Kiel Week: Wingfoil races, coaching for young talent and iQFOiL on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord

The German Open Wingfoil Racing will celebrate its premiere at Kieler Woche from 21 to 29 June. The races will be held on the classic upwind and downwind course, and the organisers are expecting a top-class field of riders. "With the inclusion of wingfoil racing and the promotion of the X-15 class, Kieler Woche is providing an important impetus for the development of new sailing disciplines," hope the organisers. "Young talents will be given a platform here to prove themselves at the highest level. At the same time, the Kiel Fjord will become a hotspot for trend sports on the water, promising exciting competitions for both ambitious athletes and an enthusiastic audience."

One of the best-known German starters is Yannik Holste. The former 49er and 29er sailor has now established himself as one of the most successful wingfoil racers. With a German championship title in slalom and a podium finish at the GWA Wingfoil World Cup 2023 in Brazil, he is one of the top international racers. "Kieler Woche has always been a highlight for me - now wingfoil racing opens up a whole new dimension," says Holste. "This format combines classic regatta sport with the dynamics of wingfoiling."

X-15 Coaching: Promoting young talent for Wingfoil Racing

The X-15 class, which was already involved in a demo contest at Kiel Week in 2024, is offering a coaching programme for young wingfoilers this year. Equipment and professional coaches will be provided, and after targeted training in technique and tactics, participants will be able to compete directly in the German Open Wingfoil Racing. The aim is to promote young talent and give them the opportunity to present themselves at an international level.

iQFOiL Games: Last chance to qualify for the World Cup

In addition to the wingfoil formats, the Olympic windsurfing class iQFOiL is also celebrating a comeback at Kiel Week after the regattas had to be cancelled last year due to too few registrations. In 2025, Kiel Week will have the status of the iQFOiL Games and the iQFOiL Youth & Junior Games. The contest acts as a "last chance regatta" for the upcoming World Championship in Aarhus (04 - 11 July 2025), i.e. as one of the last opportunities to qualify for the World Championship.

Foil racing on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord

In order to offer all foiling board classes optimum conditions, a dedicated event area is being created for the first time on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord. According to information from NDR, this will be Stein in the district of Plön. This competition area will offer the foiling disciplines their own stage and should provide the best possible conditions.