The winners: Seekamp and Heliosch
In the A-Class Golden Opti Jonny Seekamp from Wassersport-Verein Hemelingen e.V. came out on top against 235 competitors and took first place. The 14-year-old is no stranger to young German Opti sailors: In 2024, he competed for the German team at the World Championships in Argentina. This was followed by third place in the Golden Opti and victory in the Opti Cup in Neustadt in Holstein the year before.
In the B class, Silver Opti (up to 12 years), with 61 participants, Alwin Heliosch from the Württembergischer Yacht-Club e.V. stood on the podium as the winner.
Foresighted planning saves the regatta
Race director Boris Andratzek (A course) and his colleague Lars Frenzel (B course) had a close eye on the weather forecast: There was no wind forecast for Sunday. Instead of hoping for better conditions, both fleets completed four of the six advertised races on Saturday in sunshine and around 10-15 knots of wind. A tight programme that demanded a lot from everyone involved.
The foresight paid off: There was virtually no wind on Sunday morning. "The decision to abandon the other races in almost complete calm was the right one in terms of the event," explains Andratzek. With four races, a solid, sporting result was achieved. The award ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon from 14:00 in the Vaasahalle.
China delegation to return in 2027
One special feature was the participation of young sailors from Qingdao. The delegation from the Olympic port city travelled as part of the sports partnership with Kiel Sailing City and brought international flair beyond Europe to the fjord.
The partnership is strengthening: gifts were exchanged, initial impressions were shared and participation for 2027 was agreed on the spot. The concept remains the same: Every year, different young sailors come from China, the coaches remain constant and thus build a lasting connection between the two locations.
Barbecues, networking, making friends
In addition to the sporting competition, there was also plenty of socialising. A barbecue party on Saturday evening with bratwurst and a salad buffet provided plenty of opportunity for the participants and their coaches to get to know each other and socialise.
Golden Opti: 57 years of tradition, 100 per cent voluntary work
The 57th edition of the Golden Opti once again demonstrated the strength of this traditional regatta: the event has been organised on a voluntary basis year after year since 1968, when it was still held with wooden Optimists.
We are happy, satisfied and a little proud,
summarises race director Boris Andratzek. This year in particular, with its capricious weather conditions, has shown that "all the requirements of a major event have been met thanks to purely voluntary work."
The results at a glance:
Golden Opti (A-Class):
- Jonny Seekamp (Hemelingen Water Sports Club)
- Philipp Wodianka (Mühlenberger Segel-Club e.V.)
- Leo Mügge (Berliner Yacht-Club e.V.)
Silver Opti (B class):
- Alwin Heliosch (Württembergischer Yacht-Club e. V.)
- Julie Tschentscher (Hemelingen Water Sports Club)
- Nathan Makrutzki (Berliner Yacht-Club / Blankeneser Segel-Club)
Further information: manage2sail.com | www.goldener-opti.de | www.tsv-schilksee.de
Antonia von Lamezan
Volontärin
