Hafenfest meets German Classics Laboe

The German Classics in Laboe

The German Classics are one of Germany's most important classic yacht regatta events. Here, historic and replica classic wooden yachts, schooners, ketches, and sailing dinghies from the 19th and early 20th centuries compete against each other – on the Kiel Fjord, in front of the majestic Laboe Naval Memorial. The festival combines the sporting regatta culture with a covered harbour festival on land.

Laboe – the Maritime Town on the Fjord

Laboe, in the Plön district of Schleswig-Holstein, is located on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord, directly at the exit to the Baltic Sea. With the 85-meter-high Naval Memorial, the U-995 Submarine Museum, and an active harbour, the town is one of the country's maritime hotspots. The harbour festival takes place in mid-August and uses this setting for a four-day programme.

Daytime Programme: Regattas on the Water

• Classic Yachts — Schooners, ketches, yawls, classic rowing boats
• Several Race Classes according to boat type and size
• Start and Finish Line within sight of the Naval Memorial
• Support Boats and observation trips for guests
• Berths for participating yachts in Laboe's commercial harbour

Evening Programme: Harbour Festival on Land

When the yachts return to the harbour in the late afternoon, the harbour festival begins on the harbour forecourt with the following concept:

• Live Music on the harbour stage — sea shanty choirs, acoustic bands, classics of Northern German pop culture
• Culinary Offerings for all age groups — from fish rolls to grilled steak
• Yacht Open Ship: You can visit the classic boats by prior arrangement
• Maritime Themes with demonstrations, knot-tying courses, sailor evenings
• Family Programme with a mini sailing regatta for children, games, and craft activities

Atmosphere

The Hafenfest meets German Classics is a rare combination of sporting elegance and popular festivity. The mix of elegantly dressed yacht crews, local Laboe residents, day-trippers from Kiel, and classic yacht enthusiasts from all over Germany creates its charm. You will experience Northern Germany in its maritime identity — calm, tradition-conscious, yet lively.