Kékszalag from the water — front row, without the crowd

The Kékszalag (Blue Ribbon) is Europe's largest and oldest round‑the‑lake sailing race. Every year tens of thousands of people gather on the shores of Lake Balaton to watch the start and the racing boats. Most watch from the crowd on the shore — but there's a very different option.

Seen from the deck of a private boat, the Kékszalag takes on another dimension. You see the start of hundreds of boats up close, you feel the racers' excitement, and cruising alongside these speed machines you actually become part of the race — not just a spectator.

Kékszalag from the deck of the Niña

On board our 12‑person luxury boat you can follow the race in good company, a cold spritz in hand. No crowds, no parking chaos, no jam‑packed pier — just Lake Balaton, the boats and the incomparable mood of the race.

• See the start from close range, front row
• Cruising alongside the race boats you feel the speed and dynamics
• No crowds and no queuing — just a calm, exclusive setting
• Excellent photo opportunities from the deck
• An ideal program for groups of friends, families or corporate guests

The race day playbook

After the start we follow the fleet and cruise along in the spirit of the race. In good weather there's a chance to swim off the boat, or simply to enjoy the calm of the water amid the excitement of the race.

At lunchtime we moor in Tihany or Balatonfüred, where guest berths are available. During a one‑hour break you can refresh at one of the nearby restaurants, then come back on board to continue the program.

In the second half of the day, past the Siófok buoy, the faster boats reach the Tihany "Cső" — here you can meet the leading group heading towards Keszthely. The boats race past in formation at full speed — a sight you simply can't experience this way from shore.

Who is it for?

• Sailing fans — who want to see the race from inside, not from beside the harbour
• Photographers — proximity to the race boats yields images that can't be made from shore
• Corporate groups — for business partners and colleagues a more memorable program than any conference‑room event
• Families and groups of friends — the mood of the race creates a shared experience for every generation

Book in time

The Kékszalag period is in high demand every year. The number of private boats is limited and interest in watching the race from the water is high. It's worth booking well in advance to secure your spot on board.

If you'd like to experience the Kékszalag not from the crowd on shore but on Lake Balaton itself, front row, a private boat charter is one of the most special ways to become part of the race's atmosphere. Book your slot in time and enjoy the Kékszalag from the water — where the experience truly comes full circle.