Bye bye until next year!

Sail Out at the naval base - an event with tradition ...

The idea of gathering on the Oskar Kusch pier to watch the hundreds of sailors and participants leave Kiel harbour is only a few years old. And because it was continued the first three times despite the pandemic break, it can be called a tradition. The event is organised and hosted by the commander of Operational Flotilla 1, Flotilla Admiral Sascha Rackwitz. Co-organisers are the Reservists' Association, the German Armed Forces Association, the German Maritime Institute and the Naval Officers' Association. However, the guests from the associations, the German Navy, politics and the public did not gather to see each other again, as this maritime community knows each other and, given the large number of events around Kiel and the Navy's birthday, has probably met every day in recent weeks. It's the relaxed atmosphere and the once again great atmosphere in the best weather!

It doesn't matter that the sailors are not in view of the guests as they leave the harbour - the silhouette is impressive enough as it is. The fairway is closer to the opposite shore. In addition, the fuel tanker "Spessart" lay directly in front of the marquee and blocked the view. No matter - then you just go a bit further with your coffee cup - as @naval_gazing Dr Sebastian Bruns tweeted. None of this dampened the good mood and excellent atmosphere with drinks, goulash soup and live music. We would have liked even more guests to drop by, but Kiel Week also makes you tired with all the events on offer. The fantastic and very professional organisation would have done well - and the many helpers would have deserved it. Next year, OK?

Photos: Schlüter/Stricker

Text: Schlüter