Lange Anna Challenge 2022
Heligoland's mayor Jörg Singer and the high-speed catamaran competed against each other in a race on July 12, 2022. The “Halunder Jet” emerged as the winner. The “Lange Anna Challenge” took place on the offshore island of Helgoland and promoted plastic-free ports with a bet. FRS Helgoline from Flensburg and the Lange Anna Foundation are still looking for sponsors for this good cause.
On July 12, 2022, the question of who can cover a distance of 1/2 nautical mile faster was decided on Germany's only offshore island, Heligoland: Heligoland's mayor Jörg Singer on a surfboard with electric jet propulsion or the high-speed catamaran “Halunder Jet”. Both were traveling at speeds of over 50 km/h and fought an exciting duel. In the end, however, the catamaran emerged as the clear winner, followed by the mayor on his board. Captain Heiner Eilers and Jörg Singer were celebrated to thunderous applause during the award ceremony. The race took place on the Helgoland roadstead on the day of the seaside resort service and was watched by numerous enthusiastic spectators both on land and on board.
Heiner Eilers said after the race: “We organized this race together for Heligoland and we proudly emerge as winners with the ‘Halunder Jet’.” But the mayor of Heligoland is still going home a winner for his island. Through the Lange Anna Challenge, both opponents want to promote cooperation for the “Plastic-free harbors” project and, together with many partners, create something good for the environment. Innovative marine litter garbage cans are to be installed in the ports of Heligoland to rid them of plastic and marine litter. At the same time, the event served to draw more attention to the global problem and raise awareness of the issue. The first garbage can has already been installed, with more to follow financed by donations.
The budget for the project is around €30,000, which FRS Helgoline is supporting as one of the main sponsors with €5,000. Thanks to the “Lange Anna Challenge”, the Lange Anna Foundation has come a lot closer to its goal. Sponsors are still being sought who would also like to participate in the project.
