The everyman surfing events enter their fourth year. Since Leon Delle and Oliver-Tom Schliemann launched the Racer of the Sea in 2020, there have been six events in total. Regattas number seven, eight and nine will now follow in 2023. The basic principle remains the same: everyone can take part, everyone should have fun and get a taste of regatta air. There will also be a Girls' Day and an Academy twice this year to prepare for the races.
The Racer of the Sea dates for 2023:
- 19 May: Girls Day & Academy, Fehmarn Surf Festival
- 20 - 21 May:Racer of the Sea VIIsurf-Festival Fehmarn
- 10 - 11 June:Racer of the Sea VIII, Kellenhusen
- 24 - 27 August: Girls Camp, Hemmelmark
- 8 September: Academy, Hemmelmark
- 9 - 10 September:Racer of the Sea IX, Hemmelmark
Simple procedure, fin and foil separate
The basic rules for the events are very simple, as Leon Delle explains: "There is no elimination concept where you race against each other in several heats. This often overwhelms beginners in particular. Because you not only have to remember which heat you're in and how you've placed - you also have to keep an overview at the start line. That's why everyone starts the ROTS together and at the same time." This means that everyone has the same time on the water, even those who finish later don't have to watch the rest of the race.
Finns and foils are sometimes separated at the Racer of the Sea. There is always a group that only starts with fins. "This is also important for beginners, because racing with a foil is quite a challenge," says Leon Delle. "Another field is open in terms of fin and foil - depending on the conditions, you can decide what you want to start with." The spots are also chosen so that newcomers don't have to struggle with the conditions.
However, not only beginners, but also seasoned professionals are at the start of the Racer of the Sea. "Of course, it's clear that they're going to beat you in the race. However, the good racers often compete on foil material anyway, while amateur surfers tend to use fins. This means you always have someone to compete with," says Leon Delle, explaining the appeal. "Getting to socialise with Gunnar Asmussen, Nico Prien or Lina Erpenstein at a barbecue in the evening is something special for many amateur surfers."
Regatta training for beginners
For those who want to prepare a little before the start of the event, there is the ROTS Academy. This is a training day before the race, during which starting behaviour, flags, tactics and equipment set-up are explained. There is also a Girls Day at the surf festival, followed by a four-day Girls Camp in August.
ROTS Academy is a training day before the race. We offer regatta training for ten to 15 participants: Starting behaviour, flags, tactics, equipment set-up. We also organised a girls' camp for the first time in 2022.
The Racer of the Sea will also be supported by Starboard and Severne in 2023. "Our aim is for every participant to go home with a prize. That's why we have a raffle at every event, which is filled with goodies from our partners." Joint barbecue evenings are also an integral part of the ROTS programme.
For wingfoilers there is the Winger of the Sea, all info at wingsurf.world !
- Registration and further information at 1001grad-events.com
