Free, outdoors and for everyone - that's what the Kieler Woche organisers, visitors and participants want for their sailing bliss week in the north, on the water and on land. To give these wishes a chance, Kiel Week has now been postponed again to early autumn, as it was in the first year of the coronavirus pandemic. For the second time in a row, the 127th edition of the world's largest regatta week will not take place on the traditional date in June, but from 4 to 12 September 2021. This was announced by the organisers and the city of Kiel on Wednesday evening after consultation with the participating clubs (Kieler Yacht-Club, Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee) and after consultation with the Schleswig-Holstein state government. The rescheduling coincides with the Star Boat World Championships, which are already scheduled to take place in Kiel from 4 to 11 September with an expected 80 boats, as well as the Star Boat Junior World Championships (31 August to 3 September). Now everything points to another golden sailing September.
According to the organisers, their decision is a deliberate early response to the rising incidence figures in many countries and the associated uncertain planning situation. In 2020, Kiel was one of the first major organisers to respond to the pandemic with a postponement on 19 March. The postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games to 2021 followed less than a week later on 24 March. In challenging times, the postponed Kiel Week became a sporting success without festive activities or an audience.
For Kiel's Lord Mayor Ulf Kämpfer, the renewed postponement is the right decision in view of the current corona situation, according to his statement in a press release from the state capital of Kiel: "With the expansion of the testing strategy and the progress made with vaccinations, we will hopefully be in a situation in September where a Kiel Week will be possible closer to the 'original'." Ulf Kämpfer told NDR in the evening: "If we manage a Kiel Week this year, which we firmly believe, it will be in September. And then not just digitally, but with real people on site." This statement by the Lord Mayor referred to the festival, which is an important part of Kiel Week. "Sailing should be possible from a human perspective," said Kämpfer. His complete interview can be seen and heard here (please click!). Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther gave all Kiel Week fans hope: "The prospects of a 'real' Kiel Week are growing with every month that passes."
"We have already made a conscious decision," said sporting organisation manager Dirk Ramhorst. Kiel Week also thrives on its international fields, said the experienced regatta manager. "We also want to show solidarity with the showmen and artists of Kiel Week. Separating the sailing week from the festival cannot be an alternative." When asked whether the postponement of the world's largest regatta week can also be seen as a warning shot from the International Olympic Committee, Ramhorst told YACHT online: "The Olympic Games will take place four weeks after the regular date of Kiel Week. I believe that the Olympic Games can take place - just not in the circle we are used to."
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
