British boats take the helm at Kiel Week 2025!

British boats take the helm at Kiel Week 2025!

The 131st Kiel Week, which is currently in full swing, is proving to be an impressive spectacle for sailing fans and sailors from all over the world. The regatta attracts around 4,500 participants from 60 nations and offers unforgettable competitions on the water. British teams are currently dominating the action. Particularly noteworthy is the duo Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris, who are on the road to success in the 470 mixed doubles and were able to take the lead as third in the World Championships. Meanwhile, the Spanish world champions Jordi Xammar and Marta Cardona had to make do with seventh place after four races. Theresa Löffler and Christopher Hoerr stand out in the German competition, holding their own in fourth place.

However, the conditions at Kiel Week are not all glorious. Yesterday's strong wind day led to problems: starting ships came loose, which not only affected the sports program, but also led to mass capsizes and race cancellations. Despite all the adversities, the national sailors were able to achieve several podium places, including the only victory by windsurfer Fabian Wolf. A look at the rankings shows that Denmark, Italy and France also showed strong performances in various disciplines.

Paul Kohlhoff: Return to sailing

Another exciting topic is the return of the German sailor Paul Kohlhoff, who ended his Olympic career in November 2022 and recently announced that he will be part of the German SailGP team. Kohlhoff, who describes his inclusion on the team as “surreal,” sees it as the fulfillment of a childhood dream and brings valuable experience from the Olympic Nacra class, where he competed in three Olympic Games. The 2021 Olympic bronze medalist will be deployed flexibly in the team and would like to use his strengths in data analysis and support other team members. At the upcoming events taking place on the 19th/20th. July in Portsmouth and on 16/17. Taking place in Sassnitz in Germany in August, he will actively participate.

Successes and challenges

At the halfway point of the Kiel Week, German sailing has so far achieved three podium places, which raises hopes of further success. In the last races there were both cheering and disappointing moments, such as the fresh to strong winds, which were sometimes seen as a challenge for the participants. The water area in front of Schilksee turned out to be an exciting venue, while the medal races of the third Sailing Grand Slam 2025 evoked exciting competitions and a lot of emotions.

Overall, Kiel Week remains a melting pot of competition, sport and passion for sailing. With the British teams on the fast track and the comeback of Paul Kohlhoff, who seems to have a good hand for the new challenge, the regatta is sure to have a few surprises in store.

Further information about Kiel Week can be found on the event's official website, where all details about the weather influences and athletes' performances are provided: Kiel Week. Current reports about successes and developments are also included NDR and CN to find.