The Werni Hemmeter Cup is open to LACUSTRE, 45er National Cruisers and 8mR yachts – three classes of boat that could hardly be more different, yet have one thing in common: they embody classic yachting on Lake Constance at its very best. Our photographer Tobias Stoerkle captured the spectacle on camera.
Three classes, one passion
Many sailors consider the 8mR class to be the most beautiful boats on Lake Constance, and the International 8mR Association has the world’s largest fleet of these elegant racing yachts on Lake Constance. The 8mR yachts are between a good twelve and almost 15 metres long and are sailed relentlessly in competition by their proud owners, even though they are 90 years old or more.
The 45er National Cruisers, with a sail area of 45 m² and a maximum length overall of 10.50 m, form the second class in the Hemmeter Cup. This class is characterised by a blend of tradition and modern yacht design – with their classic, harmonious lines and many exquisite details, the 45ers inevitably attract attention both in the harbour and on the water.
From the very beginning, the Lacustre became the epitome of classic, sporty elegance – the name means ‘native to inland lakes’, and its sailing characteristics proved to be perfect for inland lakes: fast in moderate winds, seaworthy in stronger winds. Shortly after the war, the ‘Lacustre craze’ spread to Lake Constance – of the approximately 265 registered Lacustres today, around 170 are moored on Lake Constance.
A very special regatta
The Werni Hemmeter Cup stands out from other Lake Constance regattas thanks to its unique spirit. The LSC dedicates the Lindau Cup Regatta in memory of Werni Hemmeter, a sailing veteran and honorary member who passed away in 2023. His passion, enthusiasm and dedication will always be associated with his name at the LSC – the club has lost not only a ‘veteran’, but also a dear club mate and friend.
The mix of the three classes creates a special atmosphere. Whilst the 45-foot National Cruisers class sees boats over a century old competing alongside new builds on the starting line – one might think this unfair, but from the association’s point of view, this is what makes the class particularly attractive. Over the past 86 years, the Lacustre Class Association has managed to develop the building regulations in line with the times, without making the existing boats look outdated on the regatta course – and this has involved not only gradual evolution, but occasionally a major revolution as well.
Lake Constance Classics in the height of summer 2026
The Werni Hemmeter Cup forms part of a packed regatta calendar for classic yachts on Lake Constance. The International Lake Constance Week took place in Konstanz from 29 to 31 May 2026, and from 20 to 27 June 2026, the Bregenz Yacht Club will host the 8-metre Yacht World Championship – up to 30 classic yachts with over 200 sailors from more than ten nations are expected to take part.
Technical specifications for the three classes
| 8mR yachts | 12–15 m | variable | approx. 8 tonnes | An Olympic class from 1930 to 1954 |
| 45-class National Cruisers | max. 10.50 m | 45 m² | at least 2,400 kg | First yachts built in 1912 |
| Lacustre | approx. 9 m | approx. 28 m² | approx. 1,800 kg | Designed by Henri Copponex in 1938 |
More classics in YACHT classic
Are you interested in the world of classic yachts, traditional boatbuilding and the history of sailing? If so, read more about it in our special edition, YACHT classic.
Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
