Setting sail

The biggest sailing regatta in the world and indeed the largest summer festival in Northern Europe, Kielor Woche celebrates its 136th year in 2018 and Audi will once again reprise its roll as the event’s premium partner.

Running from16 to 24 June 2018, the focus this year is on sustainability, with Audi using the event as the perfect opportunity to present its efficient catamaran in the Nacra 17. Wearing special e-tron livery, these racing yachts are capable of practically flying, or planing with both hulls lifting clear of the water at speeds of up to 28 knots (over 50 km/h). This ability means that there is less drag through the water which of course means the use of less energy to achieve the same speed.

German sailors, Johannes Polgar and Carolina Werner of the Audi e-tron sailing team will be at the event and hoping to begin their journey to the 2020 Olympics in their Nacra 17 catamaran, where this class of yacht will enjoy its Olympic debut.

Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design and himself a keen sailor, and Audi designer Marco dos Santos were responsible for the look of the Audi e-tron boat, using the same visual motif of electrification as has been seen on the Audi e-tron prototype.

“We were looking for new and interesting ways to illustrate the underlying technology,” explained Marco dos Santos. 

“The design sends out a clear message: Audi is ready for the all-electric journey in 2018,” added Lichte. 

“We have electrified the well-known Audi e-tron logo and are opening a new chapter in the history of Audi. In line with the motto ‘as little as possible, as much as necessary’, the design strikes a perfect balance between pattern and aesthetics.” 

Visitors to Kieler Woche 2018 will be able to watch other Olympic sailing classes in competition as part of the nautical smorgasbord that is Kielor Woche. With more than 1900 boats registered from classics to cutting-edge competition boats, live music, food and a true party atmosphere, it is a sailing event like no other.