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Two bullets for Diego Negri and Frithjof Kleen on day four of the 2021 Star World Championship

It was a lovely summer day in Kiel this morning, and some great conditions awaited the 83 teams on the racecourse for some fantastic racing with 8 to 15 knots of steady easterly breeze. The splendid weather was letting everyone forget about how tough the competition is at the Star World Championship, but with the first starting procedures and a few notable black flags the attention level was right back up.

Reigning World and European champions, respectively Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) with Bruno Prada (BRA) and Enrico Chieffi with Nando Colaninno (ITA), were caught over the line early and with the U flag in place they were only advised at the top mark. Same fate for yesterday's winners Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer (AUT). So there goes their throw-out – when five races are reached – and they’ll have to sail more conservatively from now on.
 

Finally a race in Kiel at the 2021 Star World Championship. Austrian Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer win in very light and difficult conditions

Day three of the 2021 Star World Championship in Kiel, Germany, started in a very similar way as the previous two. A very long wait ashore with the dreaded AP flag hanging low and lifeless on the notice pole until about 1pm, when it was lowered and a voice on the VHFs unbelievably called the 83 teams on the racecourse. Joy exploded on the dock and in no-time everyone was on their way to join the Race Committee, about an hour away from the harbor.
 
The scenario they met wasn’t exciting, the clouds were still blocking the east wind from filling in. Only at 15.30, the same voice announced the starting procedures of race one would begin in 20 minutes. The 2021 Star World Championship was then finally on with the first race underway.

Day two and still no racing in Kiel at the 99th Star World Championship

The high pressure system over Europe is sadly affecting the 2021 Star World Championship in Kiel, Germany. It’s almost ironic if you think the 83 teams are all so keen to get on the water after missing the Worlds last year for the pandemic.

No wind, no race on the opening day of the Star World Championship

The morning of the first day of sailing of the 2021 Star World Championship in Kiel, Germany, didn’t look promising. The usual chilly breeze blowing at the 1972 German Olympic venue didn’t welcome the 83 teams on their way to the boats. Soon the postponement flag was hoisted and it stayed hanging on the notice pole until 2:00 pm, when also the A flag was hoisted, calling it off for the day. No race could be sailed on the opening of the regatta.
"The wind is really not good," Race Officer Mandus Freese told the crews at the online skippers’ briefing in the morning. "Two to three knots at the lighthouse – 20 meter high”. Unfortunately, that is how it stayed throughout the day.

99th Star World Championship starts tomorrow in Kiel, Germany, epic sailing location

The curtains of the 99th Star World Championship have been officially lifted with the Opening Ceremony, tonight at the legendary 1972 Olympic Village in Kiel, Germany. A parade of the sailors with a flag bearer for each of the 18 nations represented by the 83 teams marked the opening of the Gold Star event, that was to take place last year but, as many other international regattas, got postponed. Everyone is eager to race and most of the large fleet hit the water today in 15knots northerly breeze, sunshine and the typical ‘Kiel chop’.

The sailing stars in Kiel, Germany for the 99th Star World Championship

An outstanding 86 teams coming from 18 countries have registered for the 2021 Star Worlds Championship in the iconic sailing capital of Kiel, Germany, that will take place from the 4th to the 11th of September during Kieler Woche, like in the old Olympic times. Most of those teams will chase the title holders, Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL) with five-time winning crew Bruno Prada (BRA), here to defend it and sky rocket Prada in the Olympus of Star sailors. He would be the first – and only – one to reach the astounding record of having won six Star World Championship titles.