The city was part of the Hanseatic League, a late Middle Ages alliance of trading cities in Northern Europe. At the end of the 19th century the city grew quickly around its shipyards. The Land Capital is a dockyard and Navy city rich in tradition, with a lively student scene, child-friendly people and urbane charm. Kiel's sailing tradition is alive and kicking more than ever, notably with the annual Kiel Week attracting more than 1000 boats, and during last year's iShares Cup event more than 80,000 people watched the racing! In June 2002, 500,000 visitors prepared a grand welcome for the Volvo Ocean Racers on the final leg of their race. Kiel was two times the host city of the Olympic sailing games.
About Kiel
The Ecover Sailing Team had a full on event in 2009, which saw their first and only capsize of the circuit. The team will be hoping for more stable conditions in 2010! Located on the Southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea, Kiel is today the country's undisputed sailing capital.
