The German ORC scene before the start of the season: "We want to see the Wednesday sailors in big regattas"

Eckart Reinke works professionally as a business consultant and dedicates his free time to sailing. He is an internationally experienced race organiser, a Kieler-Woche sea course motor and, for the past six months, has also been chairman of the DSV committee for sea racing. At the start of the season, the interview deals with survey results as well as ideas and mobilisation measures for the German ORC scene. And while the Regattavereinigung Seesegeln homepage is being updated, click here for the latest RVS information via the Facebook page (please click!).

The number of German ORC measurement certificates has weakened recently. Is the upturn already in sight?

The DSV, RVS, organisations and clubs are working hard to achieve this. Over the last six months, I've been listening first and foremost. I've put a lot of work and love into the new Kieler Woche sea course concept: away from pure up-and-down sailing, clear structures and the chance for the yardstickers to get a taste of it for two years. We are trialling new formats, such as the double-handed regatta with an overnight stay at a different location. Kieler Woche is opening up to newcomers, which not only appeals to young people, but also to those who have not yet dared to take part.

There were two surveys among Germany's sea sailors during the winter break...

Yes, one in co-operation between the DSV and RVS on a broad basis. Plus one from my Kieler Woche role among selected, regular regatta sailors. The aim was to thoroughly analyse the needs and wishes of owners and sailors from all sides.

What were the findings?

For example, I was wrong in my gut feeling that cost plays a leading role in regatta participation. The main concerns include the desire for interesting opponents, adventure and challenge as well as the fun factor. Three other important points came into play via the Kieler Woche survey: the overall package has to be right, the quality of the organisation and race management is important. And fair and professional scoring. There is also a great desire for more team spirit among the participants.

In 2016, there were 688 ORC measurement letters in Germany, in 2021 there were only 412. In Norway, for example, they rose from 1534 to 2274 in the same years, in the USA from 137 to 769.

All of us who are fighting for the ORC upswing - DSV, RVS, organisers and myself - must allow ourselves to be measured by the number of measurement certificates issued. That is the hard criterion by which we are measured nationally and internationally. Other countries are growing. We want to get there within the next two or three years with a strong RVS, among other things. We want to see the Wednesday sailors at major regattas, become less complicated and enjoy regatta sailing together.