Helga Cup 2025: Record participation in the largest women's regatta in the world
YACHT-Redaktion
· 11.06.2025
The eighth edition of the Helga Cup has a record number of participants: Almost 80 teams from eleven nations will be competing on Hamburg's Outer Alster from 12 to 15 June 2025. Among them are 16 inclusive crews. With three Olympic athletes and the newly crowned European champions Hanna Wille and Marla Bergmann, the world's largest women's regatta promises top sporting performances.
European champions strengthen the starting field
The 49erFX sailors Hanna Wille and Marla Bergmann from Mühlenberger Segel-Club (MSC) deserve special attention. They became European champions in the 49erFX on 8 June. Following their participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, they have their sights set on the 2028 Olympic sailing competitions in Los Angeles. They will be sailing together with Laura Bo Voß and Alica Stuhlhemmer at the Helga Cup. Olympic silver medallist Susann "Sanni" Beucke will also be competing. She won the first Helga Cup in 2018. As an ambassador for Hamburg Active City, she will be competing in the "MammaSeatas" together with Anna Barth from the German SailGP team. Beucke emphasises the importance of the event: "The Helga Cup stands for much more than just sporting competition. Boundaries disappear on the water, and the event creates a safe environment that encourages women."
Inclusion as lived practice
With 16 inclusive teams registered, the Helga Cup recorded a significant increase on the previous year. Inclusion has been an integral part of the event since 2020. The story of the youngest participant is particularly moving: 9-year-old Sophia started sailing in 2025. She has a visual impairment. She had her first sailing lesson with Susann Beucke and is now looking forward to her first regatta. The defending champions in inclusive sailing, Nomine Fabian (11) and Jola Schönebeck, as well as world champion Nadine Löschke with Maria Marquardt will also be taking part again. The diversity emphasises the inclusive character of the Helga Cup and shows that sailing can be a sport for everyone.
Prominent support and official launch
The official opening on 13 June at 8 p.m. will be performed by Hamburg's State Councillor for Sport, Christoph Holstein. Patron Kristina Vogel, two-time Olympic track cycling champion, and Anna Barth from the German SailGP team are also expected to attend the opening. The official starting signal on the water will be given by Julia Homburg, Head of Police Department 31, at 12 noon on 13 June.
Social commitment and regatta format
On 12 June, sailing for Ukrainian children and young people will take place in the run-up to the regatta in cooperation with the Ukrainian consulate - a sign of the event's social commitment. The crews will sail on provided boats in the J/70 and RS Venture Connect classes in short, ten to twelve-minute races. This format guarantees exciting action and easy-to-follow races, even for non-experts.
Follow the sailing races
The best place to watch the individual races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is from the banks of the Outer Alster. Interested parties can witness the various races directly here.
