Lake Constance Week 2025: Sailing festival delights visitors despite theft!

Lake Constance Week 2025: Sailing festival delights visitors despite theft!

On Friday, June 13th, the International Lake Constance Week (IBW) experienced a sunny day with warm temperatures and only light winds. This event, which was an important European water sports event until 1972 and was revived in 2009 after a 37-year break, is again attracting numerous visitors this year. The organizational team around Klaus-Peter Wehner, who celebrated his 70th birthday that day, is preparing for a lively celebration that is much more than just a sailing regatta. Many are sure: You can breathe maritime flair here, while the harbor is transformed into a large folk festival. Südkurier reports.

While participants waited to race in light winds, visitors were busy smiling and exploring. You have to see that Lake Constance Week not only attracts water sports enthusiasts, but also many landlubbers who are interested in maritime culture and the event atmosphere. The wind finally died down in the afternoon, making for some exciting racing. It's not just the prospect of sailing that attracts people here, but also the feeling of community and exchange among participants and spectators.

A festival with tradition

The first sailors and motor boaters organized Lake Constance Week in 1909 to create a social meeting place. Initially rowing regattas and motorboat races dominated, but the event soon developed into a social highlight where aristocrats and industrialists came together. The sporting aspect took a back seat and networking took on a high priority. This tradition is still felt today, while Lake Constance Week is celebrated as a festival for all generations. The Wikipdia page points out that the IBW eventually became an annual institution in 2012, now taking place annually in the spring.

In a special moment, Klaus-Peter Wehner was honored for his commitment by the President of the German Sailing Association, Mona Küppers. The sailors sang a birthday serenade that underlined the festive atmosphere. This togetherness, in which the enthusiasm for sailing was palpable, ensures that the Lake Constance Week becomes an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. “There’s something going on,” said one participant aptly, describing the prevailing mood.

Attractions and offers at the harbor

The maritime market mile has expanded significantly in recent years, with more and more stall operators expanding the offering. The historic steamship “Hohentwiel” visited the harbor of Konstanz and was escorted by other boats, which amazed the visitors. In addition, guests had the opportunity to win a two-hour tour on the MS “Altenrhein” motorboat. There were also numerous traditional and old boats in the harbor, including not only the “Hohentwiel”, but also an impressive number of Riva motorboats, which aroused nostalgic feelings.

The Lake Constance Week has developed into a festival that goes far beyond sport. It is a meeting place for young and old, athletes and those interested, where maritime life is celebrated. Superstitions are part of this tradition, and so the throwing of sherry overboard onto the boats was not left out to celebrate the day - a custom that has found its place despite the modern age. Cheers to the Lake Constance Week, which will leave a lasting impression this season too!