Starboat: Merkelbach/Koy win championship title on Lake Constance
YACHT
· 22.05.2026
Hubert Merkelbach from Bodensee Yacht Club Überlingen and Markus Koy from Norddeutscher Regatta Verein secured the title at the International German and Swiss Star Boat Championship off Radolfzell. The regatta on Lake Constance attracted 56 teams from Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, Croatia, the Netherlands, France and Portugal. Among the participants were Olympic athletes, European champions and runner-up world champions. The Yacht Club Radolfzell and the Swiss Yacht Club Rapperswil jointly organised the Star Boat Championship on the grounds of the Yacht Club Radolfzell. The former Olympic boat class demonstrated its international appeal. "The IDM had a strong international line-up, the Starboat class has lost none of its appeal, we are currently experiencing a real boom and are increasingly succeeding in getting young people interested in our Ferrari on the water," says Hubert Merkelbach, who was Starboat World President until recently. Over 100 boats compete in the European and World Championships.
Icy conditions and mast breakages at the start of the Starboat Championship
Lake Constance presented itself from its challenging side throughout the entire championship. Mostly single-digit temperatures and strong winds challenged man and material alike. Ascension Day was particularly turbulent. In strong winds, there were numerous collisions and a total of four mast breakages. Nevertheless, four of the eight advertised races were sailed on the first day, securing the official championship classification. Merkelbach and Koy initially took the lead of the field after this start. The participants praised the organisation by the two host clubs. "We heard nothing but enthusiasm about the championship and the way it was organised by the two organising clubs from all participants, especially those who had travelled a long way," reported Merkelbach.
Shifting winds complicate second day of the regatta
On Friday, shifting north-westerly winds made the races more difficult. With temperatures now in double figures, only one more race could be completed. Race director Dani Wehrle from the dinghy sailors Reichenau cancelled the second race of the day due to further decreasing winds. The duo Merkelbach and Koy lost their leading position. Before the final day of the regatta, four teams still had a realistic chance of winning the title. The changing conditions created tension in the field.
Hail and hypothermia on the final day
Saturday started off friendly and sunny, which is why some sailors took to the water in lighter clothing. A decision that was to take its revenge. A rain and hail front caused temperatures to drop drastically again. Several teams had to return to the harbour early due to hypothermia and were unable to compete in the last two races. Among those affected were Marin Misura and Tonco Barac from Yacht Club Split, who had been on course for a podium finish until then but eventually dropped back to twelfth place. With a victory in the first race of the final day, Merkelbach and Koy made their title win perfect. They also decided not to start in the final race - the conditions on the water were simply too cold.
Swiss champion and Danish podium
Second place went to Piet Eckert and Frederico Melo from the Zurich Sailing Club, who also became Swiss national champions. Third place went to Michael Hestbaek and Jan Eli Gravad from Vallensbaek Sejlklub in Denmark. Daniel Fritz from Chiemsee Yacht Club and Uli Seeberger from the host yacht club Radolfzell narrowly missed out on the podium. Seeberger is 69 years old and has been sailing Star boats for 50 years now. The second-best German team finished the IDM in fourth place.
Success story of a top duo
For Merkelbach and Koy, winning the 2026 International German Championship is another major joint success. In 2014, they became European champions in the Star boat, followed by the South American championship title in 2015, and in 2018 they won the German championship together for the first time. "Our preparation plan worked out perfectly," says Hubert Merkelbach. "Just a fortnight ago, we trained intensively with our training group in Riva on Lake Garda and then came second in the Italian championships." The 62-year-old orthopaedic surgeon from Überlingen is now celebrating his seventh German championship title.
Professional sailor with an Olympic background
Markus Koy is 51 years old and a former squad sailor who previously sailed with Michael Koch, Robert Stanjek and Johannes Polgar. He has been European Starboat Champion three times and has won numerous German championship titles. After more than twenty years in the Starboat class, to which he switched after the three-man Soling boat retired from the Olympics, he is one of the most successful German professional sailors in the class. "I mainly sail dragons and Starboats and can contribute all my experience, knowledge and background from four Olympic campaigns and one America's Cup participation," says Markus Koy. "The Starboat is very trim-sensitive and intensive to sail. What you learn on the Star boat can be transferred to all other boat classes. It's also great fun to sail the boat."
Friendship as the basis for success
Helmsman Hubert Merkelbach can look back on a similar track record as his coxswain. "After a short break, during which we sailed with other partners, we have now been back together in the same boat for a year and were immediately able to build on our old familiarity and sailing successes," says the man from Überlingen. "We're best friends and also get on really well on land - that's an important basis for good results." The chemistry between the two sailors is just right both on and off the water. This harmony pays off in consistent performances.
International season highlights on the horizon
The next big challenge for the reunited successful duo starts in just two weeks' time with the Eastern Hemisphere Regatta on Lake Balaton in Hungary, a Silver Star event that is comparable to a European Championship. This will be followed by participation in the European Championships in Medemblik, the Netherlands, before the World Championships in Miami, USA, are on the programme as the highlight of the season. The former Olympic star boat demands great fitness and strength from its sailors. The boat class is currently experiencing a boom and is increasingly attracting young sailors.
Results IDM Starboat
- 1st Hubert Merkelbach/Markus Koy (Germany): Bodensee Yacht Club Überlingen/Norddeutscher Regatta Verein
- 2nd Piet Eckert/Frederico Melo (Switzerland): Zürcher Segel Club - Swiss Champion
- 3. Michael Hestbaek/Jan Eli Gravad (Denmark): Vallensbaek Sejlklub
- 4th Daniel Fritz/Uli Seeberger (Germany): Chiemsee Yacht Club/Yacht-Club Radolfzell
- 12th Marin Misura/Tonco Barac (Croatia): Yacht Club Split
- You can find the complete results here.
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