First Successful MBA Sailing Regatta in Germany

The 2023 Alumni Business Cup & Conference has recently come to a successful conclusion. Organized by WHU Sailing, the club for those members of the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management community who love to be on the water, and in association with the MBA Sailing League, the regatta made its official debut in Kiel. Seven teams from six international business schools raised their sails, competiting in 15 races under sunny skies from August 24 - 27. Teams were outfitted with top-class J70 boats provided by the German Sailing Premier League.

Reichman University (Tel Aviv) claimed first place, followed by Bucerius Law School (Hamburg). The WHU team, mostly comprising Kellogg/WHU EMBA alumni, proudly took third place.

MBA alumni and students from various schools, including RSM Rotterdam, IE, Said Oxford, Cambridge Judge, St. Gallen, Reichman, Bucerius, and WHU, had their base during the event at the world-renowned Kieler Yacht-Club—made possible by WHU alumnus Ulf Wachholtz, the regatta's primary sponsor. After the races, the program continued with various evening events, including a conference and a final gala dinner. Keynote speaker Professor Sascha L. Schmidt spoke about the digitalization and future of sports. Dr. Tim Staufenberger, biologist at Kieler Meeresfarm, provided valuable food for thought on biodiversity and environmental protection of the Baltic Sea, and all participants enjoyed a special Ostsee dinner.

The MBA Sailing League holds around six three-to-four-day MBA sailing events in various European locales annually. Their efforts bring together some of the top business schools of the world, not only to compete in sailing, but also to socialize, network across borders, and spend quality time together. Initially founded by INSEAD, the MBA regatta series now sees more than 20 participating business schools, depending on the season and location of the race. "WHU Sailing would like to thank all the sponsors who made this year's event possible," said Nils Kohle, co-organizer of the regatta.

The events are open to all MBA students and alumni, whether they are new to sailing or experienced sailors and skippers. Please contact whusailing[at]gmail.com or follow www.facebook.com/WHU.Sailing to receive further information on upcoming regattas.