Long-distance classic on Lake Constance: Little wind, lots of emotion - the best pictures of the Rund Um

After only seven boats even reached the finish line last year, this time there were no fewer than 138 of the 238 boats that started. "Far too little wind," was also the verdict of the Lindau Sailing Club, organiser of the largest sailing regatta on Lake Constance.

After the difficult conditions had already become apparent in the weather forecast, the race organisers decided early on to shorten the courses for starting groups 2 and 3 accordingly. This meant that only the multihulls had to cover the full distance of around 100 kilometres.

In the end, Fritz Trippolt and his "Skinfit" came out on top in a thrilling finish and were the first to return to Lindau after 14 hours, 3 minutes and 53 seconds. Three minutes later, Ralph Schatz's "Orange Utan" also reached the finish line, closely followed, just 30 seconds later, by the "Green Horny" team from Switzerland.

In the second starting group, it was skipper Wolfgang Palm from the Langenargen Yacht Club who once again secured victory on his "Wild Lady" with a clear lead. Martin Schneider won in the third starting group, both finishing after around ten and a half hours due to the shortened course.

"We were very pleased with the large number of participants," said regatta organiser Achim Holz about the approximately 2,000 sailors who took part. The club is already looking forward to next year, hopefully with more wind.

Click here for the complete results (please click!).