"Over half a million people flock to the 'Heart project' during Hanse Sail"
Hanse Sail 2025 in Rostock: A Peaceful and Harmonious Maritime Festival
Rostock, Germany, played host to the 34th edition of the Hanse Sail in August 2025, with the event being hailed as a resounding success by the city's Mayor, Eva-Maria Kröger (Left Party), who described it as the best advertisement for Rostock.
The festival attracted an estimated 500,000 visitors, with around 16,000 people taking to the Warnow and the Baltic Sea on various ships. One unfortunate incident occurred when a woman had to be rescued from the water at the city harbor, but thankfully, no serious ship or boat incidents were reported.
The event showcased around 120 traditional ships from nine nations, including the French three-masted bark "Belem" as the flagship. The "Belem" welcomed approximately 3,500 guests on board during the Hanse Sail.
The Rostock Water Police Inspectorate managed the event on the water, and the police have given a preliminary assessment of the Hanse Sail as harmonious, peaceful, and largely trouble-free. Twelve crimes related to the Hanse Sail were registered, including bodily harm, drunk driving, and thefts, but investigations were initiated in all cases.
Stefan Damrath from the Rostock Police Inspectorate summarized that the event was without any significant incidents. Bettina Fust, head of the Hanse Sail office, stated that despite fewer participating ships, they were able to mediate almost the same number of sailing tickets.
The success of the Hanse Sail is attributed to a successful security concept and good cooperation with partners and security authorities. There were more ships offering short trips to compensate for any ship cancellations.
Looking ahead, the 35th Hanse Sail is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 9, 2026. The "Belem" is also scheduled to carry the Olympic flame from Greece to Paris in 2024, adding another exciting chapter to the rich maritime history of the Hanse Sail.
The peacefulness and harmonious atmosphere of the Hanse Sail 2025 extended to outdoor living, as festival-goers enjoyed trips on various ships in the Warnow and the Baltic Sea, embracing an outdoor-living lifestyle. In the quieter moments of the festival, one could envision the serene beauty of home-and-garden settings, such as a peaceful harbor, aboard the traditional ships showcased during the event.
