Next stop: Kieler Woche for the 470 class
by International 470 Class Association 18 Jun 13:22 BST
20-24 June 2026
Kieler Woche Sailing 2025 © International 470 Class Association
After a long break without major international racing, the 470 fleet is heading to Kiel in northern Germany for one of the most iconic events on the international sailing calendar.
For more than 140 years, Kieler Woche has combined world-class racing with a unique sailing festival atmosphere, attracting Olympic athletes and thousands of sailing enthusiasts from around the globe. The regatta is part of the Sailing Grand Slam events, and an important opportunity for teams to test their speed before the busy summer schedule.
The 470 competition will take place from 20 to 24 June, with 27 mixed crews representing Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Two months of preparation
Since the last major regatta in Hyères during French Olympic Week, sailors have spent the past two months preparing for the second half of the season.
Many teams chose Santander, Spain, as their training base because the local conditions are 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 conditions make Santander one of the favourite preparation venues for Olympic sailors.
Other crews have focused their training camps in Italy, while a handful of teams have already travelled to Japan to gain valuable experience on the future championship race course.
The weeks following Kiel will be particularly busy for junior sailors. Many of them will head first to Gdynia, Poland, to compete at the Junior World Championships before travelling directly to Lithuania for the Junior European Championships, facing almost two weeks of consecutive international racing.
Entry list full of young talent
A total of 27 teams have entered the regatta in Kiel. The fleet includes many young sailors and crews who are only beginning to establish themselves at senior international level. Germany has by far the largest representation, with 10 home teams on the starting list, including several crews that have recently challenged for top positions in international regattas.
The event will also welcome teams that narrowly missed podium finishes earlier this season and will be 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 or Pakistan, underlining the international character of the regatta.
Racing format
Four days of single-fleet racing, where every point will count in the battle for a place in the final stage of the event. At the end of this phase, only the top 10 teams in the overall standings will advance to the Medal Series.
Schedule
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 races, both starting at 11:00. Tuesday's programme includes the 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 victory in the overall standings.
Looking back at 2025
Last year's edition of Kieler Woche produced a highly competitive battle for the podium, with experienced Olympic campaigners dominating the fleet.
Victory went to Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris (Great Britain), who delivered a remarkably consistent series to secure the overall title. Jordi Xammar Hernandez and Marta Cardona Alcantara (Spain) finished second after a strong final day, while Diogo Costa and Carolina João (Portugal) completed the podium in third place.
The 2025 regatta highlighted the high 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. What is more, Kiel will be the venue for the 2027 European Championship.
More information at sailing.kieler-woche.de