It celebrates its 125th birthday in 2006: Kiel Week. And for this anniversary, a special feature has already been finalised a year in advance: for the first time since the regattas were split into the international and Olympic parts in 1993, the sequence of the week's parts will be changed.
The Olympic classes will kick off (16 to 20 June 2007), followed by the international classes from 21 to 24 June 2007. "We made this decision for the benefit of the sailors," explains the organising team of Kiel Week - consisting of Jobst Richter, Thomas Ross and Sven Christensen - who decided on this change together with the City of Kiel and the four organising clubs. This is the only way to ensure that the Olympic class sailors can take part in Kiel Week and the Worlds, the World Championships for all Olympic classes, taking place in Cascais (Portugal) from 2 to 13 July 2007.
"In the 124 years of its existence, Kiel Week has always been open to innovation. It has always been organised in the spirit of sailing. The decision by the Kieler Woche organisers to rotate the Olympic and international classes in view of the Sailing World Championships in Portugal fits in with this philosophy of the world's largest sailing event at its 125th edition," says Kiel's Lord Mayor Angelika Volquartz, supporting the change.
The decision is also supported by the World Sailing Federation (Isaf). "We appreciate the flexibility of the Kiel Yacht Club in bringing forward the dates of the Olympic classes," Isaf Secretary General Arve Sundheim wrote to the organisers. This makes it possible for the athletes to take part in both major events, Sundheim continued. Kiel ends for the Olympic classes on 20 June, the first race of the Worlds starts on 2 July in Portugal.
"We will inform the Kieler Woche participants this year that we are switching for one year and are sure that it will be well received," says Jobst Richter, who is sure of Isaf's support. In addition, all class associations will be contacted in this regard. More concessions from Kiel in the form of a complete postponement is not possible, as Kiel Week has traditionally taken place in the last (full) week of June for decades. However, there are opportunities within the week that Kiel is utilising for the first time. The organisers are thus demonstrating that innovation and flexibility are cornerstones of Kiel Week, even with a 125-year tradition.
"KYC Foreign Minister" Dierk Thomsen had contacted the Isaf to obtain their support for the changeover after the clash of dates with the Worlds would have prevented many top international sailors from starting in Kiel. According to the Isaf, whose Secretary General will be travelling to Kiel Week 2006 for further talks, this adjustment will now make it possible to take part in both events.
"We already have partners who are organising the transport from Kiel to Cascais," explained Richter. The organisers want to make it as easy and pleasant as possible for the athletes.
This means that nothing should stand in the way of a big 125th anniversary celebration with the top international sailors.
