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With great respect and deep sorrow, the Flying Dutchman sailors bid farewell to Kurt “Kurti” Prenzler, an extraordinary sailor and a significant figure in the history of our class. Kurt Prenzler, born on February 8, 1944, not only achieved numerous successes at national and international levels but also left a lasting impact on the FD scene through his dedication and passion.
Kurti began sailing at the age of thirteen. He joined the Hannover Yacht-Club (HYC) and, at the age of seventeen, became the Lower Saxony Youth Champion in the Pirate class with his crew member Christiane Gollert and placed third in the German Youth Championships. From 1964 onwards, he sailed the boat of his life: the Flying Dutchman. With immense talent and dedication, he sailed into the hearts of the community and achieved numerous successes. In 1971, he won the Olympic qualification with Peter Neumann. In 1973, he won the German Championship in the FD class. In addition, he was a multiple runner-up and achieved notable placements in World Championships – including seventh place in 1969 in Naples, where he excelled as the best German participant. These achievements reflect his outstanding skill, determination, and deep understanding of the demanding art of sailing in the FD class.
In his younger years, he always built his FD himself. This commitment and his ability to not only steer the boats but also to build and develop them further highlight his deep understanding of the intricacies and technical requirements of sailing.
After graduating from high school, Kurt studied business administration in Hamburg. During this time, he became a member of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV). Kurt Prenzler was awarded the golden honorary badge of both HYC and NRV.
He was a role model and mentor for many young sailors and a guarantor of cohesion within the FD community. He gladly shared his love for sailing and the joy he found on the water with others. Kurt always demonstrated what makes the FD class special: sporting ambition, paired with fairness and camaraderie. He continued to participate in regattas into his later years, always competing with ever-younger competitors, and thus remained an active part of the FD family.
Kurt was also particularly committed to the board of the Hannover Yacht-Club, which he had joined as early as 1958. For many years, he was the youth leader and supported young sailors by passing on his knowledge and experience. Until his severe illness, Kurt was also the chairman of the HYC’s Council of Honor, contributing significantly to upholding the values and traditions of the club.
Since 1961, Kurt regularly sailed in the Kiel Week and, a few years ago, was honored as the sailor with the most participations – a milestone that impressively underscored his passion and ongoing enthusiasm for sailing.
Kurt was always present at the major FD regattas. For him, the gathering of the FD community and the exchange with other sailors was always more important than pure sporting success. “The cohesion has even improved since we are no longer an Olympic class,” he once said, and he lived this spirit.
Kurt Prenzler leaves a lasting gap in our community. His knowledge, kindness, experience, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to many. We will remember him as a man who not only lived the Flying Dutchman class but also helped shape it significantly. His boats always bore the name “Gigi,” in honor of his sister – a symbol of his connection and love, which also carried over into his sailing.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Helga and his daughters Caroline and Florentine. The FD community will always hold Kurt Prenzler in high regard. His passion for sailing will live on in each of us who shares the joy of the wind, the respect for the sea, and the enthusiasm for the Flying Dutchman.
Kurti, we wish you fair winds on your final journey. The sails are set – may you now follow the gentle winds.
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