Christian Binder crowned triple world champion – Farewell to sailing legend Felsecker
This year’s Shark24 World Championship on Lake Traunsee ended with a historic double coup: Christian Binder from the Breitenbrunn Yacht Club not only secured the title in commanding fashion, but also equaled Austrian sailing legend Ernst “Flossi” Felsecker with his third world championship victory. For the 87-year-old from Ebensee, it was also an emotional farewell to the international regatta stage.
Dominance on the water
Binder and his crew – Thomas Czajka and Stefan Watamaniuk – dominated the field from the start. In ideal conditions, they won five of the nine races and collected a total of only 19 points. After the ninth race on Thursday, the title was already mathematically secured. The tenth race planned for Friday had to be canceled due to lack of wind.
“This world championship was very demanding, both physically and mentally. So it’s all the more wonderful now that it’s all over – and of course I’m delighted to have won the world championship title,” said Binder after his triumph.
Silver for SC Ebensee, bronze for Canada
Second place went to Michael Schahpar from the Ebensee Sailing Club, eleven points behind Binder. Bronze went to Canadian Peter Van Rossem. Places three to six were all taken by Canadian crews – a strong showing for the North American Shark24 scene.
A stylish farewell
A special moment of the regatta was the farewell to Ernst “Flossi” Felsecker. The old master from Lake Traunsee finished his last world championship in eleventh place – a remarkable result considering his age and the strong competition. With three world championship titles, Felsecker remains one of the most influential personalities in the Shark24 class.
“On the one hand, I am of course sad that it was my last regatta, but on the other hand, I am also very grateful and happy that I was able to sail for so long – and that I achieved a good place once again at the end,” said Felsecker.
A worthy conclusion
The regatta on Lake Traunsee offered nine exciting races in mostly sunny weather and ideal wind conditions. Even though the last race was canceled, the 2025 World Championship will be remembered as a high-class sporting and emotional event – with a new old world champion and a worthy farewell for a sailing legend.
