The sixth edition of the "Racer of the Sea" everyman regatta took place off Hemmelmark in Eckernförde Bay on 3 and 4 September. Beforehand, a "ROTS Academy" with eight participants was launched to give newcomers to the regatta the best possible preparation. The focus of the academy is on intensive start training and a little racing theory so that all participants can feel confident on the slalom course.
On Saturday, the "Racer of the Sea VI" started with a record-breaking 50 registrations. A colourful mix of participants aged between 11 and 61 had travelled to the campsite in Hemmelmark, including five women. Among them were a lot of surfers, for whom it was to be their first regatta ever. The field started in the two divisions "Mixed Foil/Fin" and "Fin only" in parallel.
The wind picked up more and more as the day progressed, ranging from 15 to 25 knots. There were six races per division. Despite a few crashes, all participants came back ashore with a grin on their faces. At the end of the first day of the regatta, a BBQ was organised for all participants to fortify themselves for the next day and to round off the evening with a relaxed get-together and a nice chat.
The best pictures of "Racer of the Sea":
Finally, a race in Defi style
Sunday got off to a somewhat calmer start, with not enough wind for a start in the morning. It freshened up around 11 a.m. and four races in the mixed division and two races in the Finn division were held by 2 p.m. To round things off, a defi race was started with plenty of wind and waves and over 40 starters on the course.
After two eventful days with the best conditions and smooth organisation, the event came to a successful conclusion with the award ceremony for a total of ten races in the mixed division and eight in the Finn division. Thanks to material partners Starboard and Severne, main partner Salty Elements and the many partial sponsors for the raffle, every participant went home with a prize.
There will be another "Racer of the Sea" in 2023
Leon Delle and Oliver-Tom Schliemann, the two organisers of the Jedermann regatta series, were also satisfied. "We are extremely pleased to have been able to give the participants such a great end to the season. The conditions were fantastic and you hardly noticed on the water that almost half of the participants were still rookies. It's great to see how many enthusiastic windsurfers there are in Germany and we are very happy to bring them together again and again with our events."
It continues next year with the "Racer of the Sea VII" from 20 - 21 May at the surf festival on Fehmarn. Further information on Instagram at @racerofthesea and under www.racerofthesea.de .
