June 19, 2026
2 minutes reading time
Para International German and Bavarian Championship: RS Venture Connect on the Bavarian Sea
Andreas Bodler, the race director from Prien, together with his experienced team, shaped the two-day Para International German and Bavarian Championship, using a fleet of RS Venture Connect boats, and with winds of five to eleven knots, a short course and high temperatures, three races per group were held on the first day for four two-person teams.
Each team consisted of one sailor with a physical or intellectual disability and one without a physical disability. The RS Venture Connect boats are specially designed for parasailing qualification races.
In this regatta, they competed for the first time under a one-design classification and are therefore officially approved. The qualification round took place on the first day. On the second day, the final races were held, divided into gold, silver and bronze fleets. Five motorised support boats successfully ensured fairness and safety.
“We had a lot of fun on the water and on land. A lovely spot and lovely people,” said one sailor, expressing her gratitude for the hospitality. Hubert, a wheelchair-user from Innsbruck, was particularly impressed by the helpers during the boat changes: “That’s real hard work. The lads were careful and quick.” Heiko Erdmann, a wheelchair user from Berlin, had travelled with his dog and motorhome and remarked: “There’s nothing missing here.”
The venue, Prien Stippelwerft, is ideal for inclusive regattas thanks to the support of the local council, the district, the State of Bavaria, local sponsors and the SCPC’s infrastructure. “We’re all pulling in the same direction here,” said Mayor Andreas Friedrich in his welcome speech, emphasising the sense of solidarity and the family-like atmosphere.
Final results
- 1st place: Gerald Zernatto, Claudia Wohlschlägl, YCV, Felden Yacht Club
- 2nd place: Felipe Fauner, Alexander Neufang, Prien Sailing Club
- 3rd place: Sebastian Meierdiecks, Karin Hofmann, Prien Sailing Club
In addition to the certificates and medals, there was a special gift: A mug featuring an image of the Herrenchiemsee Palace, a listed heritage site, filled with specialties from Frauenchiemsee Abbey as a souvenir.
The catering is lovingly organised by dedicated club members themselves. This is another reason why participants and guests enjoy gathering in the clubhouse and the marquee. Deputy District Administrator Marianne Loferer, BVS Vice-President Dr Hans-Peter Müller (BSV) and the Head of the Sailing Department at the DBS, Kai-Olav Huelzer – who was also a regatta participant – Member of the State Parliament Josef Lausch (FW), DSV Vice-President Sibyle Merk, and the President of the Soroptimist Club Prien all lent their support to this inclusive event, which serves as a model far beyond the region, through their presence.
Original text by Lothar Demps, Honorary President of the SCPC.