Among the 350 guests from different fields as science, politics and sports were Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf Dirk Elbers, the President of DSV (German Sailing Association) Rolf Bähr as well as Jochen Schümann, winner of three Olympic gold medals and twice of the America's Cup.

Contract extension of boot Düsseldorf

At Kiel-Treff, also boot Düsseldorf made use of the opportunity to announce their contract extension with Kieler Woche. "For me counts: Never change a winning team. The partnership between Kieler Woche and boot Düsseldorf is a well-functioning and successful collaboration. Here we are offered the unique opportunity to present ourselves at the heart of sailing where the whole world of sailing sports is united," says Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.

 

The traditional handing over of the Kieler Woche poster at boot Düsseldorf during Kiel-Treff.

From left: Der lange Donnerstag (Kieler Woche), Dr. Henning Winter (President Kieler Yacht-Club), Werner Matthias Dornscheidt (President Messe Düsseldorf), Cathy Kietzer (President of City Council Kiel), Torsten Albig (Lord Mayor of Kiel) und Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel (Director boot Düsseldorf).

Photo: Kieler Woche/C.Beeck

The optimal course of Kieler Woche 2010 will be accompanied by its premium partner HSH Nordbank and the new premium partner AUDI AG. The innovative automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt/Germany which has already committed itself in sailing projects for years is from now on part of the largest sailing regatta in the world. "Sailing has a very special meaning for us: With its combination of teamwork, high-tech materials and sportive competitions it perfectly fits to Audi. With our successful engagement at Audi MedCup Audi has established a good reputation in international sailing sports and is maintaining this level with Kieler Woche. As the most significant sailing event in the world it offers a thrilling platform for sailing enthusiasts and participants - with spectacular high-class sports on the water and exciting events ashore. We are looking forward to a highly attractive Kieler Woche," says Hans-Joachim Radde, Head of Marketing Germany, AUDI AG. Cathy Kietzer, President of the City Council Kiel and Torsten Albig, Lord Mayor of Kiel explained,"We are very proud to welcome Audi as a new partner. The completion of the contract proves that Kieler Woche is a very attractive event for companies with global success." This statement was also underlined by the two new sponsors Worthmann AG and North Sails Germany which are now represented at the Kieler Woche races among 20 other sponsors.

Even more sailing in 2010

About 5,000 participants from 50 nations will be expected for Kieler Woche 2010 and they will be sailing even more than in previous years. "In order to let the classes sail as much as possible we abstained from any limitations concerning the maximum amount of races per day and series," said Jobst Richter, Chairman of the Kieler Woche races. The competitors will be grateful and the number of starts of the 2,000 boats and yachts in more than 40 classes is expected to break the current record of 360 starts at Kieler Woche.

As many other great events only have limited space on the water, classes have to sail on the same racing area after one another. Therefore, it is common practise to limit the number of races per day to a minimum of the class rules. Kiel however has sufficient space available on the water: With ten racing areas each class will be allocated its own area so that consequently the number of races will only be determined by wind and weather conditions.

Organizers are service provider 

"If the Notice of Race states that the maximum number of races is two per day we are neither able nor allowed to have more races. Especially for participants from foreign countries we always felt sorry when we had to send fleets back to land at three o'clock in the afternoon on a beautiful race day, when all they wanted was to race," explained Richter who has dedicated himself to the sailors and is exhausting the class rules to the maximum. "We are service providers to the sailors. Therefore, decisions in their favour can never be wrong," comments Richter about Kieler Woche's self-confidence. Anyhow, also Kiel has to respect the class rules as they are also intending the protection of sailors from overexertion. "Naturally, we will stick to the class rules. But at the same time we have left these issues open in the Notice of Race in order to be flexible. And we are confident that there will be a lot more racing than in the years before - because more sailing means more fun for sailors," finishes Richter and is looking forward to Kieler Woche 2010.

The well-established partnership of many years standing between boot Düsseldorf and Kieler Woche is not only present in Schilksee, where the fair is represented with the boot Düsseldorf Club but also at the world's largest yachting and water sports fair in Düsseldorf where Kieler Woche is part of the Schleswig-Holstein stand C 40 in hall 14.