{"id":3179,"date":"2026-06-18T16:35:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T14:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/?p=3179"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:27:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:27:36","slug":"kieler-woche-inclusive-2026-sailing-brings-everyone-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/kieler-woche-inclusive-2026-sailing-brings-everyone-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Kieler Woche Inclusive 2026: Sailing Brings Everyone Together"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Four inclusive programs, the BAT Sailing Team on the regatta course\u2014and spots still available<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>June 20\u201328, 2026 \u00b7 Olympiahafen Kiel-Schilksee \u00b7 #wirallesegeln \u00b7 Free to participate<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kiel\/Hamburg, June 18, 2026 \u2013<\/strong> To kick off one of the world\u2019s largest sailing events, <strong>Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.<\/strong> and <strong>Inklusives Segeln f\u00fcr Alle e.V.<\/strong> are jointly hosting a comprehensive inclusive sailing program. From June 20 to 28, people with and without disabilities will experience the regatta together in Schilksee\u2014not side by side, but together. The inclusive sailing activities are supported and sponsored by the state capital of Kiel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register now\u2014only a few spots remain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019d like to join at the last minute, now is your chance to get on board: For the sailing day on the 70-foot yacht <strong>\u201cLittle Dream\u201d on Monday, June 22, 2026, there are currently four spots left<\/strong>. For the <strong>accessible regatta tour cruises<\/strong> on the Outer Kiel Fjord, <strong>a few spots<\/strong> are still available for wheelchair users from Kiel and the surrounding area. All activities are free of charge; spots are limited. Register by email at <strong>sven.juergensen@wir-sind-wir.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An overview of the inclusive events<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four events offer the chance to experience inclusive sailing at Kiel Week 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>BAT Sailing Team \u2013 Participation in the J\/70 Regatta (June 25\u201328, 2026):<\/strong> Inclusive crews made up of blind, visually impaired, and sighted sailors will compete in the challenging J\/70 class, demonstrating that ambitious regatta racing can be inclusive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accessible regatta tour cruises for wheelchair users (June 20\u201327, 2026):<\/strong> Daily on the Outer Kiel Fjord. Participants remain in their own wheelchairs on board and experience the regatta action up close from the water. Note: Unfortunately, electric wheelchairs cannot be brought on board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sailing course for blind and visually impaired people (June 21\u201323, 2026, daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.):<\/strong> In cooperation with the BAT Sailing Team, qualified instructors and volunteer sailors teach the basics of sailing in the RS Venture Connect boat class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u201cLittle Dream\u201d Project \u2013 Sailing on a 70-foot yacht (June 22 and 24, and possibly June 27 for the Windjammer Parade):<\/strong> Under the motto \u201cFront Row \u2013 Right in the Middle,\u201d up to six guests, including caregivers, will experience the regatta action on the Baltic Sea\u2014with meals served on board. Boarding begins at 8:00 a.m., departure at 10:00 a.m., return around 4:00 p.m. Note: Not suitable for guests with severe physical disabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Special Project on June 20: Day Workshop on the Baltic Sea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Right at the start, there\u2019s a special project on the agenda: On June 20, 2026, four children and teens with disabilities will come to Kiel for a day workshop. Together with our coaches, they\u2019ll train on the Baltic Sea in our inclusive boat, the RS Venture Connect. Two of them are specifically preparing for regattas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the participants\u2014ten-year-old Sophia, who is visually impaired\u2014will compete this year in the inclusive regatta that Wir sind Wir is organizing together with the Germany SailGP Team as part of the SailGP in Sassnitz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BAT Sailing Team \u2013 Inclusion in Action on the Regatta Course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart of these inclusive activities is the BAT Sailing Team, a joint project of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein and Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V. In 2026, the team will celebrate its fifth anniversary: Currently, 18 people with and without disabilities sail together in regattas\u2014including blind, visually impaired, and deaf people, as well as wheelchair users; and for the first time, the team also includes two children and teenagers with visual impairments. After successfully avoiding relegation (11th place out of 18 in the 2025 season), the team is currently sailing its third season in the 2nd German Sailing Bundesliga. The team\u2019s patron is Susann Beucke, silver medalist in Olympic sailing at the Tokyo Games. The vision is clear: #alleanbord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kieler Woche holds special significance for the BAT Sailing Team: this is where the inclusive team competed in its first regattas\u2014a milestone. This development was scientifically documented over three Kieler Wochen (2021\u20132023) in a study by Humboldt University of Berlin, Leuphana University of L\u00fcneburg, and the University of Hamburg, published in \u201cFrontiers in Sports and Active Living.\u201d The team is growing\u2014the next generation is already training, too; one example is ten-year-old Sophia, who is visually impaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More Than Just Sports<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just how much inclusive sailing can make a difference became clear in 2025 during one of the most emotional moments: A \u201cW\u00fcnschewagen\u201d (Wish Car) from Magdeburg was a guest at Kiel Week. We were able to fulfill the heartfelt wish of a hospice patient to go sailing one last time. The full story: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/ein-bewegender-tag-wuenschewagen-erfuellt-herzenswunsch-bei-der-kieler-woche\/\">wir-sind-wir.org\/ein-bewegender-tag-wuenschewagen-erfuellt-herzenswunsch-bei-der-kieler-woche<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our video from Kiel Week Inclusive 2025 impressively illustrates what inclusion on the water means: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mUvBSA0mkls\">youtu.be\/mUvBSA0mkls<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Register<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All activities are free of charge. Registration is exclusively via email to <strong>sven.juergensen@wir-sind-wir.org<\/strong>. All information regarding participation requirements, registration, and the schedule can be found on our website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/inklusive-segel-mitmachangebote-kieler-woche-2026\/\">wir-sind-wir.org\/inklusive-segel-mitmachangebote-kieler-woche-2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When registering, please provide:<\/strong> first and last name, full address, phone number for inquiries, and email address. During Kieler Woche, additional accessible parking spaces will be available on \u201cDrachenbahn\u201d Street in Schilksee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About the Organizers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We are Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.<\/strong> Germany\u2019s leading organization for inclusive regatta sailing is active nationwide: as the organizer of an inclusive regatta as part of the SailGP in Sassnitz in collaboration with the Germany SailGP Team, the inclusive BAT Sailing Team, the Heinz Kettler Deutschland Cup as an inclusive regatta series, regular inclusive sailing programs and sailing courses for children and teenagers on the Alster in cooperation with partners, and as the initiator of the Inclusive Alster network. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/\">www.wir-sind-wir.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inclusive Sailing for All e.V.<\/strong> Founded in 2019 in Kaarst (North Rhine-Westphalia) and chaired by Stephan Krings, the association specializes in accessible sailing for people who use wheelchairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a specially designed sailboat that allows participants to sail in their own wheelchairs, the association is setting new standards in the accessibility of sailing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inklusivessegeln.org\/\">www.inklusivessegeln.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Services for Editorial Teams &amp; Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These inclusive projects are made possible through collaboration with and support from the city of Kiel\u2014with the goal of promoting inclusive sailing and raising its profile. The teams from both associations will be available during Kiel Week to answer press inquiries and provide assistance; in cooperation with the Kiel Week press team, members of the press can also accompany the inclusive sailing activities on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Press photos (Flickr album, high resolution): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/svenjjj\/albums\/72177720332153610\/\">flickr.com\/photos\/svenjjj\/albums\/72177720332153610<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Video: Kiel Week Inclusive 2025: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mUvBSA0mkls\">youtu.be\/mUvBSA0mkls<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientific study (Open Access): <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fspor.2025.1602925\">doi.org\/10.3389\/fspor.2025.1602925<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A Call to Editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inclusion, inclusive sports, and participation need greater visibility. In addition to traditional sailing, a special project has been developing here for years\u2014one that continues to grow and demonstrates what is possible. Our call to editors: Please report on these inclusive sailing activities\u2014and help raise their profile. We greatly appreciate your coverage and reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Press Contact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sven J\u00fcrgensen \u00b7 Chairman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email: <strong>sven.juergensen@wir-sind-wir.org<\/strong> \u00b7 Phone: 0171 683 5555<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/\">www.wir-sind-wir.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Four inclusive programs, the BAT Sailing Team on the regatta course\u2014and spots still available June 20\u201328, 2026 \u00b7 Olympiahafen Kiel-Schilksee \u00b7 #wirallesegeln \u00b7 Free to participate Kiel\/Hamburg, June 18, 2026 \u2013 To kick off one of the world\u2019s largest sailing events, Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V. and Inklusives Segeln f\u00fcr Alle e.V. are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-unkategorisiert"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3179"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3203,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3179\/revisions\/3203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wir-sind-wir.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}