The Melges 24 German Open 2026 delivered thrilling racing and Bavarian hospitality in equal measure as sailors gathered at Lake Starnberg for the combined German Open and Oktoberfest Regatta on September 19-20. Hosted by the Bayerischer Yacht-Club, the event attracted a strong fleet from southern Germany and Austria, including an Austrian-Italian crew, for two days of competitive one-design sailing.
Saturday saw flat calm conditions force a postponement of all racing. When the breeze finally filled in on Sunday, race officer Nils Sternbeck and his committee wasted no time, completing an impressive eight races, each lasting more than 30 minutes, to ensure a full and fair series.
Beyond the racing, the regatta embraced its Oktoberfest spirit. Complimentary beer and a traditional Bavarian meal greeted sailors on Sunday evening, and some crews even managed a trip to Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrations. Despite the festivities, everyone returned to the racecourse on time and ready to compete at full strength.
Benjamin Gleich and Anna Seidl’s team aboard GER 713, Gleich & Brother, turned in a commanding performance to claim the 2026 German Open title. Benjamin Stillfried and Francesco Ivaldi finished second aboard ITA 840, Top Gun. Third place went to GER 766, Mojito, sailed by Florian, Christina and Julian Rixner with Wolfgang Nießen serving as tactician.
With eight hard-fought races packed into a single day of breeze, the 2026 German Open showcased the depth of Melges 24 sailing in the region and proved that Lake Starnberg remains a first-class venue for competitive fleet racing.
