and "appropriately" leads the windjammer parade! 

On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the German Navy's sail training ship will return to its home port of Kiel. The ship has been underway since 10 February 2025. It called at the ports of Vigo (Spain), Portimao, Funchal, Horta, Ponta Delgada (Portugal), Lerwik (Great Britain) and Warnemünde. The "Gorch Fock" travelled a total of 9,272 nautical miles, 8,374 of which were under sail. The "Gorch Fock" will return to her berth at the Kiel-Wik naval base in the middle of Kiel Week and thus for the Open Ship on Friday, 27 June 2025 from 11 am to 5 pm. This will be the ship's 182nd voyage abroad.

The commander, Elmar Bornkessel, said: "The voyage with the 'Gorch Fock' was conceived from the outset as a challenging sailing voyage, with the sections leading from the easy to the difficult. The gale-force storms off the Azores in particular were a major test of endurance. Nevertheless, the crew proved to be a well-rehearsed team that handled the difficult conditions with aplomb. The high sail ratio in particular contributed to the successful realisation of all training objectives - the 'Gorch Fock' often sailed under full sail, which provided enormous training not only for the cadets, but also for the regular crew. In addition, the crew did pioneering work for the ship, especially with a view to the planned Atlantic crossings next year." Frigate Captain Bornkessel was alluding to a spectacular trip to the USA to honour the 250th anniversary of the USA in New York. Traditionally, participation in the Kieler Woche windjammer parade is the crowd-puller. "For the first time, the 'Gorch Fock' will lead the parade with a complete course and set almost all the sails. "A unique event so far," says the commander.

The docking in Kiel can be observed from the keel line. After Kiel Week, the crew will be on holiday until the ship is ready for the "Ocean Race Europe".
will be at the start again.

Source: PM Markdo PIZ Kiel