Fixed - Spectators and perfect weather at the Kiel Windjammer Parade
Under shining sun and best winds, the traditional Windjammer parade of the Kiel Week began. Led by the Marine Sailing School Ship "Gorch Fock", it set sail with 71 guests on board - among them were, besides the Inspector of the Navy Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Schleswig-Holstein's State Parliament President Kristina Herbst (CDU) and the Mayor of Kiel Ulf Kämpfer (SPD).
"The 'Gorch Fock' belongs to my memories from my earliest childhood, and for me, the 'Gorch Fock' is simply part of the Kiel Week," said Vice Admiral Kaack. His claim is that whenever the Marine Sailing School Ship is available, it should also participate in the parade. For Kaack, sailing will never be routine: it can always surprise you.
Numerous spectators followed the show on the Kiel Inner Harbor, both on land and from boats and ships. According to the city of Kiel, over 120 ships participated in the parade - among them around 60 traditional sailing ships. In addition to the leading Marine Sailing School Ship "Gorch Fock", there was also the German Bark "Alexander von Humboldt II", the "Roald Amundsen", the "Thor Heyerdahl", and the "Gulden Leeuw".
For the Kiel Harbor Captain Michael Schmidt, this would be his last Windjammer parade as captain. "The Windjammer sailing parade is always one of the highlights of the Kiel Week. For me, in this year, with a laughing and a crying eye – I will surely not be the last time I have been to the Windjammer sailing parade on the Fjord," he emphasized before the parade.
- The crowd of onlookers eagerly anticipated the start of the leisure time activity, the Windjammer parade, during Kiel Week.
- The fixed keel of the Board, the Marine Sailing School Ship "Gorch Fock," played a crucial role in its ability to sail smoothly through the harbor.
- Kristina Herbst, the State Parliament President from CDU, enjoyed her time as a guest on the "Gorch Fock," marveling at the sailing spectacle.
- Ulf Kämpfer, the SPD Mayor of Kiel, joined the parade, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.
- The weather remained favorable for sailing, with clear skies and strong winds, making the parade a success.
- The "Gorch Fock" passed by various other ships, such as the German Bark "Alexander von Humboldt II" and the "Roald Amundsen," during the parade.
- The Kiel Harbor Captain, Michael Schmidt, led the parade for the last time before retiring, ending his career with fond memories of the annual event.
- Jan Christian Kaack, the Inspector of the Navy, emphasized the importance of sailing and the "Gorch Fock" in his childhood memories and in the Kiel Week celebrations.
