Sailin' Back Home: "Gorch Fock" Makes it to Kiel for Kieler Woche Windjammer Parade
Return of the sailing school ship 'Gorch Fock' to Kiel - Return of the Tall Ship "Gorch Fock" to Kiel Harbor
The iconic German sailing school ship, the "Gorch Fock," has sailed back to its beloved homeport of Kiel, ready to dazzle at the Windjammer Parade during the Kiel Week festival. With stormy weather and treacherous seas their constant companions on the journey, Commander Elmar Bornkessel said, "We're ecstatic to have made it back to Kiel after 137 days."
Family and friends greeted the crew enthusiastically at the maritime station before sunrise. On February 10, they set sail from the very same harbor, visiting Vigo (Spain), Portimao (Portugal), Lerwick (United Kingdom), and Warnemuende along the way. The ship traveled 9,272 nautical miles (or approximately 17,172 kilometers), with more than 8,374 nautical miles (15,509 kilometers) clocked under sail.
Cadets were at the helm for almost 90% of the journey, according to Bornkessel. "Sailing itself isn't the most crucial element, but it serves as our method of achieving our training objectives." A total of 240 officer cadets were trained over three distinct phases.
This weekend, the "Gorch Fock" is set to lead the Windjammer Parade of the Kieler Woche. With a full complement of cadets aboard, nearly 200 souls will brave the winds. "Fingers crossed for favorable winds, allowing us to lead the Windjammer Parade under full sail," Bornkessel explained.
Next year, the "Gorch Fock" has its sights set on an adventure across the pond to the USA. The crew, having braved the notorious North Atlantic storms on the return voyage, can face a similar challenge on their way back, Bornkessel predicted.
To prepare for this American escapade, the crew recently conducted a simulation exercise modeled after the recent voyage's conditions. According to Bornkessel, they simulated reaching the Bermuda Islands in 19 days under ideal sailing conditions. "One more day wouldn't pose much of a problem," he added.
Join the excitement this Friday between 11:00 and 17:00 at the Open Ship event, where you can explore the magnificent vessel up close.
- Gorch Fock
- German Sailing School
- Kieler Woche
- Sailing Festival
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Home Port
- Kiel Week
- Windjammer Parade
- Stormy Seas
- Sail Training
- Cadets
- North Atlantic
- USA Adventure
"Community members can look forward to aiding in the development of the fisheries sector as the Gorch Fock, a symbol of German sailing, returns to Kiel for the Kieler Woche Windjammer Parade, bringing with it the spirit of sail training and camaraderie."
"Following the successful 137-day journey across the North Atlantic, the Gorch Fock crew, comprising nearly 200 individuals, will soon embark on another adventure—an aid-supported mission to the fisheries sector, mirroring their resilience and determination in overcoming stormy seas."
