Last weekend, the Racer of the Sea was held for the second time in the Baltic seaside resort of Kellenhusen. Good wind conditions, bright sunshine and many new faces on the podium made for a successful event - although it didn't look like it at first. As early as the enrolment process, it became clear that the rather poor wind forecast for the weekend had deterred some of the originally registered participants - especially the Finn riders - from travelling to the event.
Alexander Neumann unbeatable on the foil
The first day of racing began with a "get together" on land, as the wind was not yet sufficient for official races. However, the wind finally picked up earlier and stronger than forecast. The windfoilers were the first to start, with 27 starters making up the usual large field. Alexander Neubert was unstoppable on his way to another victory at the "Racer of the Sea", winning all six races. on his agenda. Mario Kümpel and the Dane Gustav Permin finished second and third. Behind the leading trio, Nils Bach and Colin Stutzke tried to join the fight for the podium.
Eva Lotte Grünbaum won the women's competition ahead of Jule Kiel and Merle Wenzel. Sebastiano Piol was the best rookie, leading the classification ahead of Jule Kiel and Tjark Henkensiefken. In the U19 classification, which accounted for a third of the field, overall third-placed Gustav Permin left the others no chance. Philipp Köhlert from Braunschweig followed in second place, while Gustav and Eva Lotte Grünbaum fought an exciting family duel for third place in the U19 classification, which Gustav won thanks to the tie-break rule.
Jens Möller dominates with the fin
Late on Saturday afternoon, the fin-only starters got their money's worth. Jens Möller confidently won all three races and secured victory. Behind him, Bernd Stutzke and Björn Klein, who unfortunately was unable to finish the first race due to a broken harness line, fought an exciting duel, which Bernd Stutzke initially won. Bernd and Colin Stutzke also won the new family classification ahead of the Grünbaum siblings and Nils and Merle Wenzel.
The day ended with a big BBQ together with the wingfoilers, who were also competing in the Open German Championship in Wingfoil Slalom as part of the Winger of the Sea IX. On Sunday there was only rain and calm, so the award ceremony was spontaneously brought forward. In addition to various non-cash prizes, prize money totalling 1001 euros, which was provided by the online surf shop Wind Lounge, was also distributed. There was also plenty of entertainment for spectators on land with live music, exhibitors with test equipment, food trucks and a catering tent as well as a bouncy castle.
