History Repeats Itself: The victory comes 46 Years after the debut of the very first X-Yachts – the X-79. That year, more than 2,000 boats competed in the regatta.

Now, nearly half a century later, history has repeated itself.

 

X-Yachts Secures another victory with the new XR 41.  This time at one of the most prestigious regattas in Scandinavia – Sjælland Rundt (Round Zealand)

A great deal of water has flowed through the Sound and the Belts surrounding Zealand since X-Yachts made history in 1979 with the debut of the iconic X-79. That year, the Danish yard’s revolutionary lightweight design – quickly nicknamed the “Flying Cardboard” – captured the imagination of the sailing world by winning its class in the renowned Sjælland Rundt. According to the official results, the X-79 completed the grueling offshore course in 45 hours, 50 minutes, and 55 seconds – a significant achievement at the time for such a compact 26-footer.

In the 2025 edition of Sjælland Rundt, X-Yachts once again stood on the top podium – this time with the brand-new XR 41, a cutting-edge performance racer that was launched around the turn of the year. Two XR 41s participated in this year’s race, and X-Yachts’ own Formula X claimed overall victory in the competitive DH (Danish Handicap) class. The second XR 41, Xbox – skippered by Henrik V. Jørgensen – finished an impressive third.

 

Challenging Course, Classic Conditions

This year’s race was sailed in ideal weather conditions, though no course records were broken. It was, nevertheless, a relatively fast edition of Sjælland Rundt. With the first leg heading northwest toward Odden, many of the larger yachts completed the roughly 230-nautical-mile course in approximately 36 hours – aided by a steady southeasterly breeze. The passage featured a stiff beat from Røsnæs to the exit of Grønsund, followed by more open conditions down through the Great Belt. It was a textbook case of Danish offshore sailing, where many sailors commented on the uncanny sensation of the wind seemingly shifting with every headland rounded.

The win was particularly significant for X-Yachts’ CEO, Kræn B. Nielsen, who was crewing Formula X during the race. Naturally, he was all smiles on Saturday when the final results confirmed their overall win.

“There’s always a special sense of anticipation when our boats are measured against the best in real-world competition,” Nielsen said. “The XR 41 has been developed with both performance and comfort in mind, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see her prove herself under pressure.”

 

Youth and Experience on Board

While Formula X typically sails with a core crew that includes professional sailor Jesper Radich, this year’s edition saw a reshuffling of the team, as Radich had other racing commitments. This opened the door for new talent to come aboard – including 18-year-old Andreas Svensson from Fredericia, who logged significant helm time during the race.

Speaking to Bådmagasinet, Kræn Nielsen reflected:

“Sjælland Rundt was an absolutely fantastic experience – both from a sporting and weather standpoint. To secure an overall victory among such a large and skilled fleet is incredibly meaningful. I’m especially proud of our crew, which was a great mix of seasoned sailors and young talent who really stepped up and performed.”

 

A Legacy of Innovation

Nielsen also highlighted the deeper significance of the win, drawing a direct line between this latest success and the company’s formative years:

“Above all, what makes this victory so special is that it echoes the success we had with the X-79 back in 1979 – which also won its debut at Sjælland Rundt. That early triumph laid the foundation for a company that has, over the past 46 years, delivered nearly 6,500 yachts to sailors in over 40 countries. Today, X-Yachts is recognized as one of the world’s most respected and successful sailboat brands. I’m deeply humbled to be part of the team driving this company forward, and to have helped bring yet another winner to life. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.”

 

A Week to Remember in Helsingør

The race was the centrepiece of a vibrant Sailing Week hosted by Helsingør Sejlklub, which once again proved itself as a premier organizer of competitive sailing events in Denmark. The week included two rounds of the Danish Sailing League, educational visits from local schoolchildren, and a festive atmosphere both onshore and offshore. With smooth execution and memorable moments, it was yet another successful edition of one of Scandinavia’s most storied offshore races.

We very happy to be a part of this years Sjælland Rundt and look forward to giving you more news about the XR 41 and it’s performance.