Kieler Woche (18 to 26 June 2011) will provide the setting for the offshore championships of the ORCinternational survey classes, which will be held independently for only the third time, while Flensburg will crown the inshore champions on the first weekend of Fördewoche (8 to 11 September 2011).
In 2011, the 16th edition of the sailing championships will determine the national title holders for the sixth time off Kiel and for the fifth time off Flensburg. The two established organisers prevailed with their concepts in a field of six championship competitors. "This was the first time we had so many applicants. The great interest, even from smaller cities, is proof of the high level of acceptance of sea sailing in Germany," said Dr Wolfgang Schäfer, Chairman of the Committee for Sea Regattas in the German Sailing Association (DSV). "However, the regatta calendar in the Baltic Sea is so tight next year that another high-end event on the German waters would not have been affordable. However, I hope that the smaller clubs will continue to get involved in the regattas," said Schäfer.
With their regatta planning, which was drawn up for the 51st International Boat Show in Hamburg (hanseboot), the German sea sailors took particular account of the European Championships off Hankö in August. "If we had organised the title fights in cities other than Kiel and Flensburg, there would have been a clash of dates with the European Championships, as there is always a huge logistical effort involved in getting the boats to the championship venues. We also have to think outside the box," said Schäfer, who as Vice President of the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) also keeps an eye on international matters. After a lengthy discussion, the decision was ultimately unanimous.
Both venues were delighted with the decision. Eckhard von der Mosel, head of the Kieler Woche racecourse, sees the good reputation of his event confirmed: "After organising the inshore championships this year, we are now looking forward to strengthening long-distance sailing during Kieler Woche." The provisional plan, which will be finalised in the coming weeks, is for the Welcome Race and the return race from Eckernförde to Kiel to form the first part of the offshore championships. In the middle of the week, the yacht crews will then be sent out onto the course for the Silver Ribbon Overnight Regatta, and finally the Senate Prize races will round off the event. "We are hoping for a similar size field of participants as this year. With over 50 boats, it should be possible to determine champions in the ORC I, II and III+IV groups, depending on the class division," says the head of organisation for sailing at the Kiel Yacht Club.
Kiel is now still working on the coordination with the other regattas. Due to the late Whitsun date, many yachts will be at the start of the North Sea Week off Helgoland just one week before the IDM off Kiel. "However, there have already been initial signals that the North Sea Week will be organised in such a way that the yachts can set off on Monday with a return regatta if necessary," said von der Mosel.
Although the Flensburg Sailing Club's first priority for the IDM was to organise the offshore championship, Claus-Otto Hansen, the FSC's chief race officer, is also very happy with the inshore event: "Kiel has presented a very convincing concept, and we have already proven this year at the World Championship that the Flensburg Fjord is also very suitable for up-and-down courses."
The regatta events on the first weekend of the 101st Flensburg Fjord Week will be extended by an extra day for the German Championship. The crews will take to the course on Thursday afternoon and the winners will be crowned in three groups on Sunday afternoon. "We hope to have over 50 boats at the start and are counting on the lasting advertising effect of this year's world championship, which we received a very good response to. We are therefore also expecting international participation. Perhaps we will be able to bring the yachts returning from the European Championship back to Glücksburg harbour at the end of the season," said Hansen. In addition to the ORC yachts, the J80 and J24 will also determine their national best at the German Open.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
