• The week in pictures
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Dear readers,

a top sailing event in Germany? It seems like a little dream to me when I think about the upcoming Friday. I'm really excited, and have been for days. And that's no exaggeration - well, maybe a little bit. The fact that it's "only" a fly-by and that the Ocean Race fleet won't be stopping off in Germany's sailing capital is just a drop of bitterness on what I consider to be a really hot stone.

• Just like 21 years ago - the big guide to the fly-by in Kiel

It is now 21 years since hundreds of thousands of fans cheered on the German "Illbruck" as she arrived in the Kiel Fjord. It was the first and so far the last victory for a German boat in the history of the most famous round-the-world race for crews. I myself was not even born at the time, but I heard about this event with great enthusiasm more than once. The NDR documentary about the Volvo Ocean Race 2002 really grabbed me. I watched it several times and made a firm resolution to watch it again beforehand. It was also on 9 June when the teams came to Kiel, which was actually an incredible story. Back then as the overall winner and even now, a German team still has a realistic chance of winning this edition before the penultimate stage.

We are currently going through a phase in which I can hardly imagine a better job. When was the last time German sailing was so exciting and successful?

In retrospect, Boris Herrmann's Vendée Globe 2020 could be seen as the start of a trend that is still on the rise. Especially outside of Olympic sailing, interest has skyrocketed since then. Thanks to this initial spark, we are now experiencing things that would have been absolutely unthinkable just a few years ago.

Just a few days ago, the absolute bombshell became public: the new SailGP season give a German team. Driven by Erik Heil (two-time Olympic bronze medallist) and with none other than four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel in the background. We can therefore look forward to a very special premiere on the highest international stage on 16 June!

At the end of last year, the news was already making the rounds that there would also be a German team at the Women's America's Cup and the Youth America's Cup 2024 will take place. The sailors led by initiator and team manager Paul Farien are already training for their mission on the AC40 foilers. And that's not all: participation is to be followed by a long-term support system to introduce young talent to world-class foiling. Of course, it is not yet clear whether the concept will last, but the start has been made The required entry fee of around 70,000 euros for both teams and competitions has been transferred.

But back to the fly-by, because it can only be a huge success. According to the organisers, the German supporters are one of the largest and most important in the race. I still remember meeting some YACHT readers at the start in Alicante, and the interest has only increased over the course of the race so far. I'm not only looking forward to seeing the Ocean Race fleet, but also to finally seeing you (again). Anyone who misses out on this is really missing out. I am sure that Kiel will provide a breathtaking backdrop, as it did in 2002. The sailing festival will run for three days in the "Sailing City" on land and on the fjord. And it really is something completely different to see these machines not just on screen but in real life, believe me.

I remember exactly how flabbergasted I was when they were lined up in front of me in Alicante. As soon as we arrived at the site, we were greeted by a cheerful Kevin Escoffier, and I already had a big grin on my face. Later, we even had the opportunity to get on board with some of the teams. For example, Guyot co-skipper Robert Stanjek showed us his Imoca down to the last detail.

Even if that won't be possible in Kiel next Friday, I would personally be delighted to meet you at the fly-by and enjoy and celebrate the current euphoria together! And maybe there will even be a stage stop in Kiel during the next Ocean Race, who knows ...

Max Gasser

Volunteer YACHT-Digital

Important: For all those at home, we will be setting up a live ticker on site and reporting on the action up close. However, it will also be worthwhile for everyone in Kiel to check the ticker to make sure they don't miss anything!

• Just like 21 years ago - the big guide to the fly-by in Kiel

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The Ocean Race

Always up to date- Daily updates

What was that incredible stage? Several teams managed to beat the 24-hour record of the "Comanche" during the last leg. From Aarhus, The Ocean Race will make a detour to Germany's sailing capital Kiel next week on its way to The Hague. Here on yacht.de you can find out what to expect. Plus: daily news, background information and updates on the race!

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