From 21 to 29 June, the German city of Kiel will once again become the global epicentre of sailing as it hosts the 143rd edition of Kieler Woche, the most attended sailing festival on the planet and a major fixture on the international nautical calendar.
Over the course of nine days, the Baltic Sea will host more than 400 races, with thousands of sailors from 64 countries taking part. Olympic classes, classic yachts and offshore cruisers will be at the heart of a week that transcends sport, evolving into a full-blown maritime celebration.
With more than 140 years of history, Kieler Woche has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s landmark summer events, combining elite sailing, maritime tradition and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. The 2025 edition is expected to reaffirm its status as the world’s most iconic sailing festival.
Far more than just a regatta, Kiel comes alive with open-air concerts, cultural activities and a diverse programme for all audiences. Among the highlights is the majestic Windjammer Parade, set for Saturday 28 June, when dozens of tall ships will sail through the Kiel Fjord in front of thousands of spectators.
The Windjammer Parade, led by Kiel’s iconic vessel "Gorch Fock", remains one of the most visually striking moments of the week.
Beyond the festivities, Kieler Woche also plays a crucial role as a launchpad for young talents and aspiring Olympians. The 2025 regatta will be a key milestone on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, attracting national teams and elite athletes seeking top-level preparation and international exposure.
As per tradition, the competition will be divided into two main phases: the first dedicated to Olympic and high-performance classes, followed by a second half focused on cruising yachts, historic vessels and coastal races.
21–25 June:
25–29 June:
In the women’s ILCA 6 fleet, all eyes will be on Agata Barwińska of Poland, the reigning world champion after her 2024 victory in Argentina. Strong competition is also expected from Denmark’s Anna Much and Finland’s Monika Mikkola, both representing powerhouse nations in women’s dinghy sailing.
Meanwhile, the men’s ILCA 6 will make its Kieler Woche debut as an official world champion. Up to 150 sailors from 28 countries are set to compete, reaching the maximum entry limit for the class. Among them, Germany’s Armin Altena and Niklas Ambos will be hoping to deliver a standout performance on home waters.
Arguably the most anticipated showdown of the week will take place in the ILCA 7 class, traditionally the most prestigious and closely followed fleet in Kiel. Local favourite Ole Schweckendiek, who won Kiel Week in 2022, will face off against seasoned Olympic sailor and 2020 world champion Philipp Buhl in a compelling generational clash that promises drama and excitement on the water.
Spectators can enjoy all races free of charge from the shores of Kiel, widely regarded as one of the best natural vantage points for sailing events. For those unable to attend in person, every race will be streamed live on KielerWoche.TV, the event’s official online platform.
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