21st International Canoe World Championships at Lübecker Yacht Club - Overall

The forecast for the final day of the International Canoe World Championships at Travemünde Woche, hosted by Lübecker Yacht Club, was always looking tricky. With a combination of a high pressure system, warm front and clouds over the land the first postponement was quickly extended, and extended again until at 13:00 the decision was made to cancel all further races as it was unlikely that a start could be made before the 15:00 cut off.

At the prize-giving US sailor Steve Clark gave a rousing speech about his time in the fleet "Some time about 50 years ago I sailed an International Canoe for the first time. And it ended up being quite an important thing. The boat inspired my imagination and it became a fascination that has stayed with me for 50 years. I still imagine the boat all the time."

21st International Canoe World Championships - New York Canoe Club International Challenge Cup awarded - photo © Ulrike Veerkamp

Next it was time to present the New York Canoe Club International Challenge Trophy. The trophy is reported to be the second oldest international sailing trophy still awarded, second only to the America's Cup. The competition is currently contested as a three on three team race, but unlike regular team racing it is the first boat to finish that wins the race for their nation.

This year the defending British team of Dan Skinner, Alistair Warren and Chris Hampe had a hard fought win against the first ever challenge from the German team of Peter Ullman, Ole Junge and Simon Beers.

Finally it was time for the main prize-giving with each competitor called forward to receive an award, including Geoff Carne, who chartered a boat for the event and will host the next worlds at Jervis Bay Yacht Club, Australia in 2027. Henry Warren who at just 15 was the youngest entry. Milena Lutzen from Denmark who finished every race at her first Canoe Worlds.

The one design top three were third (20th Overall) Steve Fleming, second (18th overall) Torsten Marquardt and first (17th overall) Simon Hipkin who wins the Peter Nethercott Trophy.

Dave Clark added his thoughts after placing sixth, "This class has grown and accelerated in a way that I could not possibly have imagined. I can't wait to see you guys in Australia!"

21st International Canoe World Championships - Podium positions wet with Champagne - photo © Chris Hampe

Soon it was time for the main podium ceremony as Mike Fenwick, Micheal Costello and Glen Truswell took to the podium ahead of the cheering crowd.

Next Year will see the UK host the Europa Cup from July 21st - 25th at Brixham Yacht club in Devon, while the next world championships will take place in February 2027 at Jervis Bay Sailing Club in New South Wales, Australia.

Overall Results:

21st International Canoe World Championships - Simon Hipkin wins the Peter Nethercott Trophy (first ICOD) - photo © Ulrike Veerkamp