1. Our vision

“On the water, we are all equal – disability stays on dry land.” — Clemens Kraus, founder of Wir sind Wir

Since sailing is no longer part of the Paralympic programme, young people with disabilities have lacked professional training structures and prospects in competitive sailing. The Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany fills precisely this gap: a unique pilot project that trains children and young people with disabilities to become competent, independent sailors. The team is open to children and young people with disabilities from all over Germany.

The project was officially founded – initiated by the Hamburg Sailing Club, Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V. and the Heinz Kettler Foundation. It is embedded within the ‘Inclusive Alster’ network – a network of Hamburg-based water sports partners that is unique in Germany and already reaches over 150 children and young people with disabilities.

Our aim: We don’t just want to take the young sailors along for the ride. We empower them to take on responsibility independently on the water and to participate successfully in regattas as competent members of inclusive crews – not in para-sport or inclusive sport, but in mainstream regatta racing.

2. Our Team

Five children and young people with disabilities are part of the Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany. They have different disabilities and all share a passion for sailing – the joy of wind, water and speed. The team is being continued and expanded, including with further members from other federal states.

“For me, sailing means fun and freedom.” — a member of the team

3. Training programme

The structured training programme comprises three modules that build on one another and systematically develop participants from crew members into independent sailors.

3.1 Theory sessions

During the autumn and winter months, the theory sessions take place in the youth room at the Hamburg Sailing Club.

3.2 Practical sessions on the Alster

During the sailing season, practical sessions take place on the Alster, in collaboration with the Hamburg Sailing Club.

3.3 Sailing workshops and regattas

In addition to the regular training sessions, the children and young people take part in intensive workshops and regattas:

• RS Venture Connect Workshop: during Kiel Week
• Wednesday regatta at the HSC
• Helga Cup – a joint project between the North German Regatta Association and Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V., the world’s largest women’s regatta
• Heinz Kettler Germany Cup – inclusive regatta series
• Inclusive SailGP Sassnitz – an inclusive regatta held alongside the ROCKWOOL Germany Sail Grand Prix – the highlight of the season

“These regattas are not just sporting goals, but important milestones for the self-confidence and independence of our young sailors.” — Bernadette Zipfel, Director of Competitive Sport, Hamburger Segel-Club

3.4 Coaching team and assistant coaches

An experienced team of paid and volunteer coaches with a background in inclusive sport forms the basis of the training programme.
The backbone of the coaching team consists of two experienced coaches who lead the inclusive sailing courses on the Alster throughout the year:

• Calle Sibbert – an experienced sailing coach with many years’ expertise in inclusive sailing. He supervises the courses on the Alster and brings extensive experience in working with children and young people with disabilities.
• Marten Berner – an experienced sailing coach and an integral part of the inclusive training programme on the Alster. With his many years’ experience, he ensures continuity and quality in the training.
• A special highlight: two outstanding professional sailors also actively support the training as assistant coaches and regularly take part in the training sessions:
• Susann Beucke – silver medallist in sailing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. As one of Germany’s most successful female sailors, she brings her top-level competitive experience directly to the training of young sailors.
• Anna Barth – professional sailor and tactician for the Germany SailGP Team. As patron and active assistant coach, she is an inspiring role model and shows the children and young people the opportunities that sailing offers.

Through their participation in the training sessions, both not only provide valuable insights into professional training methods and competition strategies, but above all serve as inspiring role models for the entire team.

4. The ‘Inclusive Alster’ – Our Network

The Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany is part of the ‘Inclusive Alster’ – a network for inclusive water sports on Hamburg’s Alster that is unique in Germany. Several Hamburg-based sailing and water sports clubs and associations together form the backbone of this network, which has already reached over 150 children and young people with disabilities.

5. Organisation and Partners

Organised by: Hamburger Segel-Club and Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.

Patron: Anna Barth, tactician for the Germany SailGP Team

Supported by:

• Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank – cooperation partner and sponsor of inclusive sailing in partnership with Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.
• Heinz Kettler Foundation
• Hamburg Sailing Association – supports the project with expertise, its network and financial backing

6. Impact

“Inclusive sailing has a profound effect on my pupils; it’s like the best form of therapy.” — A teacher at the Bugenhagen School in Alsterdorf

Teachers and medical professionals regularly confirm the positive changes in the participating children and young people:

• Boosting self-confidence and self-efficacy
• Fostering social skills and teamwork
• Improving motor skills
• Positive effects on concentration and attention
• Reducing reservations about interaction between people with and without disabilities

7. Summary and Outlook

The Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany is more than just a sports project – it is a beacon for inclusion in action and a role model far beyond the borders of Hamburg.

“We now want to channel this enthusiasm into systematic training and specifically develop their sailing skills – from crew member to independent sailor. This pilot project lays the foundations for children and young people with disabilities to take part not only in recreational sport but also in competitive regatta sailing – on an equal footing and in leadership roles.” — Bernadette Zipfel, Director of Competitive Sport, Hamburg Sailing Club

The Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany is set to become a role model and trailblazer for further inclusive sailing projects in Germany. It will be continued and expanded – including with additional members from other federal states.

The project at a glance

• Pilot project for inclusive youth regatta sailing – open to children and young people with disabilities from across Germany
• Initiated by the Hamburg Sailing Club, Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V. and the Heinz Kettler Foundation
• Team comprising five children and young people with various disabilities
• Structured training programme: theory, practical sessions on the Alster, sailing workshops
• Patron: Anna Barth, tactician for the Germany SailGP Team
• Regatta participations: Helga Cup, Heinz Kettler Germany Cup, Inclusive SailGP Sassnitz (highlight of the season), Wednesday regatta at the Hamburg Sailing Club
• Aim: To train young people with disabilities to become independent sailors in mainstream regatta racing

8. Contact

Hamburger Segel-Club & Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.
Contact person for the Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany:
Sven Jürgensen
Email: sven.juergensen@wir-sind-wir.org
Mobile: +49 171 683 5555

Together, we are creating true inclusion in sailing!