Scary moments on the Kiel Fjord: On Sunday, a traditional sailing boat sailed into the dinghy regatta field despite a warning. The ship overtook a 29er. The crew managed to save themselves with a courageous jump into the fjord, remained unharmed and were quickly rescued by emergency services from the DGzRS, water police and Race Repair Service. "Nevertheless, it is a dramatic incident. The sailors were pretty shocked," said organisation manager Dirk Ramhorst.
In sporting terms, the 122nd Kiel Week sailed on a wave of success on the first weekend. 1000 sailors in the international classes enjoyed ideal wind conditions and a full programme on both days. Record winner Wolfgang Hunger still has his sights set on his 22nd Kieler Woche title. After two of four regatta days and six races in the international boat classes, the 505 helmsman from Strande and his cox Julien Kleiner are in third place, just two points behind the British leaders Ian Pinnell and Alex Davies.
On the opening weekend, the organisers of the world's largest regatta in the north of Germany were able to serve up plenty of sailing and a total of 89 races in beautiful winds. "The wind forecast for the coming days is a little worse," said Ramhorst on Sunday evening, "but so far it has been very good, and for the courses towards Eckernförde it has even been extremely challenging with wind and waves."
At the International German Sailing Championship, the Dutch "Tonnere de Breskens" has taken the lead in the largest ORC I class after the first overnight long-distance race. In the field of medium-sized yachts, the "X-Day" skippered by Max Gurgel from Hamburg is in the lead. The leader in the smallest class ORC III/IV is Henning Tebbe's "Patent3" from Hamburg. The international part of Kiel Week ends on Tuesday. The Olympians will then get into the action from Wednesday until "Super Sunday".
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
