In 1969, Illbruck named his first sailing yacht Pinta.
The inspiration for the name was the historical Pinta, the fastest of the ships used by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Illbruck dominated the German offshore yachting scene together with Udo Schütz and Hans-Otto Schumann.
Illbruck and his yacht Pinta won the Admiral's Cup in 1983 and 1993 for Germany (skipper Russell Coutts ).
The team also won the Sardinia Cup 1984.

Pinta won the One Ton Cup in 1993 (skipper Russell Coutts / helmsman Peter Lester) and 1994 (skipper John Kostecki / helmsman Rod Davis).

Illbruck’s unflagging drive and longstanding commitment to yachting were always a role model and incentive for his son Michael Illbruck and the crew members.

The Illbruck GmbH company was, under the leadership of his son, the main sponsor of the yacht Illbruck Challenge, the winner of the 2001–2002 Volvo Ocean Race (skipper John Kostecki).
In 1969, Illbruck named his first sailing yacht Pinta. The inspiration for the name was the historical Pinta, the fastest of the ships used by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America. In the 1980s and 1990s, Illbruck dominated the German offshore yachting scene together with Udo Schütz and Hans-Otto Schumann. Illbruck and his yacht Pinta won the Admiral's Cup in 1983 and 1993 for Germany (skipper Russell Coutts ). The team also won the Sardinia Cup 1984.
Pinta won the One Ton Cup in 1993 (skipper Russell Coutts / helmsman Peter Lester) and 1994 (skipper John Kostecki / helmsman Rod Davis).
Illbruck’s unflagging drive and longstanding commitment to yachting were always a role model and incentive for his son Michael Illbruck and the crew members.
The Illbruck GmbH company was, under the leadership of his son, the main sponsor of the yacht Illbruck Challenge, the winner of the 2001–2002 Volvo Ocean Race (skipper John Kostecki).
Willi Illbruck