Æbleræs - Apple race
Every year, when autumn begins to bite and the apples hang heavy on the branches, a fleet of beautiful wooden ships gathers in the South Funen Archipelago. The ships come from near and far – to sail together one last time before they are taken ashore and put into winter storage.
That's Æbleræs: a traditional celebration of the last sailing trip of the year – and everyone is welcome! Both on land and at sea. With the wind in their sails and crews full of stories about nautical charts, tales of pirates and hidden treasure chests, the ships sail together on Saturday – first as a regatta from Rudkøbing to Troense, then loaded with apples from Troense to Svendborg. And both in Troense Harbour and Svendborg Harbour (at Sejlskibsbroen), festivities are invited. Æbleræs is both a tribute to the old freight routes of the historic pear ships, to the community between sailors – and to the archipelago, autumn and local produce.
A living tradition at sea and in the harbour
Æbleræs is steeped in local history, community spirit and a love of sailing ships, and lasts for two days. Saturday begins with the wooden ships meeting in Rudkøbing, where the last regatta of the year gets underway.
With the wind in their sails, they cross the archipelago towards Troense, as they did in the old days when ‘pear boats’ transported fruit from Tåsinge to markets in the larger towns.
In Troense, the ships are loaded with apples from the town's gardens – donated by local residents. There are activities and child-friendly events at the harbour. Later in the day, the fleet sails on to Svendborg, where the apples are sold directly from the deck in the harbour on Sunday, and where there will be music and stalls. Apple racing is loved by sailors – but it is also for all of us. You can follow the ships, join the trip from Troense to Svendborg, and be there at the harbour in Troense and Svendborg to experience autumn unfolding with the scent of cider, maritime history and the taste of local produce.
Programme 2025
Saturday 4 October
- 10:00 – Rudkøbing Harbour
- The ships meet for coffee and sailor stories before setting sail for Troense in an informal regatta.
- Approx. 14:00 – Troense Harbour
- The ships arrive and are loaded with apples. The Troense Residents' Association invites you to an atmospheric day at Troense Harbour with activities and child-friendly events. Everyone is welcome.
- 17:00 – Departure for Svendborg
- This year, the ships will continue sailing on the same day. Many ships are happy to take passengers – it's free and no ticket is required, just show up in good time and find a ship that can take you.
- Approx. 6 p.m. – Svendborg Harbour (Sailing Ship Bridge)
- The ships arrive in Svendborg. A magnificent sight that also marks the transition from harvest to winter break (in the evening, the sailors celebrate the end of the season at the Maritime Warehouse at the harbour for a private event).
Sunday 5 October
- 9 a.m.–2 p.m. – Svendborg Harbour (Sailing Ship Pier)
- The wooden ships open for apple sales directly from the deck at the Sailing Ship Pier and the Maritime Warehouse. At the harbour, there are stalls, the smell of freshly pressed juice and taste experiences with seasonal ingredients.