Seychelles Challenge returns to paradise
by Leonie Mollentze 23 Nov 00:36 NZDT
5-11 July 2026
Seychelles Challenge © Seychelles Challenge
Following the successful inaugural event in 2025, the Seychelles Challenge will return to paradise in 2026.
The second annual regatta is scheduled to take place between 5 and 11 July 2026, and sailors and adventurers alike are invited to enter the race and navigate the stunning archipelago of the Indian Ocean.
Entries are officially open, and prospective competitors are encouraged to secure their spot for what is becoming one of the most exciting new events on the global sailing calendar.
The inaugural 2025 Seychelles Challenge created a new blueprint for sailing events, as it blended competitive racing with a unique island-hopping flotilla holiday across the world's most pristine maritime environment. The 2026 edition promises to build on that success, and once again offers a week-long adventure along the granitic and coralline islands of Seychelles.
"It was our dream to create an event that offered the perfect mix of competitive sailing and a family-friendly lifestyle adventure, and I'm proud to say we got it right," says Hylton Hale, Seychelles Challenge Race Director and co-founder.. "The feedback from the 2025 fleet was phenomenal, which further cemented our belief that the Seychelles offers a sailing experience unlike any other.
"In 2026, we are ready to welcome an even broader range of participants, from the seasoned racer to the absolute beginner looking for a fully catered grand adventure with an experienced skipper.
"Due to our ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting the pristine and natural environment by not over-crowding anchorages, we have capped entries to 16 boats, on a first come, first served basis. This limited field truly makes Seychelles Challenge a once in a lifetime experience."
The ultimate sailing adventure for all
The Seychelles Challenge maintains its flexible entry format, catering to two distinct types of participants:
- Experienced Sailors: Bring your own racing yacht or charter a Sunsail catamaran to compete head-to-head against the fleet.
- Adventure Tourists: Experience the challenge aboard a fully serviced Sunsail catamaran, complete with a professional skipper and a private chef. This option allows participants to focus entirely on the spectacular destination and daily social events, while being a part of the challenge itself.
Event Highlights
The 7-day, 6-night programme will feature daily race legs, and will navigate between the iconic Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue islands. Unlike traditional regattas confined to a single marina, the Seychelles Challenge takes participants to a new anchorage each evening.
- Programme: A thrilling mix of a competitive daily race and island exploration.
- Destination: Sail through calm, azure waters in a cyclone-free zone, surrounded by dramatic granite peaks and vibrant coral reefs.
- Socials: Daily prize-giving ceremonies and social gatherings on different islands, culminating in a spectacular Grand Closing Ceremony.
Bruce Parker-Forsyth, CEO of Worldsport and Seychelles Challenge co-founder is excited about the event's return after a successful 2025 regatta: "We wanted to showcase Seychelles as a largely unexplored sailing destination of incredible beauty and rich sea life, and the fact that some of our competitors called it 'the most spectacular sailing destination' means we did just that. Next year we want to further expand our mission to highlight some of Seychelles' sustainability programmes and the work they do to protect their natural assets, so it goes without saying that we are thrilled to return to the islands in 2026."
Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Marketing for Tourism Seychelles, adds, "We are excited to welcome returning and new competitors back in 2026 and once again celebrate our rich cultural heritage and unparalleled natural beauty, while showcasing our ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism."
Enter Today!
- Submit your entry via www.seychelleschallenge.com
- Entrants who have indicated an interest in chartering a multihull yacht (either bareboat or fully serviced) will finalise their charter booking with Sunsail.
Sunsail, the event's official charter partner, is offering a 20% discount on all charter bookings for the 2026 Seychelles Challenge. This exclusive offer is valid only until 31 December 2025. Visit here for more information.