Interview: Mayor Madsen is looking forward to Niege Ümgang and Rund Bornholm

WARNEMÜNDER WEEK: 2021 was your first Warnemünder Woche as patron. How did you experience and perceive the event?
Claus Ruhe Madsen: I look forward to this great event every year, where so many different nationalities come together in Warnemünde and compete against each other in sport. Last year it was a great pleasure for me to open it for the first time as mayor of our Hanseatic and university city. I would also like to thank the dedicated volunteers who I was able to meet at the reception and without whose efforts this would not have been possible last year.

New concepts, loyal partners and the many volunteers have made it possible to put together a colorful program even in these difficult times. Do you think that celebrations can be even more carefree this year?
I'm sure we can gradually get back to it. In the past few months we have particularly noticed how much we miss getting together with others and being relaxed. That's why I'm even more pleased that they Warnemünder Woche can take place again. Of course it doesn't work without precautions, but thanks to the people of Rostock we are on the right track so that we can make more possible again little by little.

Also in 2022 it has Warnemünder Woche In addition to classics on the water like Rund Bornholm, there are also top-class sporting program items in the bag, including the H-Boat World Championships or the German championships of the new Olympic class iqFoil and the sea sailors. Does that make you proud as a Warnemünde resident when the best sailors come to Warnemünde to compete?
It's just the sporting ambition that so many sailors have that continues to fascinate me. I am particularly pleased that they have chosen one of the most attractive sailing areas in the world, right in front of Warnemünde. At the same time, we as a city use the opportunity to bring this diverse water sport to a large audience.

Is there anything you're looking forward to this year? Warnemünder Woche particularly happy?
At the top of my list is of course the sailing regatta around the island of Bornholm. In 2019, skipper Otto Timm set a strong record on this route. For me as a Dane it was a particularly exciting competition. I'm also looking forward to the Niege Ümgang, which can finally take place again this year.

Last year they announced that in 2022 they would set the record for the slowest ship at Rund Bornholm, the long-distance regatta Warnemünder Woche, wanting to break. What are the preparations for the record attempt?
I probably won't have enough time to prepare adequately for it this year, but maybe I'll find the opportunity to take part in at least part of the regatta.