Boat construction intersects with competitive racing events.
Venturing into Neustadt in Holstein: The Max-Oertz-Regatta is more than just a sailing event - it's a portal into the captivating world of vintage watercraft, brimming with history and personality.
One of the standout attractions is the 12-Meter class, personified by the "Anita." These magnificent yachts, with their elongated profiles and athletic designs, are considered the epitome of yacht craftsmanship. Originally conceived for Olympic competition, they later made their mark in the America's Cup from 1958. Fashioned by Abeking & Rasmussen in 1938, the "Anita" was initially destined for the 1940 Olympics. From 1962, the vessel sailed under the banner of the Ostsee Sailing Society as a cruiser until extensive hull damage in 2009 and the club's dissolution. To keep the "Anita" afloat, the Rheingau Sailing Club took over, and in 2011/2012, the "Friends of SY Anita e.V." association led a costly restoration in Denmark. Today, the "Anita" continues to race and contribute to youth programs.
Another head-turner is the 50 sqm seafaring cruiser, the "Rusalka." Designed for long-distance sailing and rough seas, this yacht is a timeless beauty characteristic of German maritime culture from the 1920s.
The sturdy, 8 KR seafaring cruiser, "Wings of Wismar," represents a European standard measurement that has been a fixture in the sailing scene since the 1930s. The KR seafaring cruiser stands out for its ingenious design, showcasing simple elegance and well-balanced lines both on the racecourse and during extended voyages.
Lastly, the 5.5-Meter classic, "Gretel," is a legend in its own right. It was the first Australian yacht to compete in the America's Cup in 1962, and as the brainchild of renowned yacht designer Alan Payne, it was the vanguard of using foot pedals to manage sails more efficiently - a pioneering innovation that made tacking more effortless.
During the Max-Oertz-Regatta, the magnificent yacht "Anita," with its history rooted in Olympic competition and the America's Cup, showcases the brilliance of sportsmanship in the realm of sports sailing. The timeless 50 sqm seafaring cruiser, the "Rusalka," also exudes the charm of German maritime sports culture from the 1920s.
