Volksbank Rotspon Cup: City president wins for Lübeck

The Wednesday of Travemünde Week is not only the centre of the regatta week, but also traditionally offers a social and sailing highlight.

Travemünder Woche Regatta und Festival

Lübeck’s city president Henning Schumann (2nd from right) is delighted with the 6-litre magnum bottle of Rotspon, which he won together with “Sphinx” owner Jochen Frank (right) against MV Minister of Economic Affairs Reinhard Meyer (2nd from left) and Wilfried Beeck, owner of the “Trivia” (left). Christian Mehrens, board member of Volksbank Lübeck (3rd from right), and LYC chairman Lutz Kleinfeldt are delighted to present the prizes. Photo: segel-bilder.de

At the Volksbank Rotspon Cup, Lübeck’s mayor competes against a political colleague. In the 19th edition of the event, however, city president Henning Schumann took the helm instead of Jan Lindenau. Lübeck’s head of administration had to take a break for health reasons, but had a worthy deputy: He sailed confidently to a 2:0 victory against challenger MV Minister of Economic Affairs Reinhard Meyer.

Travemünder Woche Regatta und Festival

The historic twelve-wheelers “Sphinx” (foreground) and “Trivia” were once again the yachts for the match-race showdown of political celebrities. Photo: segel-bilder.de

As in previous years, the two historic twelve-man yachts “Sphinx” and “Trivia” were on hand for the “best of three” match race. They are perfect for the showdown between the politicians and have therefore been the yachts for the Volksbank Rotspon Cup for years.

Lindenau has recorded one win, one draw and two defeats in the Volksbank Rotspon Cup so far. The overall result of the traditional mayor’s race has so far been ten wins for the guests, one draw and seven victories for Lübeck. Passionate sailor Henning Schumann did his utmost at the helm of the “Sphinx” to add another victory to the list and was successful. He had tactical support from Lutz Kleinfeldt, chairman of the Lübeck YC. Christian Mehrens, board member of Volksbank Lübeck, was also on board.

Travemünder Woche Regatta und Festival

Lübeck’s city president Henning Schumann steered the “Sphinx” to the finish line as the winning yacht and high-fives his crew. Behind him is LYC chairman Lutz Kleinfeldt. Photo: segel-bilder.de

Reinhard Meyer was joined on the opposing yacht by former 470 sailor Birte Winkel. The former Schwerin native narrowly failed to qualify for the 2021 Olympics and now lives and works in Lübeck. The first starting signal for the sailing duel was given slightly late in ideal conditions with a breeze from the west-north-west because commercial shipping still had to pass through. The “Sphinx” then crossed the start line just ahead of the “Trivia” and did not relinquish the lead until the finish. The “Sphinx” also won the second race after a close start between the two rivals. Obviously, the city president’s sailing skills paid off.

The losing Reinhard Meyer was a fair loser and immediately congratulated Henning Schumann on his clear victory. For him, the appearance was a real pleasure despite the defeat: “I am delighted to have been invited. As Economics Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, I didn’t manage that, I obviously had to become Economics Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania first.” He sees the Travemünde Week, as well as the Day of German Unity, which is being celebrated in Schwerin this year, as good advertising platforms for the north: “Our motto is: Setting sail together. Events like the Travemünde Week are extremely important for showcasing the North.”

Travemünder Woche Regatta und Festival

MV Minister of Economic Affairs Reinhard Meyer (photo left on the rowing wheel) was beaten 2:0, but was pleased to have flown the flag for the North in Lübeck. Photo: segel-bilder.de

Henning Schumann admitted after the success that a certain burden had been lifted from him: “The pressure was already there. But my crew did an excellent job and we found a good connection straight away. Jochen Frank is an excellent skipper, there was a clear command language on board.” He saw the good starts as a decisive factor in the race: “From then on we were able to control the action. The crew were also a real godsend. It was a great race.” The euphoric atmosphere on board also caught the attention of Christian Mehrens, Member of the Board of Volksbank Lübeck: “That was a great advert for sailing. We will definitely continue our involvement in the Volksbank Rotspon Cup.”