Federal government invests millions for traditional ships – Kiel Week in danger?

Federal government invests millions for traditional ships – Kiel Week in danger?

The Kiel Week, which will celebrate its 144th edition from June 21st to 29th in 2025, is about to experience an exciting event that will make the hearts of sailing fans beat faster. The windjammer parade, the highlight of this major event, is already drawing anticipation. Last year, around 170,000 spectators experienced an unforgettable spectacle on the Kiel Fjord. NDR reports that many traditional ships, including the proud sailing training ship “Gorch Fock”, will also take part in the parade in 2025.

This year the Gorch Fock set off on the route under full sail for the first time and reached a speed of 6.5 knots. Led by new commander Elmar Bornkessel, it was a sight to behold as the ship set sail and led the parade. Kiel's mayor Kampf described this event as one of the largest and most beautiful of the Kiel Week, which represents a fantastic spectacle not only for the sailors but also for the spectators.

Investing in maritime tradition

But it's not just the windjammer parade that causes excitement. The federal government plans to invest over 23 million euros in the preservation of historically important ships. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the Minister of State for Culture in Berlin Deutschlandfunk reported. These funds, which are made available through the “KulturInvest” funding process, are intended, among other things, to preserve and renovate the lightship “Borkumriff”, the Poeler Kogge “Wissemara” in Wismar, the sailing ship “Grönland” in Bremerhaven and the tall ship “Gorch Fock I” in Stralsund.

The aim of these investments is to preserve the maritime tradition in the long term and to ensure access to these historical treasures for the population. The ships not only carry a piece of history with them, but are also an important part of the cultural heritage that remains alive during Kiel Week.

Kiel Week 2025: A great celebration

The Kiel Week is not only the largest sailing event in the world, but also a large folk festival with a diverse program. This year, around 2,000 events are planned in various areas - from culture and science to sport and industry. Kiel Week offers all visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of sailing and experience the maritime flair up close. There are special participation offers for children under the motto “Fabulous Mythical Creatures”.

So what can visitors to Kiel Week 2025 expect? In addition to the impressive regattas, you can look forward to a variety of entertainment offerings. It will be an unforgettable experience for the many guests who flock to Kiel for the event. With such a powerful mix of tradition, sport and culture, Kiel Week is not only a highlight in sailing, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the North German way of life.