Schlei Weekend Regatta

Races on the Große Breite

The Schlei is a 42 km long Baltic Sea fjord that winds through northern Schleswig-Holstein – between Schleswig and Maasholm, it meanders through many bays past old Viking sites. Off Borgwedel, in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg, it widens into the Große Breite, a sailing area of around 12 km² with consistent westerly winds and manageable currents. It is here that the Segel-Verein Wedel-Schulau e.V. (SVWS) has hosted its Schlei Weekend since 1979 – an annual youth ranking regatta that is a firm fixture on the North German sailing calendar.

Five Boat Classes, One Weekend

Traditionally, five classes from youth sailing are registered:

• Pirat – the classic German youth regatta class
• Teeny – entry-level class for the youngest
• Seggerling and Seggerix – popular training boats
• RS Feva – modern skiff class

The calm Schlei with its manageable conditions is perfect for beginners – at the same time, with its two arms and width, there is enough space for athletically demanding courses. The results count towards the German youth rankings.

Regatta Center with Youth Hostel

What makes the Schlei Weekend special is the accommodation: all participants stay together at the Deutsche Jugendherberge Borgwedel, located directly on the water. The hostel organizes catering, and in the evenings, everyone gathers around the barbecue; on Sundays, the bus departs. This gives the regatta a club festival character, which is just as important a part of the weekend for many young sailors as the races themselves.

Borgwedel and the Schlei Region

Borgwedel is located directly on the southern bank of the Schlei, a few minutes from Schleswig with its Gottorf Castle. Visitors accompanying the participants can explore the Viking village of Haithabu, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and the typical Schlei towns of Maasholm, Arnis, and Kappeln. The Schleswig-Flensburg district is one of the most scenic regions in Schleswig-Holstein.