The Match Race Germany will take place on Lake Constance for the tenth time from 1 to 6 June. Organisers are expecting at least eight teams to take part that will also compete in the America's Cup.
The German AC team from United Internet Germany sees an opportunity to do well in the Match Race Germany. "On the big Cup boats, we still have handling disadvantages compared to the established teams. But that's not the case on the Bavaria Match keelboats. The chances are the same for everyone," says Jesper Bank, skipper of the German team. The Danish double Olympic champion is looking forward to taking part in Germany's only grade one match race over Whitsun in the border triangle, which is being organised by the Langenargen Yacht Club. Nowhere else is there such an intimate atmosphere as on Lake Constance, says Bank. Sailors, organisers, sponsors and fans are close together. "It's great fun for us. Everyone is part of the event."
The organisers are possibly expecting a new spectator record this year. Eberhard Magg, co-organiser and technical director of Team Germany, says: "Sailing and the America's Cup in particular are booming in Germany." This can also be seen in the friendly races that take place off Kiel at the beginning of August, says Magg. "As an established match race event, we feel part of this new wave of enthusiasm and believe that the fans are already looking forward to at least eight America's Cup teams coming to Match Race Germany between the pre-regattas in Valencia. It's great to see that the seed we planted ten years ago is now bearing fruit."
There is still a question mark over Jochen Schümann's participation. The most successful German sailor of all time still has to wait for the exact planning of his team Alinghi and can only decide at short notice whether he will compete in his home country. "If someone from our team can come, then it will be me," he says.
The highs of the America's Cup are also reflected in the Match Race Germany shore programme. The first German team in the 155-year history of the Cup will bring along interactive exhibits from Valencia. In addition to autograph sessions, performances by well-known bands and the open-air film night on the lakeshore, there will also be culinary delights along the beach promenade. Above all, however, there will be sailing stars to touch.
