Sailing at the highest level and a land program with new impulses

“Rostock’s sailing area is first-class. We showcase this fantastic calling card as a sailing city very professionally every year, especially during Warnemünde Week, attracting thousands of participants and visitors to our quays,” said Eva-Maria Kröger, Mayor of the Hanseatic and University City of Rostock. “After all, the Warnemünder Woche Known as THE sailing highlight in Rostock's event calendar, this year the organizers will once again demonstrate Rostock's ability to successfully host major regattas and sporting events.

She adds: “This year, the topic of the Olympic bid is naturally also on board. An Olympic sports mile and an Olympic talk on the beach will put Rostock’s campaign in the spotlight during the event week. And when the athletes set sail in the first-class sailing area off Warnemünde, thanks to the excellent preparation by the race offices, which are supported by many volunteers, then that will be fantastic publicity for the Olympics in Rostock!”

Ralf Bergel, Chairman of the Warnemünder Woche confirms this: “I see Warnemünde as the perfect location for the Olympic sailing competitions. The sailing area is ideal in a wide variety of wind conditions, and the routes to the regatta courses are much shorter compared to other areas, making it significantly more convenient for the athletes. The new sports school has already created an important piece of infrastructure. And with the regattas of the Warnemünder Woche Year after year, we demonstrate the great potential that Warnemünde holds for international sailing competitions. At this year's Warnemünder Woche We want to bring the topic of the Olympic bid even more into focus with various activities – such as a panel discussion and the Olympic sports mile.” This is to ensure that the topic of the Olympic bid is addressed during the Warnemünder Woche Dr. Heiko Lex, advisor for sports clubs and the Olympic bid, is actively involved in promoting the bid through various activities. According to Lex, the response from the Rostock population to the Olympic bid has been overwhelming. He also sees the short distances to the regatta courses as a locational advantage, as well as the planned sustainable accommodation of participants on a cruise ship.

Extensive sailing program with top-level youth sailing

The 88. Warnemünder Woche It offers numerous sailing highlights. Approximately 625 sailors on 363 boats from 14 nations are expected. "In the youth sector, two high-ranking international regattas are among the highlights of this year's sailing program. For the third time in a row, the Zoom 8 class will hold its World Championship as part of the Warnemünder Woche “For the first time, the O’pen Skiff class will be present with its Eurochallenge,” said Bergel. The Eastern District Championship of the ILCA class also promises exciting races with top sailors, with Kiel native Ole Schweckendiek, the 2025 U21 World Champion, U21 Vice European Champion, and Warnemünde Week winner, competing in the Olympic ILCA 7 class. “With its fantastic, long waves and very short travel times, Warnemünde is the ideal sailing area for the ILCA class. Besides the superb conditions on the water, the new infrastructure, including the sports school with its boathouse and sports hall, is a real highlight,” praised Frank Weichbrodt, regional spokesperson for ILCA MV. Furthermore, the Kielzugvogel, Hobie Cat 16, and J/70 classes will hold their International German Championships, and the Beneteau First 18 SE will hold its German Open. The sailing program includes two catamaran classes, Hobie Cats and Topcats, which will launch from the beach at Hohen Düne. Offshore sailing once again demonstrates the continued popularity of the long-distance "Round Bornholm" regatta. The sailing program is rounded out by ranking regattas for the Finn Dinghy, OK Dinghy, and Korsar classes. Three-time OK Dinghy World Champion André Budzien from Schwerin will compete in the Finn and OK Dinghy classes.

Premiere: O'pen Skiff Eurochallenge at Warnemünder Woche

“We are delighted to be one of three stops on the international Eurochallenge series for the first time this year and expect around 50 sailors from five nations. Three days of racing with short, fast races are on the program for the U13 and U17 age groups,” said Bergel. Among the top favorites is Mila Weniger from Thuringia, who has won the Open Nationals twice in a row. The Eurochallenge is one of the most important international regatta series for the O'pen Skiff class. In 2026, the series will take place in Italy, Germany, and Hungary. Regarding the event in Warnemünde, the successful young sailor Mila Weniger said: “I expect good, consistent races at the regatta, hopefully with good wind conditions. Sailing in Warnemünde is always fun. In the O'pen Skiff, you constantly have to work with weight, trim, and tactics. The boat doesn't forgive mistakes, but that's exactly what makes it exciting.” She sees the Eurochallenges as perfect preparation regattas for the World Championships, as they almost always attract a large international field. "Unfortunately, the Italians aren't coming to Warnemünde this time, as they're training on their home waters. That's why I recently attended the Italian Championships on Lake Garda," Weniger said.