Rum Regatta — Herring Regatta Kappeln–Sønderborg

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.