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Hajkutter Regatta from Nysted to Rostock 2024

My impressions of this year's Hajkutter Regatta on the day before the Hanse Sail should generate a little desire to take part in such a trip across the Baltic Sea.

This traditional event, which concludes the Hajkutter Festival in Nysted, Denmark, faces a challenge in terms of the number of participating ships. For Danish Hajkutters, the crossing from Nysted to Rostock is not as attractive as sailing in other areas of the Baltic Sea. German Hajkutters are taking part, but there are fewer of them because several ships have new owners or are for sale. The Swedish regatta escort ship "Sarpen" had to cancel this year due to a major overhaul of the hull. She was replaced by the German logger "Belle Amie". Fewer participating ships means, unfortunately, that there are fewer opportunities to join the regatta. So you have to make an effort to get one of the possible places on a Hajkutter.

Such a day usually begins very early in Rostock, when the crew members board the ferry to Gedser and are then taken to the port of Nysted by a special bus transfer. Here the Hajkutters are ready to welcome all crew members on board. Of course, it is also possible to arrive on your own days beforehand and take part in the Hajkutter Festival. This time I was a guest on the Hajkutter "Nordwind". The time in the port is usually very short, because the ships want to set off quickly and head out into the Baltic Sea. We also heard the usual farewell cannon shot as we left the port of Nysted.

The regular crew was reinforced by two fellow sailors from the "Hansine". My offer of support, at least with setting the sails, was not needed and so I was able to concentrate on what I like best: taking photos. I saw all the sails being set, including the topsails. What worked without a problem in the harbor required several attempts at sea, because again and again something twisted, jammed or could not be properly controlled. Rainer as skipper and Herbert as boatswain finally managed it with our dedicated crew.

A total of six Hajkutters sailed in the regatta. This year, the Hajkutters, rigged as schooners, had the advantage over Hajkutters with ketch rigging in light winds. At an agreed location at sea, we passed the starting ship and the regatta began for us. In this phase in particular, all the sailors on the ships can see impressive images. The Hajkutters are still sailing relatively close to each other before the field sorts itself and spreads out. Take photos, film or simply enjoy!

Wind and weather then determine how far the regatta will be sailed. Since the ships have to arrive in Rostock at an agreed time, the regatta has often been finished after half the distance and the last stretch on the Baltic Sea to Warnemünde was supported by the engine. This year was not different. The target ship was reached and then each ship sailed individually to Rostock. The crew of the "Nordwind" achieved an excellent 3rd place this year, although the experience of being part of the crossing was more important to all of us than the placing. Very satisfied with the day, we arrived at the quiet marina in Warnemünde, which is preferred by several crews because of its atmosphere now.

I would like to highlight a few special experiences. Due to several incidents, the Hajkutter "Hansine" is unfortunately not having an easy season this year. However, the crew was particularly committed to the awards ceremony and the subsequent auction of discarded equipment to benefit the increasingly scarce maintenance reserves. I almost bought an old block of rigging, which could perhaps be used as a decorative "pulley" for a lamp, but was then outbid.

Sailing on the ships supports their maintenance and operation and is an experience. You can experience water, waves, wind and seamanship on a traditional ship. You can see the other ships, get involved in the ship's operation and some of the "sea dogs" on board are happy to tell stories from their lives. (You usually have to ask, though. North German sea dogs are "shy". But if you don't snack a lot, you don't beat around the bush.) And as far as the places to sail are concerned: the Hanse Sail booking agency tries to find something for everyone that suits their needs.

Many thanks to the crew of the "Nordwind" for allowing me to sail with you!