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Day 3: The Ocean Race Europe - Speed Runs on the Kiel Fjord

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At the preceding dock-out show, all seven IMOCAs and their teams were celebrated by numerous onlookers at the Blücherbrücke with much applause. Each yacht was sent off to the starting line with its own team song. All the spectators tried to catch a glimpse of the impressive racing yachts and take a photo of the sailing teams. The German skipper Boris Hermann, who set off with the Malizia - Seaexplorer to the sound of ACDC, attracted a particularly large crowd.

The speed runs gave sailing fans an impression of how spectacularly the IMOCAs can fly over the water. The format of the Speed Runs differs significantly from classic regattas. Instead of a joint start, the teams compete against each other in a so-called time trial mode. The yachts race individually in three rounds on a defined short course and try to achieve the fastest time.

The thrilling short races were watched by numerous spectators along the Kiellinie and by boat from the water. The spectacle could also be watched from the eastern shore. As part of the fjord co-operation, the oil pier in Mönkeberg was transformed into a public viewing arena. The entire fjord was in sailing fever and looking forward to the big start on Sunday.

Ulf Kämpfer was a prominent sailor in the first speed run session. The presence of the Lord Mayor of Kiel on board seemed to bring luck. With French skipper Paul Meilhat, the team won the first run in the morning. Kämpfer was still buoyed up after docking: "I would have liked to have sailed a little longer. These are simply the best sailors in the world who are sailing here. It's a great honour to be able to sail with such great athletes on such great boats - at least to sail with them. I cranked once, otherwise I kept a low profile."

Afterwards, skipper Meilhat also expressed his satisfaction with his victory: "It was nice to meet the Lord Mayor of Kiel. We talked about Kiel Week. I was here ten years ago and also 25 years ago, including at the Fly-By back then. They were great moments in perfect conditions. It was great to finish first today. I think the key to success was the good preparation, we refocussed ourselves, also thanks to the visit from the mayor." The second session in the afternoon was won by the newcomer team Amaala with skipper Alan Roura.

The opening days saw huge crowds of fans and there was a positive vibe along the waterfront now that The Ocean Race has returned to Kiel after the fly-by in 2023 and a legendary race final in 2002 when Illbruck was victorious.

"It's fantastic to see so many players working together to put on such a great event," said Boris Herrmann, skipper of the home team Team Malizia. "I see a lot of happy fans and sailors here on the promenade getting ready for the start, and that's very exciting for all of us."