Oceanbound: The iconic "Sail Training Ship" Gorch Fock returns home for Kiel Week festivities
Sailing vessel Gorch Fock sets sail for home during Kiel Week celebrations - "Tall ship 'Gorch Fock' sailing back for Kiel Week festivities"
Get ready to set sail, Kiel Week lovers! The legendary, three-masted sailing vessel, Gorch Fock, is making its way back to its home port – a record-breaking journey filled with challenging seas and exhilarating pushing sailing bounds. Expected to lead the windjammer parade on June 26, this voyage brings the Gorch Fock's impressive maritime legacy right to your waters.
Commander Elmar Bornkessel, with a glimmer of pride in his eyes, shares that, "For the first time ever, the Gorch Fock will sail with a full training class and an exclusive group from the first two legs of the journey, leading the parade – a unprecedented event." And that's not all – the ship's first homecoming at Kiel Week is sure to add an extra dash of excitement to this year's over-the-top festivities.
The epic journey kicked off on February 10, with the 17,172-kilometer trek taking the Gorch Fock through various ports, including Vigo (Spain), Portimao (Portugal), Lerwick (United Kingdom) and Warnemünde. With 9,272 nautical miles under its towering sails, Stormy seas around the Azores aptly tested the vessel's mettle, elevating the sailing experience to new heights.
While the helmsman steers its course, take a break from the excitement and visit the Gorch Fock on the following day, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the Open Ship event. Here's your chance to embark on a journey through time, witnessing the grandeur and might of this historic marvel up close.
The Gorch Fock isn't just a sailing ship – it's a living, breathing part of German nautical history, designed to train and impart the wisdom of naval lore to its youngest cadets. Originally christened in 1933, it was reborn in 1968 (enduring a tragic loss during World War II) as a three-masted barque, taking part in diverse international sailing events, often engaging in good-spirited rivalry with the Amerigo Vespucci of the Italian Navy.
Kiel Week, known as "Kieler Woche" in German, attracts thousands of sailors and spectators each year, making it one of the world's largest sailing events. This celebrated maritime event holds a special place for the Gorch Fock, as it amplifies its sailing heritage and underscores Germany's enduring maritime traditions.
As an insider tip, watch Gorch Fock's friendly rivalry with the Amerigo Vespucci of the Italian Navy. This international, nautical game of rivalry and camaraderie adds a captivating layer to the Kiel Week festivities, highlighting a sense of global maritime community that binds together sailors from all corners of the world.
- The return of the Gorch Fock for Kiel Week will offer an opportunity for community aid, as it will be open for visit during the Open Ship event, allowing individuals to learn about the ship's construction and maritime history.
- During Kiel Week, spectators can witness an exciting display of sports and maritime camaraderie between the Gorch Fock and the Amerigo Vespucci, two iconic sailing vessels representing their respective nations.
