Erich F. Laeisz 2013 award goes to Berlin
Those who were walking on the weekend around Lake Alster could observe 13 Star boats finally enjoying dry weather and very good wind conditions, competing in five races for the Erich F. Laeisz price.

Last year's winner Felix Gold could not win again, finishing in second place. The win went to Berlin and Ulrich Vater with his Hamburg bowman Markus Koy.

After smooth launchings with a crane, race director Hans-Herbert Hoffmann called the sailors to a helmsman meeting at noon and welcomed the participants on behalf of the NRV. Then the boats sailed onto Lake Alster for the first of three scheduled races. Felix Gold / Michael Schulz closed the day as leaders with a record of 3/1/1. In second place were Philip Behn / Andreas Kaerger (NRV) followed by UlrichVater / Markus Koy.

During the night the wind freshened greatly, with gusty wind speeds from 14 to 20, up to 25 knots in spikes, which made some sailors decide not to sail the second day. The remaining boats had a lot of hard work to do in the final two races in order to sail successfully. With two wins won the second day, Ulrich Vater / Markus Koy caught the leaders and won the series by two points. They were followed by Felix Gold / Michael Schulz, and third were Philip Behn / Andreas Kaerger.

Photo by Olaf Richter