all classes - from iQFOiL and Techno293 to Windsurfer LT or Raceboard. In addition to the already established, classic Racer of the Sea events in the Baltic resort of Kellenhusen and at the surf festival on Fehmarn, four further one-hour editions are planned in northern Germany. These will be organised in close cooperation with local surf clubs and promise exciting competitions in an uncomplicated format.
Simple format with a great fun factor
The centrepiece of the new format is as simple as it is effective: participants have to complete as many laps as possible on a set course within a pre-defined period of time. The number of laps completed determines the ranking. The big advantage: all participants have the same competition time and can fight their own personal duel on the water. As the start is less decisive than in classic regatta formats, beginners without much regatta experience can also take part easily. The events are always scheduled for Saturday. If the wind conditions are suitable, the races and the award ceremony take place on this day, before the day ends with a cosy BBQ. Sunday is only planned as a reserve day in case the wind does not co-operate on Saturday.
Four new events in northern Germany
The One Hour series will be held at four new locations in northern Germany. The first event will take place at Windsurfing Club Dümmersee e.V. (WSCD) on Lake Dümmersee. The second stop will take the participants to Surf Club Kiel e.V. (SCK) in Strande. The third stop is planned at Surf Club Flensburg e.V. (SCF) in Holnis, before the final is held at Windsurfing-Club Wittensee-Rendsburg e.V. (WCWR) on Lake Wittensee. Thanks to the cooperation with local clubs, the events can be optimally adapted to the respective conditions and offer participants the opportunity to get to know different areas and network with the local surfing scene.
A special highlight of the One Hour series is the event in Flensburg, which is aimed exclusively at participants up to U23. This means that young windsurfers are deliberately at the centre of attention. This concept fits in perfectly with the commitment of Surf Club Flensburg e.V., which has dedicated itself intensively to promoting young talent for years and offers young surfers the best possible conditions for starting out and developing their skills. However, the promotion of young talent runs through the entire concept of the One Hour Series: as in the last two years, young people up to U19 can once again take part in the Racer of the Sea free of charge - this also applies to the new One Hour Series. The entry fee budget is capped at 3000 euros. Those who register early for the regattas can therefore benefit from free participation. Once the 3,000 euros have been reached, the entry fee for young people will be 25 euros per event.
Open format for all classes
Another highlight of the One Hour series is its openness to different windsurfing classes. In addition to slalom riders, active windsurfers can also take part in the iQFOiL, iQFOiL Youth & Junior, Formula Foil, Techno293, Windsurfer LT, Raceboard, Tandem and many other classes. There is also the opportunity to collect points for the ranking lists. This diversity appeals to a broad spectrum of windsurfers and makes the events more attractive. The combination of an uncomplicated regatta format, community atmosphere and open class structure is intended to bring windsurfers of all levels and disciplines together - for more fun, dialogue and action on the water and on land.
The dates for Racer of the Sea and One Hour 2026
- 18/19 or 25/26 April: One Hour Dümmersee
- 14 May: Girls Day Surf Festival
- 15/16 May: Racer of the Sea Surf Festival
- 30/31 May One Hour Strande
- 06-09 August: She Surfs Camp Kellenhusen
- 15/16 August: Racer of the Sea Kellenhusen
- 05/06 September: One Hour Youth Flensburg/Holnis
- 12/13 September: One Hour Wittensee
Further information and registration at 1001grad-events.com
