Polish ice sailors claim a haul of medals as “Hollywood ice” delivers top-level competition

The past weekend once again confirmed Poland’s strong position in international ice sailing. Under exceptional ice and wind conditions, Lake Jamno in Mielno hosted the international Polish championships in the DN iceboat class, while Lake Żnińskie Duże was the venue for the junior world and European championships in DN and Ice Opti classes. The events delivered a full racing programme, high speeds and an impressive medal tally for Polish sailors.

marine lifestyle Ice sailing competitive sailing news sailing

26 january 2026   |   18:21   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Bartosz Modelski / PZŻ

International Polish DN championships in Mielno

The international Polish championships in the DN class returned to Mielno for the first time in 20 years and marked the 60th edition of the event. Over two days of racing, organisers successfully completed all ten scheduled races – an outstanding result in ice sailing, where conditions often limit the number of starts.

A fleet of 38 sailors from Poland, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands lined up at the start, ensuring a high sporting level throughout the regatta. With fast, even ice, the competition quickly developed into a fully international contest.

The Polish national title in the DN class was claimed by Michał Burczyński (AZS UWM Olsztyn). Robert Graczyk (MKŻ Mikołajki) secured silver, while Łukasz Zakrzewski (MKŻ Mikołajki) completed the podium in third place. All three are former world and European championship medallists and members of the Polish Sailing Association’s national representation in ice sailing. It is worth noting that, in the DN class, national team status is honorary and not linked to a formal funding or training programme.

The regatta officially opened on Saturday morning with a ceremonial flag hoist. The opening ceremony was led by principal race officer Dorota Michalczyk, with Adam Czycz, mayor of the Mielno municipality, and Błażej Papiernik, director of Rewita Mielno – the event host venue – among the invited guests. Sailors were welcomed on behalf of the Polish Sailing Association by Janusz Marek Taber, chairman of the PZŻ disciplinary court.

- I am pleased that the weather conditions finally allowed these races to be held here. It is very impressive, and I would like to thank the organisers for choosing our municipality. Mielno is not only about the sea, but also about the lake, said Adam Czycz, mayor of Mielno.

“Hollywood ice” and high-speed racing

This winter brought severe frosts and heavy snowfall across Poland, allowing organisers to consider several potential venues, including lakes Dargin, Niegocin, Żnińskie Duże and Wielimie. Ultimately, Lake Jamno was selected, offering ice thickness of approximately 15–18 cm and an exceptionally smooth and fast surface.

- We have beautiful ice and a very fast course – exactly what we are waiting for and what we enjoy most. The competition is excellent, with an international fleet and several former world champions. The Polish championships should always be sailed on the best possible ice, and that is exactly what we have here on Jamno, commented Michał Burczyński.

- Excellent conditions: hard, smooth ice and steady wind. This event is an important stage of preparation for the world and European championships. We are testing equipment, new solutions and simply enjoying great racing, added Łukasz Zakrzewski.

- This is my first start of the season and my first runs, which I consider very good. At last, we have ice in Poland and can hold the Polish championships, said Laura Banach.

The sailors raced on a 1,600-metre course in stable easterly winds ranging from 3 to 7 m/s. The ice was so fast and uniform that it was quickly dubbed “Hollywood ice” by the ice sailing community – the legendary surface on which iceboats seem to fly, and speeds exceeding 100 km/h become a reality.

Despite Mielno’s reputation as a summer resort, the regatta attracted many winter visitors and local residents. For many spectators, it was their first opportunity to see ice sailing up close, with iceboats racing across the frozen lake at extraordinary speeds.

Junior sailors on the world and European podiums

While senior sailors competed in Mielno, Lake Żnińskie Duże hosted the junior world and European championships from Thursday to Saturday. Conditions were demanding, with strong winds and low temperatures, but young competitors demonstrated determination and a high technical level.

The junior world championships concluded on Friday. In the DN class, Mateusz Gigielewicz won silver, with Jakub Kamiński taking bronze. The title went to Tom Hogård (Sweden). In the Ice Opti class, Antonina Dziekańska secured silver, finishing behind Evie Mägi (Estonia). Dziekańska represented Poland at the 2025 Optimist European championships and has been selected for the Polish national team in the 420 class for the current season.

At the junior European championships, which ended on Saturday, Polish sailors added further medals. In the DN class, Mateusz Gigielewicz claimed gold, Karl Ader (Estonia) took silver and Jakub Kamiński won bronze. In the Ice Opti class, Antonina Dziekańska once again finished second. All three Polish medallists represent Giżycko Regatta Group.

- Tosia is only just beginning her adventure in ice sailing, yet she won two medals and sailed brilliantly. I am pleased to see young sailors progressing so quickly. This is the result of strong commitment from the sailing community, clubs and parents, especially after several years with limited ice conditions, said Marek Stefaniuk, commander of the DN class fleet in Poland.

Poland’s position in global ice sailing

Although climate change and increasingly mild winters are limiting opportunities for ice sailing in Poland, the country remains one of the leading nations in the sport. Since 1973, Polish sailors have won approximately 60 world championship medals, a record that continues to command respect internationally.

The events in Mielno and Żnin provided clear evidence that whenever natural conditions allow, Polish ice sailors are ready to return immediately to the highest competitive level – with full racing schedules, international podiums and speeds that continue to define the spectacular nature of the sport.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

żeglarstwo lodowe bojer DN mistrzostwa Polski DN ice sailing bojerowe regaty

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment