Kieler Woche, held in the height of summer, concluded on June 28 with the final sailing races in the international classes. Despite challenging conditions with light winds and lulls, a total of around 200 races were completed. Nearly 250 yachts had kicked off Kieler Woche nine days earlier with the Aalregatta to Eckernförde, before the Sailing Grand Slam crowned champions from six different nations in the Olympic disciplines. A visit from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lent the Kieler Woche regatta a touch of high-profile glamour at the start. Competitors from 51 nations look back on a challenging light-wind regatta that spanned all nine days. Due to a pronounced high-pressure weather system, not all races had been able to take place even during the Olympic part of the Sailing Grand Slam. The final day of competition unfolded similarly following a nighttime passage of severe thunderstorms. Shifting winds led to several race cancellations and unsuccessful start attempts. “We can’t control the wind and weather, we can only make the best of it,” summarized Dirk Ramhorst, Head of Organization, “and that’s what we did with maximum flexibility and starts even into the early evening hours.” In the 42-boat J/70 fleet, the Danish team led by Kim Gardø Christensen remained at the top of the podium despite no races on Sunday. Sten Mohr (DEN) and Willy Sorensen (GER) completed the podium. Event website: https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/kiwo2026#!/