Full house and international flair
International, young and sailing enthusiasts: Around 350 talented sailors will meet in the Olympic harbour in Schilksee next weekend to compete for the coveted podium places and important points for the ranking list. As is the case every year, demand is so high that the starting places in Opti A, the highest performance class, were already fully booked in December 2025 and a waiting list was drawn up. In the meantime, the club has expanded the contingent to be able to accept further entries. In the Opti B performance group, 65 junior sailors have registered.
This year's regatta once again impresses with participants from around 10 nations and thus an exceptionally strong international participation.
The nations send their performance classes here - and they really want to know",
says race director Boris Andratzek about the international field of participants. The young German sailors in the Optimist class will be competing against strong international rivals. In addition to top talents from countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, a young team from China is also taking part: the delegation from the Olympic harbour city of Qingdao is taking part as part of the sports partnership between Kiel Sailing City and their home town.
Box seats for spectators
The sporting programme includes a total of six races. Due to the large starting field, the organisers will divide the Opti A participants into four groups with red, blue, green and yellow bibs, which will first compete against each other in qualifying races and then in finals. Four races are planned for Saturday, followed by two more on Sunday.
It is not easy to follow regattas in detail from the shore. We therefore recommend an elevated position at the former Olympic flame from 1972 or alternatively from the beach in Strande or Bülk with a view of Strander Bucht.
The award ceremony is then planned for 4.00 pm in the Vaasahalle and is open to the public.
Tradition since the wood-optic era
The Golden Opti is one of the most traditional youth regattas in Germany. The first regatta was organised back in 1968, when Optimists were still made of wood. What began as a small competition has developed into a fixture in the regatta calendar.
The regatta owes its continuity to its club culture: the entire event is organised exclusively on a voluntary basis by club members, who deserve great praise! Another organisation team works all year on the preparations, and on the regatta weekend the club provides a large team of helpers from its members. The event is supported by regional sponsors.
Programme at a glance:
Saturday, 30 May 2026
- 11.00 a.m. - Start of the Opti A races
- 12.00 hrs - Start of the Opti B races
Sunday, 31 May 2026
- 10.00 a.m. - Start of further races
- 14.00 - Last chance to start
- approx. 16.00 - Award ceremony in the Vaasahalle
Venue: Schilksee Olympic Centre, Kiel
Further information: www.goldener-opti.de | www.tsv-schilksee.de
This might also interest you:
Antonia von Lamezan
Volontärin
