Kiel Week - Lack of wind on penultimate day

by Kieler Woche on 20 Jun 2012 On the penultimate day of Kiel Week, a touch of summer with a thermal sea breeze was supposed to dominate the sailing conditions in Kiel, but not much wind kicked in. Race director Jobst Richter had already announced an early start the previous day to be able to use each opportunity for some wind. But most participants got up early just to rest again and wait. On the courses far out, there was no wind at all, only close to the shore, a shortened program was possible - with a success for the Germans with two leading teams in the 49er after the races.

In the evening, the German Olympic team presented themselves in Kiel Schilksee and had a look at the Olympics in Weymouth.

For Wednesday, the Medal Races with a live broadcast in Schilksee and Strande are planned, starting at 11am. The fleet of the Laser Radial will start off on the southerly race course, followed by the Finn and the two Women’s and Men’s 470. On the northerly course close to Strande, first starters will be the kiters, followed by the Lasers and 49ers, fighting for the Kiel Week Medals.

'Such a day means more tension, than if you could sail', said Laser sailor Simon Grotelueschen (Kiel), who at least could take the chance to get a massage after a day without sailing. Four more classes out of the six Olympic classes starting in Kiel were forced to take a break from the racing, only the 49ers and the 2.4mRs could get out on the water. Having come to Kiel together with his wife Friederike Belcher (Hamburg) for a quick visit, three-time World Champion in the 470, Matthew Belcher, did not have much of a chance to watch Kiel Week racing.

The Australian and his wife are currently getting prepared with their sailing partners in Weymouth for the Olympics. 'Kiel Week is a great event, I participated the last ten years, but this year it didn’t fit into the schedule with the preparations for the Olympics', said Kieler Woche website