That’s why the Lübeck Yacht Club has decided against the German Sailing League
Cast off for the German Sailing League. Hamburg, Kiel, Travemünde – these will be the first three north stations for the 36 first and second division clubs from mid-May. But in the tenth year of the format, which has already been adapted in more than 15 countries, the league has had a bloodletting. Four clubs declared their waiver, including the two-time champion Deutscher Touring-Yacht-Club Tutzing and the defending champion One Kiel as well as in the 2nd division the SG Lohheider See Duisburg and the Lübecker Yacht-Club (LYC).
“Generational change” at the Lübeck Yacht Club
A surprise. The LYC is a founding member. League sailing has been an integral part of club life since 2013. In July, Travemünde is also the league host, for the first time also for the Champions League. But the LYC pulled the ripcord. One reason: “We have a generational change in the team,” explains team manager Maximilian Gebhard. Many “old people” from back then, such as Olympic sixth-placed Simon Grotelüschen, Johannes Babendererde or Malte Student have “new professional and family commitments. Only the youngsters are not ready yet,” says Gebhard. That ended last year in twelfth place in the second division. “A bitter failure. That’s not what we aim for.” Since the league has become much more professional, the LYC had planned with two coordinated and well-established crews. Gebhard: “But that was only patchwork. And just sailing along – we don’t want that. You don’t motivate anyone like that, neither sponsors nor club members.”
Battle for Champions League wildcard
That’s why I pressed the reset button. The goal: “We want to qualify again in November – with a young crew that we will build up by then,” announces Gebhard. The LYC therefore wants to continue to be involved in the junior league. The wild card for the Champions League should also help. Gebhard: “We’ll do that as an internal club competition.” But the withdrawal from the league rankles the team manager. That’s why he asked the second division neighbors Lübecker Segler-Verein (LSV) whether a merger of the two teams was possible. “But the topic was quickly off the table. Nobody wants to sail under a foreign flag.”
This is the German Sailing League
In April 2013, 17 sailing clubs founded the “German Sailing League”, including the Lübeck Yacht Club. Since 2014, the German Sailing Association has awarded the title “German Champion of Sailing Clubs”, and there is also a 2nd league at the start. 18 clubs each sail in both leagues. The Hamburg sports marketing agency concept shipyard with ex-professional Oliver Schwall came up with the idea. The idea is simple: the best clubs compete in several regattas throughout Germany over the course of a season. There are champions, promoted and relegated, also a cup competition and a junior league.
League increases fees
LSV is the only one holding up the league flag this year, but like many clubs it has to reach its financial limits. Because the league organizers have a financial problem after the break with the Russian sponsor “Gazprom”. The fees have therefore increased drastically. A second division team has to shell out 8,200 euros for five starts, boat allocation and the conversion of the J70 boats. “With travel expenses, training camp and transfer you are fixed at 15,000 euros,” explains Gebhard. For 2022 he no longer has to worry about it. And he has firm commitments for 2023. “The financing is secured.”
By Jens Pumpkin
Reference-www.ln-online.de