Anyone sailing on the Alster on 31 May 2026 had to watch out for Hamburg's Herzpiraten. Because on this day, the young skippers competed in the 10th regatta organised by the association of the same name. A total of 12 children with congenital heart defects, who have been undergoing treatment at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) since birth, took part again this year.
"When I founded the association in 2014, even I could not have imagined that we would be organising the 10th HerzPiraten Regatta in 2026 and have been able to raise and distribute over 100,000 euros in donations since its foundation," said actress Nova Meierhenrich, the founder of HerzPiraten.
Once again this year, the regatta was actively supported by internationally successful sailors. Among them: sailor Susann "Sanni" Beucke, skipper Bernadette Zipfel with crew and Johannes Ludwig.
When founding the association, Nova Meierhenrich's main idea was to establish an association that would give children with heart disease a sense of achievement through team spirit and group dynamics and that would put the children affected at the centre of attention. It quickly became clear that sailing was the perfect way to do this.
"Many people don't realise that sailing is basically the ideal sport for children with heart conditions," says Meierhenrich. "They are active in the fresh air and organised in the community - but all within their physical capabilities. And on board, everything has to go hand in hand - nothing works here without team spirit. It's a very special experience for the children, who have often only known everyday life in hospital for months."
After the competition on the water, things got cosy on land. The traditional barbecue and award ceremony for all participants, helpers and families took place on the grounds of the Hamburg Sailing Club (HSC). The afternoon also had some very special surprises in store for the children. Once again this year, the paediatric cardiology department of the UKE was delighted with the record sum of 10,000 euros that Meierhenrich and her association raised for them. The donation cheque was ceremoniously handed over to the children's cardiology department at the UKE in the afternoon.
"For the tenth time, these very special pirates boarded the hearts of our children and also left much-needed donations. What an all-round sunny and successful event. We're already looking forward to the next one," said Prof Dr Thomas S. Mir. The specialist in paediatric and adolescent medicine, specialising in paediatric cardiology, is Deputy Clinic Director of the Clinic for Paediatric Cardiology at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
Four boats, enthusiastic children and sensational skippers: in fantastic conditions on the Alster, the anniversary regatta was an all-round successful sailing experience - active in the fresh air, as a team and entirely within the scope of the children's own abilities. A successful day for the children and for the paediatric cardiology department of the UKE - and a strong signal for courage, community and the great adventures that are open to every child.
