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A record time of 44 minutes on the Fionie circuit
The Silverrudder is based on a simple principle: to sail solo around the Danish island of Funen, starting and finishing in Svendborg. But with its narrow passages, currents, and shifting winds, the course demands constant attention.
This year, Jonas Hallberg completed the course in 17 hours, 47 minutes, and 11 seconds, beating the Medium class record by 44 minutes and 36 seconds. The previous record was set in 2021, when Jan Hansen posted the fastest time aboard his Figaro 2 The Beast .
This performance was by no means a foregone conclusion. Kim Haugaard, at the helm of Kimoca Khaos , a 35-foot monohull built by its owner, finished just 5 minutes and 39 seconds behind Hinden .
Over 30 knots and challenging sailing conditions
Weather conditions played a major role in determining which competitors would advance. With gusts exceeding 30 knots, the solo sailors had to contend with rough seas at times and maneuvers that were particularly physically demanding.
In this context, the pursuit of speed cannot come at the expense of control. Trimming the sail at the right moment, keeping the boat balanced, and avoiding mistakes during sail changes are essential to performance.
The start and the first few miles, in particular, required some important tactical decisions. Passing under the Great Belt Bridge and then heading north of Funen called for a careful assessment of the conditions.
A Close Match Against Khaos
On the island's north coast, Hinden and Chaos found themselves engaged in a close-hauled battle. In this sailing condition, where the boat is heading upwind, the quality of the trim and the precision of the course can quickly create gaps between the boats.
The JPK 10.50 then took advantage of the faster sections of the course. According to JPK Composites, Jonas Hallberg was able to maintain speeds between 9 and 10 knots on certain stretches, notably catching up to a 40-foot monohull.
Crossing the Little Belt presented another challenge. This strait, located west of Funen, is known for its currents and local conditions. Misjudging these factors can cost several minutes, even for a fast boat.
A controlled finish to the race
The final few miles to Svendborg meant the skipper couldn't let his guard down. With a competitor close behind in the standings, he had to maintain a good speed while avoiding technical problems or risky maneuvers.
In the end, they finished with a lead of just under six minutes over Chaos that Hinden crosses the finish line. A narrow margin after nearly 18 hours of sailing, underscoring the intensity of the duel.
The victory is thus a reward for a consistent race, in which boat handling and route choices were just as important as sheer speed.
An event marked by emergency response efforts
The Silverrudder 2026 also served as a reminder of the risks inherent in solo sailing. Of the 443 registered participants, 320 started the race and 254 finished, according to figures published by the Swedish sailing press.
Several incidents required the intervention of emergency responders. In particular, a sailor who fell overboard from a Seascape 18 had to be winched to safety by helicopter after remaining tethered to his boat by his safety line.
These incidents serve as a reminder that a coastal race?even one held close to shore?can become particularly challenging when the wind picks up. When sailing solo, fatigue and the inability to rely on a crew member make it even more difficult to handle emergency situations.
The JPK 10.50 Proves Its Potential in Solo Racing
With this new record, Jonas Hallberg has achieved a significant result for the JPK 10.50 in a race featuring boats of very different designs.
However, the Silverrudder is not merely a comparison of performance between models. Currents, changes in course, and the navigator?s decisions play a decisive role.
For the 2026 edition, Hinden was able to bring together the necessary elements: speed when conditions allowed, control in the breeze, and enough consistency to withstand the pressure from Chaos . A record set over the entire course, rather than based on a single burst of speed.
