World Championship Viking Longboat Races at Peel Finally Get Underway

30th August 2026

Jehan Ashmore

Appealing: Participants at Peel Harbour during the World Championship Viking Longboat Races which took place today. Credit: PeelVikingLongboats-facebook

On the west coast of the Isle of Man, Peel Harbour’s annual World Championship Viking Longboat Races are getting underway today, Sunday, August 30th.

The boat race, which had been rescheduled from originally taking place last month, was due to poor weather conditions, and so it had to be rearranged.

In total, fifty-eight teams of 10 are participating to compete on a time-trial basis around Peel Bay.

Viking longboat races have taken place since the event commenced in 1963.

At this year’s event, not surprisingly, there'll be a number of road closures around the island's only city (with its cathedral) while the races take place.

More Manx Radio reports on road restrictions and on parking and disruption to local bus services.

Published in Isle of Man

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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