Sailing

Sailing Culture Today

By the 1880s, there were 70 sailboats of all shapes and sizes on the lake. These days, there are 104 harbours around Lake Balaton, and 55 of them are perfect for sailing boats. There are also 22 public marinas around the lake. It's also interesting to note that there are about 10,000 dinghies and 8,000 larger sailboats on the Hungarian Sea.

Regattas and Racing Events

The lake is a great place for sailing, with lots of races happening every year. The most famous of these is the Blue Ribbon, which is held every July during the full moon. It's such a big event – the biggest of its kind in Europe! There are 600 boats and around 3,000 sailors, so it's a real celebration of the sport.

Arriving with Your Own Sailboat

The process of launching a personal sailboat on Lake Balaton is not a trivial one. Motor boats are prohibited in this area. It is advisable to contact the Bahart shipping company in advance of arrival, as they operate 10 marinas around the lake. It is important to pay attention to the storm warnings, as the weather on Lake Balaton can change in 10 minutes. Find out more

Sailboat Rental Options

It is widely acknowledged that the most picturesque aspect of Lake Balaton is the experience of sailing on the water. There are numerous locations where it is possible to hire sailboats of varying sizes. It is imperative to note that a valid driving licence is a necessity. It is important to note that the wind conditions on the lake are in constant fluctuation, making it a challenging yet highly sought-after location for sailors of all levels of expertise. Find out more

The Blue Ribbon Regatta

The Blue Ribbon has been held on more than fifty occasions, much to the great delight of sailing enthusiasts. As the largest event organised by the Hungarian Sailing Federation, this race provides an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, endurance and willpower.

The event, widely regarded as the most significant sailing competition in Hungary, draws hundreds of sailors to the waters of the "Hungarian sea," where they navigate the entirety of the Balaton circuit, traversing the route from Balatonfüred to Balatonkenese, Siófok, Keszthely, and back to Balatonfüred.

Despite its long-standing tradition, with the event held annually since the turn of the millennium, the precise date remains flexible. According to established custom, the race is scheduled to coincide with the weekend closest to the full moon in July. The commencement of the race is currently scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m., and the allotted time for completion is 48 hours, representing the maximum duration for which participants are permitted to circumnavigate the lake. The current record stands at under six hours, though the distance often exceeds 200 kilometres, contingent upon prevailing wind conditions.

Iconic Sailboat: Sirocco

Throughtout history, numerous famous ships have sailed the waters of Lake Balaton. The Sirocco is a prominent example of a sailing ship, renowned for its size and beauty, and is the second of three 75-sail cruisers built in Hungary. This vessel is available for charter, and a sunset sail on this racing boat is an experience that is certain to be unforgettable. Find out more