After a lengthy break from major international competition, the 470 fleet at Kieler Woche is ready to take center stage in one of sailing’s most prestigious events. Held in Kiel, northern Germany, this storied regatta marks a pivotal moment on the Olympic sailing calendar as crews ramp up preparations for a demanding summer schedule.
For more than 140 years, Kieler Woche has blended world-class racing with a unique festival atmosphere, drawing Olympic athletes and thousands of sailing enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. As part of the Sailing Grand Slam events, the regatta offers teams an invaluable opportunity to sharpen their speed ahead of the months to come. The 470 competition runs from 20 to 24 June, featuring 27 mixed crews representing Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Since the last major regatta in Hyères during French Olympic Week, sailors have spent two months fine-tuning their game for the second half of the season. Many teams chose Santander, Spain, as their training base, drawn by conditions considered similar to those expected in Enoshima, Japan, where the 2026 470 World Championships will be held in August. Strong winds, ocean swell, and demanding tactical scenarios make Santander one of the most popular preparation venues for Olympic sailors.
Other crews concentrated their training camps in Italy, while a handful of teams have already traveled to Japan to gain firsthand experience on the future championship race course.
The weeks following Kiel will be especially hectic for junior sailors. Many will head first to Gdynia, Poland, for the Junior World Championships before traveling directly to Lithuania for the Junior European Championships, facing nearly two weeks of consecutive international racing.
A total of 27 teams have entered the regatta in Kiel, and the fleet is packed with young talent. Many of these sailors and crews are only beginning to establish themselves at senior international level. Germany boasts the largest representation by far, with 10 home teams on the starting list, including several crews that have recently challenged for top positions on the international stage.
The event will also welcome teams that narrowly missed podium finishes earlier this season and are eager to convert their speed into medals. Despite its European location, Kiel Week continues to attract competitors from around the world. This year the fleet includes teams from Australia and Pakistan, underlining the regatta’s truly international character.
The racing format features four days of single-fleet competition, where every point counts in the battle for a place in the final stage. At the end of this phase, only the top 10 teams in the overall standings will advance to the Medal Series.
The five-day event opens on Saturday, 20 June, with three scheduled races beginning at 13:00, giving teams an intensive first day on the water. Racing continues on Sunday with two races and on Monday with another three, both days starting at 11:00. Tuesday’s program includes two races, also scheduled for 11:00. The regatta concludes on Wednesday, 24 June, with the Finals, where the leading 10 teams will battle for overall victory.
Last year’s edition of Kieler Woche produced a fiercely competitive battle for the podium, with experienced Olympic campaigners dominating the fleet. Victory went to Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris of Great Britain, who delivered a remarkably consistent series to secure the overall title. Jordi Xammar Hernandez and Marta Cardona Alcantara of Spain finished second after a strong final day, while Diogo Costa and Carolina João of Portugal completed the podium in third place.
The 2025 regatta highlighted the exceptional level of competition that Kiel Week regularly attracts, and this year’s edition is expected to provide another important benchmark as teams continue their preparations for the World Championships later this summer. Adding further prestige, Kiel will also serve as the venue for the 2027 European Championship.
