"I'm beaming. This is a great start to Kiel Week. We have achieved everything we wanted. And good sailing conditions are also forecast for tomorrow." Head of Organisation Dirk Ramhorst and his Kieler Woche team were delighted with the successful start to the 122nd Kieler Woche in its 134th year since the premiere in 1982.
At the end of the full day of sailing on the fjord, German teams were in the lead in seven of the 14 international classes. Record winner Wolfgang Hunger has successfully entered the races on his own doorstep: The 21-time Kieler Woche winner is in second place with his co-skipper Julien Kleiner after the first of four days of racing in the 505. Only one point separates Hunger/Kleiner from the British leaders Andy Smith/Tim Needham after three races.
With a total of 48 starts in 14 international boat classes and among the yachts in the Welcome Race, the organisers were able to report an ideal sporting start to Kiel Week in the best winds of four to five Beaufort. This year, the international and Olympic parts will take place in a new order. The Olympians will not get involved in the action until Wednesday, but will gather on Tuesday for their official farewell on course for Rio in the Audi Sailing Arena. On 23 June, the European Championship in the J/70 national league class begins with almost 100 starters.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
