With its unique backdrop in the UNESCO World Heritage Site around the Pfaueninsel and the impressive star formation of the boats, the STERN VON BERLIN is more than just a nautical manoeuvre - it is a communal experience that combines the romance of pleasure boating, Berlin lifestyle and sailing precision.
"The STERN VON BERLIN impressively demonstrates how lively and diverse the water sports scene is in the capital region," said Dr Daniel Amkreutz, Vice President of the organiser Motoryachtverband Berlin.
With more than 320 boats, a record number of participants was set again this year.
From the Rhine to the Havel: the history of the star
The idea for the Star of Berlin originated on the Rhine. In 2014, the concept of an "anchor circle" was brought from there to the Havel in Berlin. A small circle of friends of pleasure boat enthusiasts took up the idea and developed it further. What began as a vision has developed over the years into the largest anchoring manoeuvre for pleasure craft in Germany. The shared passion of the initiators and the growing enthusiasm of the participants have contributed to the fact that the Star of Berlin is now a permanent fixture in the calendar of the water sports community.
Continuous growth and new records
The development of the Star of Berlin is impressive: it all began in 2017 with 96 participating boats, which was already a Berlin record at the time. In the following year, 2018, a nationwide record was set for the first time with 132 participating boats. 2019 saw a slight decline with 75 participating boats, but this was due to storm warnings and lock closures. In 2020 and 2021, the event unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The German record was broken again in 2022 with 147 participating boats, followed by a further increase in 2023 with 166 boats. The previous high point was reached in 2024 with 232 participating boats - the magic 200 mark was thus clearly surpassed.
Peacock Island as an ideal event location
The Pfaueninsel has established itself as the ideal venue for the Star of Berlin. The picturesque backdrop and good anchoring conditions provide the perfect setting for the spectacular anchor manoeuvre. This location was also chosen again for the 2025 edition. The organisers are relying on the tried-and-tested location, which offers enough space for the numerous participants and at the same time creates an impressive picture for spectators and photographers. The Pfaueninsel is not only popular with the participants, but also attracts many onlookers who watch the impressive manoeuvre from the shore.
The event ran smoothly again this year with the best summer weather and the support of numerous dedicated volunteers, the security provided by the water police and the participation of Berlin's water sports clubs.
In addition to the actual anchoring manoeuvre, a varied supporting programme was offered around the STERN on Saturday - from sporting performances and culinary offerings to the company's own radio programme and many encounters with like-minded people.
The next STERN VON BERLIN will light up the Havel again on 4 July 2026.
