The start of the second part of Kiel Week was dominated by big names. But not because the supposed stars of the sailing scene shone on the water. Some of them also knew how to make a name for themselves on land.
Roland Gäbler's comeback in the Tornado, for example, was eagerly awaited. Together with Andreas John, he is the best German. After two races, however, he has only managed tenth place so far. The gap to the leading duo John Lovell/Charlie Ogletree from the USA is already 17 points. But Gäbler did not let this spoil his mood. In the evening, he was back to his usual smiling self in front of the NDR cameras, commentating on the day's events.
At around the same time, Marc Pickel and Tony Kolb must have already made themselves comfortable in the sauna. A debate had broken out at short notice among the Star boats as to whether the crew should not exceed a certain maximum weight during Kiel Week, as is the case in other international competitions. First the jury decided that there would be no weighing, then it was said that the sailors would have to step on the scales after all. During an evening test weigh-in, everyone was allowed to see whether they would pass this morning's test with ease or whether they would have to lose a few pounds overnight.
If Kolb has been found to be too heavy, Pickel has probably had to organise a lighter, rule-compliant foresailor. That would be unfortunate, because the Pickel/Kolb duo is obviously well-rehearsed. Yesterday they surprisingly led the field of the Stare after two races.
German Paralympics winner Heiko Kröger is also right at the front. In the 2.4 mR class, which unfortunately only comprises 13 boats, he has already sailed to a six-point lead over the competition after three races.
The German women were subscribed to third place at the end of the day yesterday. In the Ynglings it was Ulrike Schümann and her crew, in the Europes Petra Niemann and in the 470 the duo Alina Grobe/Vivien Kussatz.
There are signs of tough battles for the podium positions in the big boats. Today, however, an important preliminary decision for the IDM will be made at the end of the Kiel Cup. In the IMS I group yesterday, only half a point separated the leading "Extasy" from the currently second-placed "L & M Hisaniola". The reigning title holder "Alice" is in third place and has little chance of winning.
In the IMS 2 group, last year's winner "Lollipop" is battling fiercely with "Sailtron Express" for the top spot on the podium. And in the IMS 3 group, "Froschkönig" and "Fix oder Nix" are still in contention for victory.
Meanwhile, there is also controversy on land. Namely about the professionalism of German sailing as a whole. The debate was initiated by America's Cup winner Jochen Schümann. The day before yesterday, he accused the Germans of not being committed enough to international racing. The reactions, especially from the DSV, which felt attacked, were not long in coming. Association boss Dierk Thomsen is quoted today in the "Kieler Nachrichten" as follows: "The DSV offered Schümann a few years ago to acquire sponsors on a commission basis, but nothing ever came of it." Allegedly, the sailor would have received 20 per cent of the income as a success fee, the newspaper continues. But after the offer, nothing more was heard from Schümann at the DSV.
But there are also positive things to report. The regatta organisers were able to enjoy an extended day of sailing yesterday, the weather was kind to the sailors for a change and provided perfect conditions. As a result, the organisers did not get the last groups off the courses until late around 8 pm. This was mainly due to the fact that little wind was forecast for today.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
