Stockholm/Sandhamn, Sweden - At exactly 11.00 AM the Archipelago Raid got

underway from downtown Stockholm for a gruelling 4 day extreme orienteering

sailing competition through the amazing and seemingly endless Stockholm,

Åland and Finnish Archipelagos. The race started rather spectacular with two

teams capsizing on the line. The experienced multi hull sailor Gerard Loos

(NED) had the best start and cleared Djurgarden first.



The first day of this Raid takes the teams to at least 7-8 checkpoints

before sunrise on Monday 24 June.



The event is organised in the spirit of a Raid, demanding an extreme

performance in sailing respecting nature in an adventurous spirit. The

course can vary between 350 and 500 miles depending on the wind strength.

The race is organised and produced by Atlant Ocean Racing in co-operation

with the Nacka Strand Yacht Club.



The eleven teams are a mix of round the world and dinghy sailors

representing nine countries. The talented group, with some world champions,

has experience in various different events, ranging from Volvo Ocean Race to

Olympics.



Race Starts at 11.00 am behind the Vasamuseet in Stockholm, finish in Fejan

on Thursday the 27th June.



For more info and pictures please see http://www.archipelagoraid.com