The first major regatta of the season on the Baltic Sea for sailors in Kiel saw a dozen J/70 teams assemble on the inner bay for the MaiOR (May Offshore Race). Hosted Kieler Yacht Club managed to run a nine-race series for the fleet over the three-day event. Sailing on the inner bay proved fortuitous, as the localized heating enabled sea breezes to develop and provide the fleet good racing. In the end, nine races were completed despite the sluggish conditions, but there was always excitement. It was a smooth start to the season. The learning curve of newcomer Martin Menzner and his crew was remarkable; they’ve been the best German J/80 sailors for many years. Menzner and other top sailors from Kiel have now switched to the J/70. Winning the event was Carsten Kemmling’s crew on GER 928, counting five firsts and three seconds for 11 points net for the nine races. Second was Soren Hadeler’s GER 644 team with 22 points net. And, taking the bronze was the only Danish team, Johnny Jensen’s DEN 1417 with 32 points net.