The registration portal for the "Championship of Champions" has been open since the beginning of October and the list has filled up quickly. Reigning German or international champions, youth champions and German sailors who have won other high-calibre regattas are eligible to enter. This year's 43rd edition on 26 and 27 October will be sailed in teams of two on boats of the RS Venture Connect type, which is also suitable for people with disabilities.
More fairness with the RS Venture Connect
Most of the participants will be unfamiliar with this type of boat because very few of them have sailed it before. It may also seem strange to some that they cannot change position in the boat and cannot use their body weight for trimming. In the RS Venture Connect, the two sailors sit next to each other in bucket seats, the boat is steered using a lever mechanism and the sheets and outhauls are operated from a central platform.
As physical effort is virtually impossible, people with physical disabilities have almost the same opportunities as non-disabled people to sail the boat quickly. This guarantees a level playing field for all participants. Sailors with disabilities may even have a slight advantage if they already know the boat.
Teams with disabled people on an equal footing
Some inclusive teams have also registered. These include Nadine Löschke and Silke Basedow, who have won the World Championship in inclusive sailing twice in a row in Rostock. The runner-up in the inclusive boat class 2.4mR, Christoph Trömer, will also be competing together with his son Tim Leonard. Other inclusive crews are also expected.
The regatta format is Umpired Fleetrace with six to nine boats. On both race days, all teams will sail fleet races as a preliminary round. The best six to nine crews will then compete in the final races on Sunday. The starting signal for the first race of the day is scheduled for 10.00 am. The award ceremony will take place on Sunday at 3.30 pm at the latest.
The "Championship of Champions" was first held on the Outer Alster in 1980 with the aim of providing the best sailors in Germany with an appropriate stage. For over 40 years, the sailing event has stood for tradition and great sailing skills. Year after year, the champions answer the call to determine the best of the best at the end of the season in Hamburg. The regatta format and the boat classes used have been adapted again and again over the years. Boats of the RS Venture Connect type are used for the first time at the championship and make it easier for inclusive teams to participate.
