World's biggest catamaran race

The Round Texel Race has grown into the world's largest catamaran sailing race. Every year, more than 300 catamarans compete on the water with the aim of sailing the island of Texel as quickly as possible!

Round Texel Race

The field of starters is mixed: both amateur sailors and the leading international sailing stars will take part. In recent years, the race has grown into a major public event with thousands of visitors.

Ready for the start

It is special to see how the boats are prepared and then go on the water. The event starts and finishes at Paal (post) 17, on the island’s west coast. The start line is just off the coast and is marked by two large launch ships and a helicopter with smoke signals.

The exact starting time depends on the currents and wind, and will be announced the morning of the race during the Skippers’ Briefing.

From Paal 17 the catamarans head towards the lighthouse. This is a critical point in the competition: if you arrive at the lighthouse too late then you have the current against you and sadly, you’ll have to give up the struggle. But if you do get there on time then you sail on towards Oudeschild.

Then you cross the Marsdiep channel where the confrontation with the TESO ferry is always an exciting aspect. From the Marsdiep you sail on to the finish back at Paal 17.

Best places to watch 

Where will you get the best view of the contest as a spectator? The start at Paal 17 is really spectacular to watch. The beach at the lighthouse, the waddendijk and the dyke at Oudeschild are also recommended. The first boats are expected back at the Paal 17 finish line in around three hours. You can follow the entire competition live (in Dutch) on Radio Texel, 106.1 FM.

Join in the fun

Would you like to take part in the Round Texel Race yourself at some future time? You can take sailing lessons at Texel’s Catamaranzeilschool De Eilander. Practise a lot and who knows, you could even be the winner of the next Round Texel Race! You can register for the competition via this website.