Kiel wins in the Rotspon Cup: Exciting duel against Lübeck!

Kiel wins in the Rotspon Cup: Exciting duel against Lübeck!

In a thrilling competition between the mayors of the cities of Lübeck and Kiel, Ulf Kampf (SPD) won this year's duel for the Volksbank Rotspon Cup of the 136th Travemünde Week. The event, which is considered one of the highlights of Travemünde Week, was held on July 23, 2025 and was a real thriller on the water. Despite adverse weather conditions with changing wind directions and squalls, Kampfer demonstrated his talent and determination.

The meeting between the two politicians was characterized by rousing moments. While Lübeck's mayor Jan Lindenau won the first race, the tide turned in Kampf's favor in the second race. The final contest ended in a thrilling head-to-head race, which fighter won by what he described as a "narrow ass" margin. Overall, the result of the four races looked like this: Kiel triumphed 2-1 over Lübeck. For the two cities, this competition was not only a sporting contest, but also a matter of local pride.

An event steeped in tradition

The Rotspon Cup has a long history that dates back to 1889, when two Hamburg merchants founded it. Since 2004 it has been revived by active participants from Lübeck and Kiel politics. This tradition is not only important for the cities, but also attracts large numbers of spectators who want to watch the competition live.

The weather posed a particular challenge this year. The strong winds and unpredictable gusts made for an exciting competition and added a touch of thrill to the game. The prize for the winner, a high-quality six-liter bottle of Lübecker Rotspon, increased the incentive to give one's best. Rotspon, an exquisite cuvée of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is worth around 300 euros and will be enjoyed by every winner.

Fight for the title

Tactics played a crucial role in the competition, with both politicians starting specifically according to instructions. Lindenau was supported by tactical advisor Henning Schumann, who could have scored a hat trick with a win. Kampfer, on the other hand, admits he doesn't have much sailing experience, which makes his achievement all the more remarkable. The third title about his political career was a decisive success quote for him and will encourage Lübeck to present itself more strongly in 2026, when Lindenau wants to enter the race again.

However, Travemünde Week is not just a platform for competitive sailing. Around 4,500 athletes from over 50 countries are regularly on board the Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, which is also financially supported by the state government of Schleswig-Holstein. The Ministry of the Interior has made 164,500 euros available for the organization of future-oriented sailing competitions, including the Travemünde Week, in order to increase the quality of sailing and promote Schleswig-Holstein nationally.

The commitment of the state government and the constant growth of such events are important not only for the sailing community, but also for the entire region, which makes a name for itself through such sporting events and contributes to the promotion of inclusive sailing in a sustainable way.

The Volksbank-Rotspon Cup will remain an integral part of the cultural and sporting calendar in Schleswig-Holstein in the future and incorporates both old traditions and young talent into its exciting history. Because as Kampf confirmed after his victory: “We’ll see each other again in 2026!”