Kieler Woche sets new standards: first “German Open Wingfoil Racing” & exclusive X-15 Coaching
by Kiel Week 4 Mar 04:40 NZDT
21-29 June 2025
Premiere at the Kieler Woche: Wingfoil Racing part of the regatta program for the first time © IWSA media
With the debut of the 'German Open Wingfoil Racing' and an exclusive X-15 U21 Coaching Program, the Kieler Woche once again becomes a stage for innovative watersport formats.
Following the successful X-15 test event last year, Kieler Woche is taking foiling disciplines to a whole new level. A world-class lineup, thrilling races, and targeted youth development offer participants a unique opportunity to train with the best, compete, and gain invaluable experience.
For the first time, an official Wingfoil Racing competition will be held in Germany — a discipline that has already gained international recognition and is now making its mark at Kieler Woche. The races will follow the proven upwind-downwind format, a well-known course from traditional sailing disciplines that now enhances the dynamics of wingfoiling.
By integrating Wingfoil Racing and promoting the X-15 class, Kieler Woche is making a significant contribution to the development of new sailing disciplines. Young talents are provided with a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level. At the same time, the Kieler Förde is becoming a hotspot for emerging water sports, promising exciting competitions for both ambitious athletes and enthusiastic spectators.
One of Germany's top athletes shaping this evolution is Yannik Holste. The former 49er and 29er sailor has now established himself as one of the most successful wingfoil racers. With a German Championship title in slalom and a podium finish at the GWA Wingfoil World Cup 2023 in Brazil, he has made a name for himself internationally.
"Kieler Woche has always been a highlight for me - and now, with Wingfoil Racing, it's reaching a whole new dimension," says Holste. "This format blends traditional regatta sailing with the thrill of wingfoiling."
X-15 Coaching: Supporting the next generation of wingfoil racers
Alongside the regatta, Kieler Woche is partnering with the X-15 class to offer a dedicated coaching program for young wingfoilers. This one-design class provides standardized equipment and professional coaching, making it easier for young riders to enter the world of competitive racing.
The concept combines training and competition: after intensive instruction in technique and tactics, participants can compete in the German Open Wingfoil Racing using X-15 equipment. With this initiative, Kieler Woche is investing in the future of the sport, offering young talents a unique opportunity to prove themselves at an international level.
iQFOiL Games: Last chance for World Championship qualification
In addition to these new competition formats, iQFOiL windsurfing will also make a next step in Kiel. For the first time, the iQFOiL Games and iQFOiL Youth & Junior Games will be hosted, bringing the world's best windsurfers to Kiel.
For many athletes, these races are about more than just competition: the iQFOiL Games will serve as a "Last Chance Regatta" for the upcoming World Championships in Aarhus (July 4 - 11, 2025) — the final opportunity to secure qualification for the world title event.
New racing conditions for foiling classes
To provide optimal conditions for all foiling board classes, a dedicated event area will be created on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord, directly opposite the Olympic Sailing Center Kiel-Schilksee. This new racing venue offers a dedicated stage for foiling disciplines, ensuring top-tier conditions for both athletes and spectators.
With the official Notice of Race published, the preparations for the world's largest sailing regatta are in full swing. As part of the new Sailing Grand Slam (SGS), Kieler Woche further cements its position as one of the world's most prestigious regatta series.
The expansion of the program with Wingfoil Racing and the enhanced X-15 U21 Coaching Program makes the event even more attractive — both for ambitious athletes and rising international talents looking to compete at the highest level. It also reflects the growing significance of these cutting-edge disciplines in the world of competitive sailing.
More information on official website