"The bay will be colourful" is the motto under which the Initiative Freie Ostsee Schleswig-Holstein and the Ferienland Ostsee tourism association are calling for a rally next Saturday to protest against the Baltic Sea National Park. Sailors, surfers, SUPers and other water sports enthusiasts are to meet in Geltinger Bucht at around 1 pm. All water sports clubs, associations, professional groups and recreational athletes are invited to take part in the rally. Land-based participants and spectators will meet on the public footpaths and the beaches on the south-western shore of Gelting Bay as well as the car park on the left-hand side of the access road to the Gelting-Mole marina in a paddock.
The event should last around 30 minutes. The "MS Goodenwind II" will give the signal for the beginning and end, communication will take place on VHF channel 15. The organisers would like to point out that participation is at your own risk.
Sailing instructions for the rally "The bay becomes colourful"
In general, the expected number of different water sports enthusiasts means that extreme care must be taken when navigating. The water area in Geltinger Bucht is divided into different zones for the rally. The core zone is defined by the following coordinates:
- 54° 47,088' N 9° 49,821' E
- 54° 47,384' N 9° 51,295' E
- 54° 46,884' N 9° 52,428' E
- 54° 54,867' N 9° 51,882' E
The core zone is intended for passenger ships, fishing boats and motorised vessels, and this is also where the press photos will be taken. To the north of this is the general zone, where sailing is also permitted. "Please keep clear of other vessels and navigate carefully. NO spinnaker and no speed action," are the sailing instructions from the organisers. The western shore area from Ohrfelder Haff to the Habernis peninsula and the shore strip around the Wackerballig marina are intended for surfers and SUPers (see map). The fairway to the Gelting-Mole marina and a sector to the north of it must be kept clear so that the DGzRS rescue cruiser is not obstructed. In addition, the ban on sailing in the Geltinger Birk nature reserve must be observed. The organisers have therefore designated a buffer zone (see map).
Association of many initiators
"The campaign was initiated by the Free Baltic Sea Schleswig-Holstein campaigners. In addition to the tourism association, the Schleswig-Holstein Sailing Association, the farmers' association, the state fishing association, the state sport fishing association and the northern coastal fishing interest group are now also on board," says co-organiser Nikolai Schneider.
Accordingly, it will not be a purely water-based event. Parallel to the rally of sailing and motor boats, there will be a rally on land through the agricultural area. Between the two groups, the kiters, surfers and SUPers will gather in the "Wackerbay". A human chain will also be formed on the dyke between Gelting-Mole and Wackerballig. "We want to show on a broad front that we are all pulling together and pursuing the same goals," says Schneider.
The initiators are calling for the utilisation of existing protection measures and effective, targeted action to expand Baltic Sea protection. The planned national park is not a suitable instrument for this.
Further information and last-minute changes at:
Detailed directions will also be available there soon
More on the topic:
- Baltic Sea National Park: Clear words at the water sports workshop
- Baltic Sea National Park: Loud protest at the rally in Fehmarnsund
- Baltic Sea National Park: YACHT interview with Tobias Goldschmidt
- Baltic Sea National Park: "There is no sailing ban" - exact restrictions remain unclear
- Baltic Sea National Park: How YACHT readers react to the plans
