Maxi Racing Challenge

Working on a dream: in 2024, we – three Finnish boating instructors and sailors – got the inspiration of participating in the world's biggest annual offshore race, Gotland Runt. We started a year-long project to prepare for the race. In 2025, our double-handed crew sailed Gotland Runt safely positioning as 130/220. Further, our team was awarded with an honorary mention in the Best Media Crew category for outstanding communications and PR. All this sparked the inspiration to keep going and head for Gotland Runt 2026. Gotland Runt consists of 350 nautical miles offshore conditions and more than 60 hours of continuous sailing for our two-man crew. Maxi Racing Challenge was not born in calm waters, but the idea sparked in rough seas to remind us why we love the open sea so much. Ambition. Chase something bigger than only victory. CREW 2025 In Gotland Runt 2025, S/Y Relax was manned by a two-person crew, both of them experienced sailors and boating instructors for those pursuing the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft. Captain of the boat is Sergej von Bagh, a Finnish architect and CEO at BST-Architects. He has completed the Personal Safety Course in Mariehamn, Finland, which complies with the Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) and is audited by World Sailing. First mate is Jussi Ojala, a Finnish M.Sc. in Knowledge Management. Ground crew & communications is managed by Jutta Vetter, CEO at Vetter Communications Ltd, an avid sailor and boating instructor as well. Stay tuned for the exact Gotland Runt 2026 crew composition. BOAT The Maxi designed by the legendary Swedish sailor and yacht designer Pelle Petterson, was manufactured by Maxi Yachts from 1985 to 1991. In all, 600 units were built – S/Y Relax taking pride in carrying hull number 327. The Maxi is a 32.48-foot fractional sloop, a moderately weighted sailboat known for its performance. It is a stable and stiff yacht, suitable for both racing and cruising.