Just six teams competed in the women's 470 at Kiel Week in June - this poor response was typical of the generally subdued interest shown by top Olympic sailors in this year's Kiel Week. On the one hand, this has to do with the loss of World Cup status three years ago, on the other hand, the date clashed with numerous international title competitions. The organisers have now reacted.
In order to minimise clashes with other events, the international classes will now kick off the first half of Kiel Week. The Olympic classes will then determine the second part of the major event. The changeover day will therefore be moved forward by one to Tuesday.
The sailors themselves initiated the reorganisation. Martje Uecker from the regatta secretariat of the Kieler Yacht-Club sees another advantage: the harbour occupancy will probably ease in future and more consideration can be given to the berth holders. A positive side effect of the changes is that the Medal Race of the Olympic classes will now be held on the second Sunday, giving more spectators time to watch this event, says Uecker.
There is also a change of date for the ORC yachts. The Senate Prize has been moved from Saturday to Thursday. This means that the long-distance regatta Silbernes Band rund Langeland can now take place at the weekend for the first time.
