When the employees of the Nordwind Watersports Association entered the grounds of the two sites in Surendorf and Schubystrand last Thursday morning, they could hardly believe their eyes. Unknown persons had left a trail of devastation, a large amount of material had simply been destroyed. In addition to the almost unbelievable destruction, the fact that both sites, which are around 45 minutes away from each other by car, were affected by the vandalism suggests a targeted attack.
Tim Michaelis, 2nd chairman of the water sports club, has a bitter assessment: "Around 130 surf sails were slashed. The tarpaulins and sails of O'pen skiffs and optis were also cut and the boats drilled into." In addition, a total of almost 50 pagoda walls were destroyed, as well as two motorboats. "Overall, I think the damage will be between 80,000 and 100,000 euros," estimates Michaelis.
What will happen next for the water sports club?
What makes him particularly angry? "For many of our members, the season is now over. I'm particularly annoyed for the children and young people, who have simply had their plans cancelled and their enjoyment taken away. I think that's mean," he says.
"Fortunately," Michaelis reports in an interview with YACHT, "the situation is not threatening the existence of the club. In general, the whole incident was of course bitter and very annoying because it caused a lot of work, but the club would still be able to cope with the financial damage. Their insurance will not cover the damage caused. In the coming season, operations will resume as usual. Even now in the off-season, all booked services can be provided. "We are also organising the German Youth Championships in the O'pen Skiff from Thursday. In Surendorf, 30 children will be sailing in the regatta," says Michaelis.
Search for perpetrators proves difficult
The season in Schubystrand has now ended early. "The dismantling was scheduled for this week anyway," explains the second chairman of the water sports club, "so at least the schedule doesn't change that much for our employees. Nevertheless, no one was particularly happy to clean up the wilful devastation and throw away so much material. They will probably carry out most of the repairs to the boats themselves during the winter.
Meanwhile, the watersports club is perplexed. "With the best will in the world, we can't imagine who would want to harm us in this way," says Michaelis. In general, they have not received any threats or anything similar. "We also have no problems with environmental activists, local residents, former employees or anything like that. It's simply inexplicable," he explains.
Who has seen anything?
After the club reported the damage, the police began their investigation. The Eckernförde criminal investigation department has taken over the investigation. Anyone who witnessed anything in Surendorf or Schubystrand on Thursday night, or who can provide any other information about possible perpetrators, should call 04351-9080 or contact the water sports club directly.
