Warnemünde, Germany – July 8, 2024: The third Qualifier of the SAILING Champions League took place from July 6-8, 2024, at Yachthafen Hohe Düne as part of the renowned Warnemünder Woche. A total of 17 teams from 11 nations, including Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Spain, and Lithuania, competed in an exciting contest for a spot in the Final.

The conditions were challenging, with peak winds reaching up to 29 knots. Excellent boat handling skills were essential in the strong winds. The event saw a range of weather conditions, from champagne sailing with sunshine and temperatures above 25 degrees to rain, 15 degrees, and light winds on Monday.

The top seven teams secured their qualification for the grand Final in Vilamoura on 26th – 29th September 2024. The qualifying teams are Münchner Yacht-Club, Tønsberg Seilforening, Åsgårdstrand Seilforening, Joersfelder Segel-Club, Yacht Club de Cherbourg, Akademischer SegelVerein Warnemünde, Segelclub Mattsee.

Mariehamns Segelförening dominated the leaderboard on the first day but could not maintain their position as the event progressed. The Lithuanian team RS280 Club decided to participate spontaneously and showed impressive dedication and enthusiasm for the sport. The host club Akademischer SegelVerein Warnemünde fought their way into the top seven despite the tricky conditions.

The Münchner Yacht-Club required a short acclimatization period but then dominated at the top of the field. The Norwegian teams closely followed Münchner Yacht-Club, leading to an exciting head-to-head race. In Norway and Germany, league sailing holds significant importance, reflected in the competitiveness of their teams. The French team Yacht Club de Cherbourg demonstrated their expertise, especially in strong winds on the first day. It was a tough competition until the end, which Münchner Yacht-Club ultimately narrowly won. Only two points decided.

Oliver Schwall, CEO and founder of the SAILING Champions League, emphasized: “We are proud of the high level of the teams and thank the host club, Akademischer SegelVerein Warnemünde and the Warnemünder Woche, for their tireless efforts.”