Blue Ribbon Regatta 2026

The most prominent celebration of Lake Balaton and sailing, Europe’s largest round‑the‑lake sailing race, the 58th Kékszalag, will start on 30 July 2026 at 9:00 a.m. from Balatonfüred.

The Kékszalag is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience for those who take part in the race, and an impressive spectacle for those who watch and cheer from the shore. The 160‑kilometre sailing competition is a true adventure for everyone.

The competition was first announced in 1934 by the Hungária Yacht Club in Balatonfüred. The essence of their idea was that the Blue Ribbon of Balaton could be won by any sailing vessel that circumnavigates the lake the fastest in the given distance, according to the direction of the clock.

The competition was organized every two years until 1942, then due to the war it was canceled for a few years and the tradition was revived in 1947. The competition became more and more popular, and in 1955 the Nemere II was held. The cruiser named 75 completed the route in 10 hours and 40 minutes. He broke this fantastic record only 57 years later, in 2012, on a catamaran made of high-tech materials! The race has been held annually since 2001 and has become Europe's largest lake walking race with over 600 boats participating.