"Over half a million individuals flocked to the 'Heart project' organised by Hanse Sail"
The city of Rostock, Germany, is gearing up for the 35th Hanse Sail, scheduled to take place from August 6th to 9th, 2026. This much-anticipated event promises to be as grand as its previous edition, which saw nearly 120 traditional ships from nine nations grace the Warnow and the Baltic Sea.
In 2025, the French three-masted bark "Belem" served as the flagship of the Hanse Sail, adding a touch of elegance and history to the event. Over 16,000 people had the opportunity to take trips on the Baltic Sea aboard these traditional ships, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The 2025 Hanse Sail was a resounding success, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Baltic Sea city of Rostock. The event showcased Rostock's potential as a sailing competition venue for future Olympic Games, possibly planned for Germany in 2036, 2040, or 2044.
The festival was not just about sailing, though. It was a celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of camaraderie. A fireworks display lasting nearly 15 minutes marked a significant visual highlight, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.
Despite the large crowd, the event was harmonious, peaceful, and mostly trouble-free. More than 200 officers of the MV State Police were in action daily during the Hanse Sail, ensuring the safety and security of all attendees. Twelve offenses related to the Hanse Sail were registered, including bodily harm, driving under the influence, and thefts. However, investigations were initiated in all cases, and the police have made an initial assessment that the Hanse Sail was overall a harmonious and peaceful event.
One incident that stood out was the rescue of a woman who fell into the harbour during the Hanse Sail. Fortunately, she was quickly rescued and received the necessary medical attention.
The success of the Hanse Sail is attributed to a successful security concept and good cooperation with partners and security authorities. Bettina Fust, head of the Hanse Sail office, stated that they were able to mediate almost the same number of sailing tickets despite fewer participating ships. Rostock's Mayor, Eva-Maria Kröger, described the event as the best advertisement for Rostock.
Stefan Damrath from the Rostock Police Inspectorate summarized that the event was without any significant incidents. The French crew of the "Belem" welcomed approximately 3,500 guests on board during the Hanse Sail, adding to the overall joy and excitement of the event.
As we look forward to the 35th Hanse Sail in 2026, we can't help but reminisce about the magic of the 2025 edition. The event serves as a testament to the power of community, culture, and the spirit of sailing, and we eagerly await the next chapter in this grand tradition.
Before the excitement of the 35th Hanse Sail in 2026, visitors might want to explore the city's home-and-garden settings for a relaxing contrast to the outdoor-living events of the festival. After experiencing the thrill of the sailing competition, one could appreciate the tranquility of a lifestyle centered around these peaceful spaces.
