Garmin Round Denmark Race (GRDR) is Denmark’s longest and most challenging race, testing sailors with a demanding course that pushes their endurance, strategy, and seamanship. Recognizing the importance of fostering young talent, GRDR has partnered with U25 Offshore Denmark to provide young sailors with greater opportunities to participate and develop their racing skills. This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring that the next generation of Danish sailors is equipped with the experience, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
Who Are U25 Offshore Denmark
U25 Offshore Denmark is a platform for all young sailors under 25, where knowledge is shared across all levels, and help is offered and received freely. Whether you're completely new and looking to gain insights into sailing or you've been on the water since childhood and are eager to expand your expertise, you are welcome in our community.
Andreas Kristiansen, one of the founders behind U25 Offshore Danmark, puts it simply: “We want to create a space where young sailors can connect, learn, and grow together. Offshore sailing can be a challenging sport, but with the right network, it becomes much more accessible.”
While our primary focus is on young sailors, the group is also open to those over 25, though with a slightly different purpose. As young sailors, we need connections, resources, and experience from seasoned professionals, making it invaluable to have experienced sailors as part of our network.
That said, agreements that U25 Offshore Danmark makes with race organizers, companies, and other partners aiming to foster a youth sailing culture in offshore racing generally apply only to sailors under 25.
Great Offers
U25 Offshore Denmark supports young sailors in realizing their dreams of offshore racing, helping them develop their sailing careers. They negotiate agreements with race organizers and suppliers to provide young sailors with attractive opportunities, improving their financial access to the sailing events they wish to join.
Beyond partnerships, they also organize events and activities that young sailors, find useful. “Workshops, training sessions, and real hands-on experience at sea are key,” Kristiansen explains. “We’ve set up night sailing sessions with support boats so newer sailors can get comfortable in offshore conditions. It’s all about building confidence and skills in a safe environment.”
Everything we do is grounded in safety and seamanship—after all, to finish first, first you have to finish is a key principle in offshore racing.
Goals
U25 Offshore Denmark aim to create a strong and inclusive community for young sailors, where openness and knowledge-sharing are at the forefront. Their goal is to establish an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, seeking advice, and sharing their experiences.
“We’re not just training better sailors; we’re building a stronger offshore sailing culture in Denmark,” Kristiansen says. “If we support each other, we all get better.”
By fostering this culture, they not only strengthen individual sailors but also elevate Danish sailing as a whole by promoting both personal and professional development.
A Partnership that Makes Sense
U25 Offshore Denmark, believes in creating a culture where dreaming big is encouraged. This is why a partnership with the Garmin Round Denmark Race is a perfect fit. As Denmark’s longest and most challenging race, GRDR serves as a unique stepping stone for young sailors.
“If you want to push your limits and prove yourself as an offshore sailor, there’s no better challenge in Denmark than GRDR,” Kristiansen emphasizes.
Søren Ilsø Mahneke, event manager of GRDR, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled that GRDR can play a role in highlighting the importance of training and educating young offshore sailors. The future of Danish offshore racing depends on developing talent, and we are happy to provide a platform where young sailors can challenge themselves and grow.”
Whether their dream is to enter the international sailing scene—perhaps even aiming for the Vendée Globe—or simply to take on Denmark’s most demanding race, GRDR offers an unparalleled opportunity. By participating in the Round Denmark Race, young sailors gain not only practical experience but also access to a valuable network that can support them on their journey towards their next sailing goal.
Interested? Join their community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/572304291824732
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