Cool weather with fresh wind and the familiarity of their home surroundings gave the German sailors the boost many had hoped for on the first day of Kieler Woche. Of course, not all the top international sailors are at the start, but that should not detract from the performance of Sailing Team Germany, whose representatives are fighting for a good regatta result, but even more so for internal qualification points for the Olympic Games.
The pleasing result after the first day: three leaders, four runners-up and a total of 25 boats in the top ten in the Olympic classes and the 2.4 mR. There are even five German boats in the top 10 in each of the two 470 classes. STG coach coordinator Bernd Zirkelbach commented with satisfaction: "A successful start. We are first in three classes, it could hardly be better."
Simon Grotelüschen. Local hero and Germany's best Laser sailor this year is leading the Lasers after three races, with his direct rival Philipp Buhl hot on his heels in fourth place, two points behind. Great performance by the German 470 women: Annika Bochmann/Anika Lorenz are in the lead, Annina Wagner/Marlene Steinherr are in third place, Kathrin Kadelbach/Friederike Belcher, who are leading in the internal qualification, are right behind them. Heiko Kröger leads in the 2.4mR and Johannes Babendererde/Timo Jacobs are in second place in the Star, as are Jan-Jasper Wagner/Tobias Bolduan in the 470 men, Moana Delle in the RS:X women and Toni Wilhelm in the RS:X men.
The other top places for German sailors: Laser Radial: 5th Lisa Fasselt; Finn: 6th Matthias Miller; 49er: 5th Leopold Fricke/Lorenz Huber; RS:X Men:
The forecast for today promises cool temperatures and a stiff breeze from the south-west, which will subside towards the evening.
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