SailGP: Anyone can take part - Vettel's Sassnitz helmet will be auctioned off

For Sebastian Vettel, supporting inclusive sailing projects has become a project close to his heart. The four-time Formula 1 world champion intensively supported the first inclusive regatta at an international SailGP in Sassnitz. Now the helmet he wore as guest helmsman on the German F50 foiler is being auctioned off in favour of projects run by the Wir sind Wir - Inclusion in Sailing association.

Sailing is one of the few sports in which people with and without disabilities can really compete together as equals." Sebastian Vettel

The Vettel helmet is a symbol of inclusion in action. The 38-year-old from Heppenheim wore it when he briefly took over the wheel of the F50 from driver Erik Kosegarten-Heil on the SailGP final Sunday and around 6,000 spectators in the Sassnitz grandstands witnessed the rare use of a steering wheel since his Formula 1 retirement.

SailGP: signed Vettel helmet

In Sassnitz, Sebastian Vettel had previously gone sailing with athletes with disabilities together with the Germany SailGP team. Vettel is co-owner of the German racing team in the Formula 1 of sailing. At the final award ceremony for all participants in the International German Championship in inclusive sailing, he took plenty of time for personal discussions.

The racing helmet worn the following day with its abstract inclusion motif is signed by Sebastian Vettel. The proceeds from the auction will benefit inclusive sailing projects. "With this auction, we want to help make this experience possible for even more people with disabilities," says Sebastian Vettel, who has long since become a sailing fan.

The proceeds from the joint campaign with the Germany SailGP Teams presented by Deutsche Bank, minus the platform fees, will go towards inclusive sailing projects. The initiators, initiators and organisers are the association Wir sind Wir - Inclusion in Sailing and its members. Founder Clemens Kraus is one of the movers and shakers, the 1st Chairman Sven Jürgensenthe Executive Board team and all committed members.

SailGP inclusive: all on board

The association Wir sind Wir - Inclusion in Sailing is committed to giving children and young people with disabilities access to sailing - on an equal footing. In close cooperation with the Hamburg Sailing Club and the North German Regatta Association, the association organises inclusive sailing training sessions on the Alster, for example - often with individual 1:1 support.

Demand is growing steadily, but there is not always enough funding for specialised boats and trained coaches. Projects like these are intended to help more children and young people learn to sail, develop team spirit and perhaps even find their way into sailing and regatta sports. The auction proceeds will be used to provide additional sailing training on the Alster in Hamburg and to purchase a new specialised boat (RS Venture Connect) - so that even more children with disabilities can experience freedom on the water.

The helmet worn at the Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz is unique and bears the inscription "All aboard". 100 per cent of the auction proceeds are earmarked for a good cause. The only exception is the platform's transaction fee.

Symbol for sailing together

The auction is now open. The first bids have already been placed. Every contribution makes a difference - whether as the highest bid or as a donation. The money raised will be used to promote the expansion of inclusive sailing projects in Germany, giving children with disabilities new opportunities to take the helm themselves. Click here for the "All aboard" auction.

Memories of the SailGP weekend in Sassnitz with the Germany SailGP Team by Deutsche Bank and Sebstian Vettel: