On 23 June 1882, Kiel Week was held for the first time as a race called the "Kiel Regatta". At that time, the Kiel-Schilksee Olympic Centre was still a long way off. Nevertheless, even 143 years ago, the public flocked from all over the north and especially to the Kiel shore to see the sailors live on the water and enjoy the festival together. It's still like that today. But there is much more infotainment and festivities.
With sailors and board sports enthusiasts in Schilksee and Stein
Sailing, the international flair and, above all, the athletes themselves can be experienced up close at the Kiel-Schilksee Olympic Centre and - a Kiel Week premiere - on the first five days in the new board sports arena on the eastern shore in Stein. If you want both, you don't even have to take the car and drive all the way round the fjord. The fjord ferry line is a quicker and more navigable way to get from one side of the fjord to the other. Bus route 120 then runs between Laboe and Stein on the eastern shore.
A trip to the sailors in Schilksee or Stein offers a wide range of opportunities. As a Kieler Woche fan, you are right in the middle of things at the Olympic Centre instead of just being there, you can "swim" in boats, see the athletes during their preparations or after the races. Here, the Sailing Centre with its large Kieler Woche stage is the place where everyone crosses paths and stays to get information, watch live television or experience sailing celebrities for themselves.
On the stage of the Sailing Center, the Kieler Woche programme offers daily weather briefings from 9 a.m. by meteorologist Meeno Schrader and interviews with guests throughout the day, exciting live commentary from the courses on the fjord and much more. Kiel Week is also characterised by its many small and large partnerships that have grown over many years, in which companies with relevance to water sports organise hands-on activities and show products in their element.
Crime scene Hawaii: "Midsommar" festival during Kiel Week
At the Sailing Centre, the Blackroll fitness programme continues in the morning from 9.15 a.m. after the weather briefing. Afterwards, a test drive with the environmentally friendly electric motors from Torqeedo (south jetty) could be interesting. Torqeedo is also organising a Cleanup Challenge on 28 June from 2 p.m. on the Schilksee beach section
These and many other good activities and initiatives can be discovered along the "Mile" in the Olympic Centre. A treat for ocean lovers: on the first Sunday of Kiel Week, the Ocean Film Tour will be a guest at the Sailing Centre from 6 pm. One of the musical highlights of Kiel Week outside in Schilksee on the big stage will be the performance of the United 4 with DJ Ralf Burnett on Thursday evening from 7.30 pm.
The big Midsummer Night's Festival at Tatort Hawaii in Stein will take place on the eastern shore on the first Saturday of Kiel Week. Where iQFOiL windsurfers (until Wednesday) and wingfoilers (until Tuesday) will be out and about during the first five days of Kiel Week from 21 to 25 June, everyone can get closer to board sports and be part of the party on the beach from 3 pm until sunset.
"Saltwater Kids" active during Kiel Week
The public can not only follow the races from the pier in Stein and along the coastline. Even after the races, the athletes are available around the paddock for small talk and shop talk. The meeting point here is also the beach lounge of the Tatort Hawaii water sports centre, where reggae and singer-songwriter sounds accompany the after-surf parties with cocktails and snacks.
The "Saltwater Kids" programme will also continue in Stein during Kiel Week. Here, youngsters (up to the age of twelve) are encouraged to take up windsurfing and surfing. Saltwater provides both boards and equipment and also sensitises the youngsters and everyone else to clean, sustainable water sports with daily beach cleanups. More information about Ocean Education is available at the stand; an online booking system is being created for the "Saltwater Kids".
Back to Schilksee, where another première awaits visitors this year: New SailBots will be available at three so-called "kiosks" (terminals) to answer questions about Kieler Woche. Maritime clothing, equipment and more are traditionally offered in the Vaasahalle. These Kieler Woche classics are not to be missed: the wristbands of the Sport for Kids" campaign. They are not just sought-after "KiWo" souvenirs. The proceeds are used to help children and young people from families with little money to take part in club sports.
With SailGP-Speed and the YACHT in Schilksee
When the first half of the Olympic Games comes to an end on Wednesday with the medal races, the action on the water will be fast-paced during the day. In the evening, the ZDF report on the SailGP will be shown in the Sailing Arena from 7.30 pm - a good way to get in the mood for the SailGP German premiere on 16 and 17 August in the Baltic Sea resort of Sassnitz.
Almost opposite the Sailing Arena, the YACHT team can be found with its own stand on the Mile. If you feel like it, you can not only browse through books, YACHT issues and the current Kieler Woche special, but also take part in the competition. The aim of the rope guessing game is to guess how long the line on display is. We promise: it's not quite that easy! But it could be worth the effort, because there is cordage worth 400 euros to be won.
