Max-Oertz RegattaClassics report at the start of the season

Lasse Johannsen

 · 26.04.2026

Max Oertz Regatta in Neustadt, the birthplace of the famous designer
Photo: FKY/MOR
For the 23rd time, the classic yachts will be coming to the birthplace of the famous German designer on the Ascension weekend from 29 to 31 May. The Max Oertz Regatta in Neustadt in Holstein is a very special event in many respects.

Topics in this article

Two days of the regatta will be sailed on Neustädter Bucht, but no less attractive is the shore programme in the city harbour, where the fleet of participants is close together and the events take place directly in front of the yachts.

Colourful programme

These range from culinary highlights such as a deluxe breakfast in the morning and a traditional asparagus dinner to live music and a disco in the marquee in the evening. And all against the historic backdrop of the city, of which the classics become a part for these days.

Traditional races

Traditionally, there will be two races, an up-and-down race on Friday 29 May and the actual Max Oertz Regatta on Saturday. The races will be included in the Baltic Sea Cup classification. Registration via Manage2Sail is already possible.

Much to see

The arrival of the ships after the races in the historic Neustadt harbour can be observed very well from Unterer Jungfernstieg. After mooring, several of the ships can be viewed at the Open Ship. Among them is a yacht that Max Oertz himself built over 100 years ago and which is still in perfect condition today.

Lasse Johannsen

Lasse Johannsen

Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT

Born in Kiel, grew up on the water and on board, trained as a sailor in the club and sailing on the North and Baltic Seas. After school, navy and legal training, he worked as a trainee at YACHT from 2007-2009 in the Panorama department, which he now heads. He is also responsible for the special edition of YACHT classic, has published several books with Delius-Klasing and is deputy editor-in-chief of YACHT. Johannsen is an enthusiastic cruising sailor on his own keel and an active supporter of the German classic boat scene.

Most read in category Yachts