That’s why the young people in Kiel are infected with sailing

Beaches. “Interior! Protest!” A group of more than 20 Opti sailors arrived at the buoy. Sails were flapping, it was crowded and people were shouting. Strander Bay was very busy at the weekend. More than 300 boats were at the start of the Strander-Küz Regatta, and the young sailors were highly motivated.

A trend that is also confirmed by the figures from the Schleswig-Holstein Sailing Association (SVSH). In 2024, 5,876 children and young people (up to 27 years of age) will be members of the SVSH clubs. This is 279 more than in the previous year (5,597). But what is it that makes water sports so attractive for young people in the smallest boat class – the Opti?

Morten Gebhardt (11) from Mönkeberg

Morten Gebhardt drying his boots.

Source: Tobias Hollenbach

Up until the last race, eleven-year-old Morten Gebhardt from Mönckeberg was in second place in the “Optimist B” group, tied with winner Lothar Sorg (both from Kiel Yacht Club), but ultimately had to admit defeat to his teammate. This did not dampen his good mood. Smiling, he stood next to his Opti and wiped the water out of the boat with a sponge.

“There are advantages to being second,” explained the Opti sailor with a grin. What he meant was that second place meant he was able to stay dry. In sailing, the winner is traditionally thrown into the water. Gebhardt got into sailing through his parents. He was immediately hooked. “Sailing is the best sport for me,” said Gebhardt.

He has also tried tennis, but it doesn't compare to water sports. “In tennis, you just pass the ball back and forth on the court.” Sailing is more varied, you meet lots of other people and can sail somewhere.”

Johannes Gäch (12) from Bonn

Johannes Gäch from Bonn loves the few specifications when sailing.

Source: Tobias Hollenbach

Johannes Gäch (12) from Bonn also appreciates this freedom on the water. “You don't have so many guidelines when sailing. You can teach yourself a lot, especially when training.” And so water sports are his number one sport. “I still play basketball, but I only do that as a sport to keep fit.”

Hjalmar Friedrichs (12) from Kiel

Opti sailor Hjalmar Friedrichs at the slipway

Source: Tobias Hollenbach

Hjalmar Friedrichs from the Kiel Yacht Club knew early on that sailing was his passion. “I haven't tried many other sports,” said the 12-year-old. But there is another sport besides sailing. Of course, it is also a water sport. “I still swim.” This is perhaps why the Kiel native loves strong winds the most – even when the wind picked up on Sunday afternoon, one or two sailors were swimming next to his capsized boat.

CN