Long-distance raceFirst "DownWinger of the Sea" from Eckernförde to Grönwohld

Manuel Vogel

 · 10.10.2022

Long-distance race: First "DownWinger of the Sea" from Eckernförde to GrönwohldPhoto: Bulgenslag
Lots of wings and a rainbow at the first "DownWinger of the Sea"
Last Saturday, the first edition of the"DownWinger of the Sea" took place. The 13.4 kilometre downwinder from Eckernförde to Grönwohld was foiled in westerly winds.

A total of 24 participants gathered at the Grönwohld campsite on Saturday morning to take on the challenge of the long downwinder. Following the registration, the participants split up into shuttle vehicles and headed to Eckernförde's south beach with plenty of equipment. In addition to their own equipment, the participants also had access to test equipment from the main partner Vayu, with larger wings being particularly popular in the initially still holey 17-24 knots.

After a brief explanation of the starting procedure with a beach start and sprint to the equipment, the race got underway. In order to do justice to all participants, there were two classifications - for the race-ambitious wingers the competition for the fastest downwinder and for the more fun-orientated ones the classification of the "best" downwinder. The special feature of the second classification was that the riders were allowed to award this title themselves in an anonymous voting process.

The best pictures of the "DownWinger of the Sea"
Photo: Bulgenslag

Kai Steimer and Yannick Holste were the fastest

It remained exciting right to the end for the fastest participants. In the end, Kai Steimer secured the title of fastest downwinger with a time of 41 minutes, just ahead of Yannick Holste, who finished less than a minute behind. But the rest of the field, which was accompanied by a safety boat throughout, also put in great performances and after around an hour, everyone had reached the finish line.

Sensational conditions in Grönwohld in the late afternoon enticed some of the skilled riders so much that they took to the water for a second session and provided the cameraman with more spectacular shots. Everyone warmed up again at the subsequent BBQ with mulled wine and punch; there was plenty of shop talk and the forthcoming winter season was heralded together.

At the small award ceremony, Marnie Bertram, the youngest participant at the age of 12, was honoured for the "best" downwinger. There were also prizes for the other participants in the form of vouchers from partner Salty Elements.

Perfect end to the season

The two organisers Oliver Tom Schliemann and Leon Delle were satisfied with the first edition of the DownWinger: "The DownWinger of the Sea is a great addition to the existing formats. It offers another facet of the event spectrum, with the focus here being more on the fun and the special group dynamics of the course to be completed together," said the two organisers. "Ultimately, it's a perfect opportunity to bring water sports enthusiasts of different ages and skill levels together again before the start of the winter season."

Information on future events can be found at www.racerofthesea.de and on Instagram at @wingerofthesea to find.

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