Cool but sunny, north-easterly winds around 3 to 5 Beaufort. That's the forecast from the German weather service for the weekend around Heligoland. But it's not just the weather, the field of participants for the 71st North Sea Week is also impressive.
This is because the challenging area in the Elbe estuary, around Heligoland and across the North Sea to Edinburgh has attracted some interesting competition.
135 yachts will be sailing for glory and honour during this year's North Sea Week. In total, more than 150 yachts with almost 1500 sailors are heading for the red rock. Among them are many sailors who are not taking part in the regattas but are heading to the North Sea island for the big sailing festival. As always, the highlight of the regattas is the regatta around Heligoland. The final major event will be the long-distance race from Heligoland to Edinburgh in Scotland, the longest German ocean race ever.
44 yachts have been underway since 6 o'clock this morning due to the tide. With a moderate easterly wind, the fleet with its spinnakers makes a great impression. The award ceremony for this first race is scheduled for 6.00 pm in Cuxhaven. The mayor of Cuxhaven, Gerd Raulff, welcomes the fleet to the marina at the mouth of the Elbe. He will officially open the North Sea Week together with Michael Becker, Mayor of Helgoland, and Bernd Jörg, Head of Organisation of the North Sea Week, at around 19:00.
Under the sporting direction of Admirals Cup winner Dr Stefan Lehnert, the participants will then be sent on their way to Helgoland on Saturday morning. Sailors from Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven will also arrive on Helgoland by Saturday afternoon in further feeder regattas. And once again the south harbour will be overflowing with yachts of all sizes. But that's how the sailors know Heligoland at Whitsun and look forward to it, because that's what makes the inimitable atmosphere on the small North Sea island so special.
atmosphere on the small North Sea island. The regatta festival for offshore sailors can begin.
Last year, 4000 sailors were registered at the legendary hanseboot party in the Nordseehallen.
All messages and results: www.nordseewoche.de
