Eckernforde

Many offshore sailors have been waiting for it and a very happy Eckhard von der Mosel, Chairman of Kieler Woche Offshore Committee announced the positive outcome of the negotiations: After four years of abstinence the first offshore race of Kieler Woche 2010 will again be from Kiel to Eckernförde and back. "The many spinnakers on the Kiel Fjord as well as the crowded harbour of Eckernförde - these are the pictures that the world associates with the beginning of Kieler Woche," says the offshore chairman passionately.

The step was undertaken in order to meet the demands of the sailors and politicians of both cities: Since 2006 different destinations were offered which unfortunately did not meet the appropriate approval. "We mainly see ourselves as service provider for the sailors and that is why we are happy that negotiations were successful, "states von der Mosel.

Welcome Race von Kiel nach Eckernförde

In the city council of Eckernförde he was welcomed with open arms. The recently restored pier with its many new shops and restaurants is attracting both visitors and participants. "Eckernförde is pleased to be part of Kieler Woche again, "says Jörg Sibbel, Mayor of the city Eckernförde. "And our side events will convince the sailors, "adds Stefan Borgmann, Managing Director of Eckernförde Tourist and Marketing Association. Also the yacht club welcomes the decision and is delighted that besides the Aalregatta at Whitsun another great event goes to Eckernförde.

Organizers of Kieler Woche are already now marketing the new former regatta which will keep the name "Welcome Race" and is designed for amateur yachts as well as cruiser/racer. But not only for the beginning of Kieler Woche are offshore innovations offered in 2010: The Welcome Race is followed by three days of "Kiel-Cup" (21-23 June), another two days of "Silbernes Band" (24-25 June) and finally the mid-distance "Senatspreis" on the second Saturday (26 June) of Kieler Woche.

New concept for One-Design classes

Besides the long-distance offshore events, Kieler Woche will also offer a completely new concept for
One-Design yachts. Especially smaller boats as Melges 24, J-80 and Laser SB3 prefer short ways to the race area with many and fast races rather than long- or mid-distance races starting on the Inner Fjord. For this, race area Foxtrott on the Outer Fjord will be available during the Olympic part (19-24 June) for offshore One-Design yachts which include apart from above mentioned classes also X-99, X-79, Streamline and Albin Express. In 2011 even X-35 and Farr30 yachts have the opportunity to join.

At the same time the X-99 class has chosen the new event during Kieler Woche to compete for its German Open and is expecting up to 20 entries. Other classes have made the event part of their European circuit and with that favour the participation with high ranking list factors. "After an initial poll we were swamped by positive feedback, "states Eckhard von der Mosel and is looking forward to the newly designed offshore part at Kieler Woche 2010.

Offshore regattas at Kieler Woche 2010 (19-27 June)

19-20 June: Welcome Race from Kiel to Eckernförde and back (ORC-Club, ORCi)

19-23 June: Kiel-Cup OD (X-79, X-99, Streamline, Albin Express, J-80, Melges 24, Laser SB3, Farr 30)

21-23 June: Kiel-Cup ORC (ORCi) / German Open (Inshore)

23 June: Kaiserpokal (final race of all Kiel-Cup groups)

24-25 June: Silbernes Band, long-distance (ORCi, ORC-Club)

26 June: Senatspreis, mid-distance (ORCi, ORC-Club)