Warnemünde Week is in the starting blocks. From 5 to 13 July 2025, the Baltic seaside resort will once again be transformed into a hotspot for sailing enthusiasts. The 87th edition of the traditional event promises an exciting programme with top-class regattas, cultural highlights and sporting action on the beach. Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger is looking forward to the event with anticipation and also sees it as an opportunity to promote Rostock-Warnemünde as a centre for sailing. potential Olympic venue to present.
Sailing at world-class level
Warnemünde Week will once again attract top athletes from all over the world in 2025. Sports Director Peter Ramcke is particularly looking forward to the OK Europeans with over 100 entries and the ILCA Europe Cup with almost 300 participants. The Warnemünde sailing area impresses with optimal conditions: "It is the straight coastline that provides absolutely good sailing conditions, even with sea winds, and can deliver fantastic waves for the athletes," explains Ramcke. Short journeys from the new harbour Mittelmole to the regatta courses guaranteed good conditions for exciting competitions.
André Budzien, three-time world champion in the OK dinghy, is looking forward to the European Championships: "There is a super strong field with over 100 participants. Hardly anyone from the world elite is missing. That's why this European Championship is just as important as a World Championship." He formulates his own ambitions with a place in the top ten: "Of course, a podium finish would be great. But a lot has to come together and the overall package has to be right. Then a medal is also possible."
The all-round sailor, who is also active in the Olympic Finn class or with sporadic detours in the O dinghy, hopes for winds of eight to ten knots upwards. With his weight, he prefers medium to stronger winds - conditions that Warnemünde often has to offer. "The OK dinghies like to come to Warnemünde because there is always great wind and great waves in the prevailing wind directions from the west, north-west or south-west. And Warnemünde is also a beautiful place," says André Budzien.
A look at the Olympic bid
The Warnemünde Week also serves as a showcase for Rostock's ambitions as an Olympic venue. Mayor Kröger explains: "We are determined to continue actively promoting the organisation of the sailing competitions as part of the Olympic Games. We have a fantastic sailing area and can easily keep up with Kiel."
Sports Director Ramcke adds: "The infrastructure with regatta courses directly off the coast is already ready for the Olympics." He also suggests using a cruise ship as an Olympic village. A safety concept could be easily implemented thanks to the central pier, which is easy to secure, and the Olympic village on a cruise ship would be unbeatable in terms of sustainability. No new areas would have to be developed."
Outlook for the anniversary year 2026
With a view to the 100th Warnemünde Week next year, Mayor Kröger would like to see the event continue to develop. Her focus is on improving the quality of the event and preserving its international flair. She is particularly keen to support the volunteers: "I hope that the many hundreds of volunteers who organise this event will stay involved or find new talent."
