This weekend, Sassnitz, on the island of Rügen, takes center stage as the world of sailing descends upon Germany. On August 16–17, the city is hosting its first-ever SailGP event, a spectacular competition where F50 catamarans soar across the water at speeds of over 90 km/h.
A New Sound Over the Baltic
Usually, Sassnitz is filled with the gentle rhythm of waves and seabirds. But now, another sound dominates: the whistle of hydrofoils cutting through the water. With 29-meter wings, the F50s put on a breathtaking show, mesmerizing spectators packed along the waterfront.
The first race kicks off Saturday at 3:30 pm, promising an adrenaline-fueled experience that has earned SailGP the nickname “Formula 1 on Water.”
Germany’s Team Faces a Defining Challenge
Germany SailGP Team, led by Erik Kosegarten-Heil, has been training intensely ahead of its home debut. Ranked 11th out of 12, the team knows it has everything to prove.
“We want to make a statement in Sassnitz. We’re fired up and ready,” said grinder Jonathan Knottnerus-Meyer.
But the competition is fierce, with global stars like Tom Slingsby (Australia), Peter Burling (New Zealand), Giles Scott (Great Britain), and Diego Botín (Spain) vying for victory.
Inclusion at the Heart of the Event
The day before SailGP, Sassnitz made history by hosting the German Inclusive Sailing Championships, supported by Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula 1 champion and co-owner of Germany SailGP Team.
The duo Silke Basedow – Nomine Fabian, only 11 years old, won among 16 international crews, proving that high-level sport and inclusivity can truly sail together.
Vettel himself awarded the trophies, calling the regatta “a powerful symbol for diversity in sport.”
A City Transformed
With over 12,000 spectators expected, Sassnitz (population 9,000) has been transformed. Special stands, fan zones, and logistics hubs have reshaped the city into a sporting arena.
Mayor Leon Kräusche declared:
“Everything is ready. Infrastructure, traffic, spectator zones—Sassnitz is prepared. The atmosphere will be electric.”
Local schools also joined the excitement by building eco-friendly model catamarans, earning the Next Generation Challenge Award from SailGP organizers.
Looking Ahead: Will SailGP Return to Germany?
The big question: will Sassnitz become a regular stop on the SailGP circuit? According to league founder Russell Coutts, the signs are promising:
“With over 12,000 fans here, interest is undeniable. We want to come back.”
If successful, Sassnitz could soon stand alongside Sydney, San Francisco, and Cádiz as a permanent fixture of the global SailGP calendar.
