During the weekend of June 10-12, 2022 Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) in Hamburg, Germany, hosted the fifth edition of the Helga Cup Regatta.

The organizers welcomed a total of 300 female sailors from nine different countries who sailed in J/70s on Alster Lake, located in the city center of Hamburg. Boats and sails were provided by the NRV.

In addition to this regatta series, the NRV had simultaneously organized separate races in SV-14 boats for sailors with physical disabilities, thus allowing female yachties with impairments to also be part of the fun and the action. This is part of the NRV’s ongoing inclusion campaign.

Amongst the many female crews from Germany and several other countries including Ukraine, three ICOYC member clubs from the USA and Europe were part of the action. These came from:

• Eastern Yacht Club, Marblehead, Massachusetts, United States of America
• Royal Thames Yacht Club, London, United Kingdom
• Yacht Club de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco

Eastern Yacht Club – Marblehead, MA, USA

From left to right: Kelsey Wheeler, Alix Israel, Morgan Cuthbertson, Liz Dubovik

Royal Thames Yacht Club – London, UK

From left to right: Macey McCann, Isabel Scruby, Catherine Brooke, Gabrielle Mascio

Yacht Club de Monaco – Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco

From left to right: Manon Bajart, Anne Schouten, Gabriela Niems, Kathrin Moyos, Manon Tondu

While the crews from the EYC in Marblehead and the RTYC in London were dressed to proudly represent their clubs, the ladies from the YCM were apparently impressed by the NRV tee shirts the organizers provided to all participating sailors. Only Anne’s cap shows the YCM’s logo!

The final leg of the regatta series was sailed on Sunday afternoon with the finish line in front of the NRV Clubhouse.

Immediately after the last boat crossed the finish line, the award ceremony took place on the Clubhouse terrace.

The winners of the 2022 Helga Cup are the women from Hamburger Segel Club, sailing for the Mamma Foundation of the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf.

Following three days of exciting races with very good wind conditions, lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures, we are pleased this regatta series can be called a complete success.

Last but not least, the NRV’s restaurant staff were at their very best, putting on a nice dinner reception on Friday night and many excellent food options for the participants throughout the duration of the regatta event.

The NRV looks forward to next year’s Helga Cup Regatta in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.