Start at Midsummer night

The 21st of June has always been a special date for the people of the northern hemisphere. Many celebrate the beginning of summer on the longest day of the year with cheerful and jolly festivities. This year there is yet another reason to look forward to the 21st of June. On this day the traditional starting shot will open the 121st Kiel Week: 3.5 million guests from all over the world are expected in KIEL.SAILING CITY at the Baltic Sea to take part in the world's biggest sailing event and to celebrate the greatest summer festivity in the north of Europe.

BMW is the new main sponsor of the Kiel Week. Next to Formula 1 and golf, sailing is the third pillar of BMW's international commitment to sports. As a partner of the Kiel Week BMW will provide official cars and additionally contribute its competence in promoting and managing sports events. Sailing is the core of the Kiel Week. More than 6.000 active sailors from all over the world, among them numerous Olympic and World champions, pit their strength against each other on the fjord of Kiel.

The evaluation of the National Olympic Committee, resembling a first class promotion for Kiel as a sailing site, certificates KIEL.SAILING CITY, that "no matter which event, Kiel can count on residents enthusiastic about sailing, a strong support of the marine forces and the commitment of the associations and sailing clubs of the city and its hinterland."

Illuminated Windjammer in Kiel

Wolf von Lojewski, a born-and-bred son of Kiel and longtime presenter for the "ZDF", the official telestation, put it in his inimitable way: "God created Kiel above all for sailing." Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)and threefold participant of Olympic sailing regattas, declared: "I prefer sailing in Kiel to any other place. With Kiel, I associate a lot of really good competitions."

During the nine day event, Kiel turns into a vibrant international meeting point. Politicians and artists, diplomats and marines, scientists and athletes, actors and jugglers from more than 70 nations are being welcomed as guests in Kiel in the last week of June. The interational character and the connection of cultures make the Kiel Week to an event attracting worldwide attention.

More about Kiel Week 2003