SOLO / 2X2 – a singlehanded race run since 1981 (now with a double handed section)—takes place usually every other year on the third Friday of August.  The next race date is Friday, August 21, 2026 (tentative date).  This singlehanded challenge is intended to encourage adventure, self reliance, and competition in the tradition of singlehanded sailing.  While also a race, the primary focus of this challenge is accomplishing the goal of completing the course – relying on oneself, yet enjoying the camaraderie of like minded sailors.

We include a separate division—the doublehanded 2X2—as an introduction to the spirit of the singlehanded challenge.

Course: The course for 2024 was from the starting line, Racine, Wisconsin, sail northerly past Wind Point North Shoals Lighted Buoy #14, around Buoy “G 1” at Milwaukee Harbor, around the NOAA Mid-Lake Buoy ODAS “45007” (approx. 42 40.25N, 87 01.34W), around Buoy “R 4” approx. seven nautical miles due east of Glencoe, IL and return to Racine nonstop. A distance of approximately 135 nautical miles. Wind Point North Shoals Lighted Buoy #14 must be left to port, Milwaukee G 1”, NOAA Mid-Lake Buoy ODAS “45007” and Glencoe Buoy “R 4” must be left to starboard.

Personal Qualifications: Solo entrants must be experienced sailors. Entrants who have completed previous Solo races are automatically qualified. Other entrants must provide evidence of experience, including a documented singlehanded passage of at least 50 miles and including a statement of other experience sailing or racing offshore. New entrants will have until August 10, 2026 to complete the 50-mile passage.

Notice of Race: Please see the 2024 Notice of Challenge (pdf) for further details, yacht eligibility, and a printable entry form. Alternatively, you can fill out our online entry form, optionally attaching scans or photos of your race documents, and even send payment via PayPal.

Race Date: Friday, August 21, 2026 (tentative date)
Entry Deadline: August 1, 2026. Late applications will be accepted up till August 21, but may not include the free shirts or a participation flag.