For the 21st Wilhelmshaven Sailing CUP from 29.09. to 01.10.2023, the organisers had a wide range of events on offer. In addition to the experience of sailing on a traditional ship, the programme also included a paper boat regatta, an open ship, harbour tours, a photo exhibition, live music, a sailing party in the former pumping station, culinary delights and much more around the Bontekai.
SSB "Nordwind" participant in the Wilhelmshaven Sailing CUP 2023. picture: Birgit Kahnwald
A total of 14 traditional sailing ships have answered the call of the city on the Jade, some of which are already over 100 years old. For example, the "Abel Tasman", a luxurious two-masted schooner from 1913 with a length of 40.5 metres, or the three-masted topsail schooner "Swaensborgh" (47 metres) from 1907. The oldest ship in the regatta, the "Twister", is from 1902. Formerly a fishing vessel and traditionally built from wood, the two-masted schooner was given its current appearance with a purple-coloured steel hull in several conversions.
North wind alongside Astarte (HF244) at Bontekai, source: NV WHV - Klaus Niederehe
The "Astarte" (25 metres) from 1903, on the other hand, has been faithfully reconstructed and is one of the first traditional ships to sail under the German flag (Bremerhaven) in the fleet of the International Sail Training Association.
The highlights were not the regattas, but the arrival parades. The "returnees" sailed along the entire Bontekai and were greeted and introduced by the organisers with passion and commitment, and when the waves of laughter spilled back and forth between the thousands of "sailors" and the traditional sailing boats and escort ships, a maritime feeling of life and a goosebump moment developed.
"Abel Tasman" in front of the destroyer "Mölders" of the Naval Museum. Photo: K.Klages
The sailor training boat (SSB) "Nordwind" (built in 1945/1946, 26.6 metres long) was also finally back this year. It is one of two ships in service at the German Naval Museum and is ready for sea again after almost two years of repairs. The SSB "Nordwind" cast off one day before the start of the Cup. The company Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG), a manufacturer-independent system integrator for defence and public safety, had chartered the "Nordwind" on 28.09.2023 to introduce employees from various company locations (including Fürstenfeldbruck near Munich) to key elements of one of their clients; the sea with wind and waves on a rocking platform.
Schooner "Avatar", built in Wolgast in 1941 as a wartime fishing cutter. Picture: Klaus Klages
The next day was all about "youth". Under the motto "Boarding Next Generation", a maritime inclusion regatta that is definitely worth emulating in Germany has been setting sail for the next generation since 2006. For this future course, sponsors made it possible for around 800 pupils and trainees with their teachers and carers from Wilhelmshaven, Oldenburg and the district of Friesland to spend an unforgettable day on board a traditional sailing ship.
In addition to having fun, the main aim was to promote teamwork, connect generations and encourage identification with the region. The young people who embarked on the "Nordwind" that day were not afraid of contact and lent a helping hand. That's how it should be!
The Nautical Association of Wilhelmshaven (NV WHV) covered the costs for the "Nordwind".
The NV WHV had also chartered the "Nordwind" for the third day of the main regatta, now for its members and interested parties. Even though the average age was significantly higher, some of the participants suddenly brought back memories they had thought they had forgotten: sailing is pure emotion.
On days like this, it once again becomes clear and tangible that tradition is not about preserving the ashes, but about passing on the fire.
Graphic: DMM
In order to keep the "Nordwind" sailing as a traditional sailing ship and museum ship, we are always looking for volunteers, e.g. as crew members in the technical department or on deck, in the galley as a cook or as a skipper. The only requirement is that you are willing to volunteer some of your time to help maintain the ship. If you are interested, please contact the office of the German Naval Museum (Tel.: 044231 - 400 84 11 or by e-mail to [email protected]). We will then discuss the individual application possibilities and options with you. Take courage!
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