The World Championship Viking Longboat Races returned to Peel with a splash at the weekend, as dozens of teams battled the elements in the rearranged annual event.
The championships had originally been due to take place in July but were postponed because of forecast high winds, with organisers subsequently announcing a new date.
Sunday’s event saw hundreds of competitors take to Peel Harbour, with passing showers doing little to dampen the spirits of the crews or spectators.
The 2026 championships were held in association with new main sponsor RIELA, which backed the long-running Peel tradition.
The men’s title went to Valhalla Gold, who completed the 400-metre course in 2min 15.56sec, narrowly beating Farghers Liftmen in 2:16.53. Eastern Young Farmers finished third in 2:19.45.
Viqueens took the ladies’ title in 2:37.37, ahead of Strong Girls, Stronger Drinks and Western Oars.
In the mixed category, Raven Raiders claimed first place with a time of 2:16.33, followed by Vintage SYFC and Northern Young Farmers Mixed 1.
The winning teams each nominated a charity to receive £600, with Valhalla Gold choosing Hospice Isle of Man, Viqueens supporting Cruse Bereavement Isle of Man and Raven Raiders nominating Friends of Ballaugh School.
Second-placed teams each generated £350 for their chosen causes, while third-place finishers secured £250.
The charities benefiting from the second and third places include Great North Air Ambulance, Manx Breast Cancer, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Manx Agriculture Benevolent Fund, Isle Stand Up To Suicide and Ed Space.
.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Following the event, Peel Viking Longboats thanked RIELA for its support, as well as the competitors, coxswains, safety boat crew, timekeepers and the various organisations involved in making the event possible.
The races have been a fixture on the Manx calendar since 1963, with ten-person crews rowing Viking-style boats over a 400-metre sprint around Peel Harbour.
