MaiOR 2025 – Offshore Season Opens with Power, Precision, and Pace in Kiel

12 May 2025 - Kiel, Germany - Every spring, the sailing world turns its eyes to Kiel-Schilksee in Germany, where the Mai Offshore Regatta (MaiOR) launches the offshore racing season in Northern Europe. From 2 to 4 May 2025, a strong international fleet of 35 yachts gathered on Stollergrund, racing under the ORC rule in conditions that tested focus, finesse, and endurance.

Known for its intense competition and unpredictable Baltic spring weather, MAIOR once again delivered. Across three days, sailors from Germany, Denmark, and Sweden faced light breezes, fast transitions, and a spectacular offshore finale that showcased the best of early-season racing.

The MaiOR Regatta challenged and thrilled its participants over the long weekend. Principal Race Officer Eckart Reinke said after the closing ceremony in Kiel:

“I’m absolutely impressed with the quality of the fleet: That was world-class, top-level racing.”

Day 1 – Light Winds, High Pressure

The opening day of the MaiOR required patience and precision. With a light breeze filling the Kiel Fjord, the race committee managed two races that demanded clean tactics and full concentration.

In ORC Classes A & B, skippered by Jesper Radich and helmed by Jeppe Borch, the team aboard the brand-new XR 41 FORMULA X made an instant impact. With two convincing wins, the X-Yachts Racing Team showed that the hype was real, sending a clear message to the rest of the fleet. Close behind were Peter Buhl’s ClubSwan 42 SIRENA and Erik Stannow’s X-41 DIXI 4, both keeping the pressure high.

In ORC Classes C & D, defending champion SYDBANK (X-35) helmed by Torsten Bastiansen opened with two straight wins. The team from Flensborg Yacht Club looked strong from the start, but challengers weren’t far behind: MATCHBOX (MAT 1010) and VARUNA X PRESS (X-332 Sport) were both in striking distance.

Day 2 – Full Offshore Mode on Stollergrund

With more stable wind offshore, the fleet sailed four races on Saturday, locking into full offshore mode on the Stollergrund.

FORMULA X remained the boat to beat in ORC A&B. With two more bullets, Radich and crew continued their dominant streak. Sirena held steady with consistent finishes, while the second XR 41, EXCITER helmed by Jens Kuphal, climbed onto the provisional podium with a confident performance.

In ORC C&D, the scoreboard tightened. SYDBANK remained on top, but MATCHBOX and VARUNA X PRESS closed in. Tied on total points after Day 2, every maneuver and tactical call began to matter. A three-way showdown was clearly in the making.

Day 3 – A Baltic Blast to Close Out

Sunday delivered a dramatic finale: two races in passing rain fronts, strong gusts, and ever-changing wind. It was a final test of crews and gear — and exactly what MAIOR is known for.

In ORC A&B, FORMULA X sealed the deal with style. Winning five of eight races, Radich and his Danish X-Yachts Racing Team confirmed their top form and took a decisive overall victory. SIRENA secured second place with a win in the final race, while DIXI 4, whose crew shone tactically on the final day, locked in the final podium spot. So, the podium was entirely Danish after the three-day series.

"This is more than just a great result — it's a defining moment," said Kræn B. Nielsen, CEO of X-Yachts. "We've worked relentlessly to re-establish X-Yachts at the front of the international racing scene, and this victory is a clear signal: the XR 41 is a serious contender, and we are on the right track."

In direct comparison, the XR 41 outperformed the prevailing benchmark design — the X-41, winner of the 2024 European Championship. "This sets a strong benchmark as we continue refining the XR 41," Nielsen added.

On board FORMULA X were some of Denmark's and Europe's most skilled sailors: Thor Malthe Andersen, Mads Christian Taatø, Gustav Schwennesen, Rasmus Taatø, Mathias Rossing, Luca Mayer, Gonzalo, and Enrico — alongside Kræn B. Nielsen himself.

"This team brought the XR 41 to life under pressure. Their focus and cohesion were exceptional," said Nielsen. "Partnering with Jesper Radich and curating a team with this level of talent has been key to unlocking the boat's full potential."

Sailing onboard DIXI 4 were several well-known German sailors supporting Erik Stannow, including Gordon Nickel, Bertil Balser, Bendix Hügelmann, and Olympic Soling silver medalist Gunnar Bahr.

"The MaiOR was fantastic this year," enthuses Bendix Hügelmann, trimmer on DIXI 4.

"Great sailing and a great atmosphere." Bertil Balser, Chairman of the RVS (German Offshore Class Association), also praised the event: "The organisation was first-class. The increasing international participation emphasises the growing attractiveness of German sailing events."

Jens Kuphal’s crew on the new XR41 EXCITER missed the podium by just one point in the high-stakes battle with Dixi 4. The Exciter owner and helmsman from the Berliner Yacht-Club, together with his core crew—featuring Ocean Race sailor Robert Stanjek and boat optimization expert Max Gurgel—stood out especially in the middle of the regatta, with a race win and three third places. However, they also scored three results outside the top five.

"With more time on the water, the entire XR fleet will only get faster," Nielsen remarked. "And that's what makes this so exciting."

Jens Kuphal commented: “It was a top-class regatta! Conditions were mixed—challenging in Strander Bay, superb outside in the Stollergrund. Eckart Reinke and the race committee did a fantastic job as always. Their reputation also brought in many Danish teams this time. These were great fleets, where top teams and amateur crews sailed together and had fun. The crucial thing is that we carry this quality and energy forward.

Commenting a brand new XR41 he adds:

“X-Yachts deserves great credit. From a sporting point of view, X-Yachts is the big winner of this event. In today’s times, sitting down, sparing no effort or cost, and setting a new benchmark with a boat like this is really impressive.”

In ORC C&D, SYDBANK left no room for doubt. Two more wins on the final day cemented a dominant performance from start to finish - four race wins out of eight. MATCHBOX held on to second with consistent results, while VARUNA X PRESS wrapped up a well-earned third — just two points off second in a very tight field.

Looking Ahead

MaiOR 2025 showed once again why this regatta holds a key place in the Northern European sailing calendar. A mix of new boats, experienced teams, and a variety of conditions made it a true early-season test — and a thrilling opener for what promises to be a strong offshore season.

Full results are available at Manage2Sail

Sources: Liquid Words - Marine Communications, MaiOR, X-Yachts, Yacht.de