Rum Regatta — Herring Regatta Kappeln–Sønderborg
International Meeting of Historic Sailing Ships — Herring Regatta from Kappeln to Sønderborg
About Rum Regatta Kappeln
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Herring Regatta — the North Frisian-Danish Prelude
The Herring Regatta from Kappeln to Sønderborg is part of the international Rum Regatta, the most traditional meeting of historic working sailing ships in the western Baltic Sea. The organiser is Museumshafen Flensburg e.V. The Herring Regatta has taken place annually on Ascension Day since 1986 — in 2026, it will be 40 years old.
2026 Programme — Four Days of Sailing Tradition
In 2026, the Rum Regatta will span four days, from May 14th to 17th:
- Thursday, May 14th (Ascension Day): Herring Regatta — Start in Kappeln, finish in Sønderborg (Denmark)
- Friday, May 15th: Flensburger Förde Regatta — Sønderborg → Flensburg
- Saturday, May 16th: Actual Rum Regatta on the Flensburg Fjord, Skipper and Crew Party
- Sunday, May 17th: Finale in Flensburg Maritime Museum Harbour
A "Bottle of Rum" for the Winners
The concept is as charming as it is unique: The winner of each leg receives a bottle of rum — no trophy, no prize money. This is precisely what creates the atmosphere: no professionals, no sponsor show, but a community of owners of historic working sailing ships (galleons, galeasses, luggers, sloops from the 19th century to the early 20th) who test their ships once a year in competition on the fjord legs.
Kappeln and Schlei
The town of Kappeln in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg, state of Schleswig-Holstein, is located at the mouth of the Schlei into the Baltic Sea — the Schlei is Germany's longest Baltic fjord. Kappeln harbour is the starting point of the Herring Regatta; before the start, the public can freely stroll among the traditional sailors and chat with the crews. Harbour concerts and small festivities accompany the event.
Connection in Flensburg
The Rum Regatta ends in the Flensburg Maritime Museum Harbour, one of Germany's best-preserved traditional harbours. Historic sailing ships and steam boats are permanently moored here, forming a vibrant maritime backdrop.
Rum Regatta Kappeln — edition 2026
The 2026 edition is a double anniversary: the Herring Regatta turns 40 (since 1986), and the Rum Regatta itself is the 45th edition. Both festivities are closely intertwined — participants usually sail the entire week-long route from Kappeln via Sønderborg to Flensburg.
The venues for the public are the three participating harbours: Kappeln (Thursday), Sønderborg (Thursday/Friday), Flensburg/Maritime Museum Harbour (Friday evening to Sunday). In Flensburg, the traditional Skipper and Crew Party takes place on Saturday evening, with live music and a handmade programme.
Programme Rum Regatta Kappeln 2026
Daily Programme 2026
- Thursday, May 14th, 2026 (Ascension Day): 40th Herring Regatta — Start in Kappeln Harbour, finish in Sønderborg (Denmark)
- Friday, May 15th, 2026: Flensburger Förde Regatta — Sønderborg → Flensburg/Maritime Museum Harbour
- Saturday, May 16th, 2026: Rum Regatta on the Flensburg Fjord; evening Skipper and Crew Party in the Maritime Museum Harbour
- Sunday, May 17th, 2026: Finale, ship viewings, harbour concerts
Participating Ships
International field of historic working sailing ships — galeasses, luggers, sloops, flat-bottomed boats. Regularly featured are the Albin Köbis (Kappeln) and the De Albertha, as well as traditional sailors from Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany.
Award
Each winning crew of a leg receives a bottle of rum — the symbolic namesake of the event. No trophy, no prize money.
Highlights Rum Regatta Kappeln 2026
Prices Rum Regatta Kappeln 2026
Practical information — Rum Regatta Kappeln
Getting There
Kappeln: By car via the B201 (Schleswig–Kappeln), parking available at the harbour. By train: nearest station Süderbrarup, from there bus to Kappeln.
Admission
For the public, watching at the harbour, strolling among the ships, and following the start is free. Participation as a crew typically costs around €770 per person and is only for experienced sailors.
Venues
Kappeln Harbour (Start of Herring Regatta), Sønderborg (Finish of Leg 1), Flensburg Fjord, Flensburg Maritime Museum Harbour (Finale).
Tip
A day trip to Kappeln on the morning of May 14th, 2026, is worthwhile: All the ships will be gathered and preparing for the start, the maritime spectacle in the harbour is impressive.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Rum Regatta Kappeln al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Rum Regatta Kappeln
Hafen Kappeln und Schlei
Hafen Kappeln, 24376 Kappeln