Gdynia Sailing Days 2025: First Week Concludes with High-Stakes Racing and Meaningful Moments

The opening week of Gdynia Sailing Days 2025 came to a close after a series of demanding races and unpredictable weather on the Gulf of Gdańsk. The regatta, one of the most important maritime sporting events in the Baltic region, crowned the winners of the Gdynia City Cup and the GSD Trophy.

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14 july 2025 | 09:23 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

Strong winds, persistent rain, and a challenging swell defined the first competition weekend. Despite the adverse conditions, race organizers successfully completed seven races across the ILCA classes, making full use of short weather windows.

ILCA Classes: Talent, Tactics, and Qualification Success

In the ILCA 4 class, Martyna Seroka (ŻLKS Poznań) delivered a dominant performance, winning most of the races in a fleet of 110 competitors. Wojciech Bortkiewicz (CHKŻ Chojnice) and Simeon Hristov (United Arab Emirates) completed the podium.

Magdalena Kwaśna (CHKŻ Chojnice), Tokyo 2020 Olympian, was unmatched in the ILCA 6 class. Her clubmate Hanna Rogowska secured silver, narrowly edging out Wojciech Wójcik (TS Kuźnia Rybnik), who claimed bronze.

In the ILCA 7 fleet, Filip Olszewski (University of Warsaw) had a standout final day, winning both races and taking overall victory. Stanisław Klimaszewski (Energa Giżycka Regatta Group) finished second, while Bartosz Andrzejak (Nauticus Olsztyn) took third.

– These were very tight races with a lot of tactical battles at every mark. Winning here gives me the funding to participate in the World and European Championships, so this result is really important – Olszewski told Daily Mare.

These regattas also served as the final qualification round for the Polish Sprint Championships, which began today, July 14, and continue through Tuesday.

– The wind was shifting a lot today – in the first race, a 15-degree left shift caught me on the far right. But in the second, I managed to finish tenth, which secured my spot in the sprints – said Maksymilian Flaczyński (MKS Dwójka Warszawa).

Hansa 303: Adaptive Sailing as Empowerment

A highlight of the first week was the Hansa 303 class, featuring adaptive sailing for sailors with disabilities. Olga Górnaś-Grudzień, a member of the Polish Yachting Association’s board and part of the national team, led from the start and held her lead despite stiff competition from Andrzej Bury and Michał Dżugan.

– I’m in Gdynia for the second time and each visit is fantastic. Conditions today were great, and we managed to avoid the rain. The mixed swell yesterday was a challenge, but I’m happy with second place – commented Andrzej Bury.

For many sailors, these events are about far more than medals.

– Sailing saved my life – I always say that. I was struggling with health issues and depression, and one day I ended up at a sailing workshop. It changed everything. I felt useful, capable, and confident. That’s when I realized this is what I want to do – shared Michał Dżugan.

He now actively invites others to join the community: – If you’re curious, reach out. You can find me on Facebook or contact the Yacht Club of the Koszalin University of Technology – we’re building something real here.

Education, Inclusion, and Sustainability

Parallel to the regattas, Gdynia Marina hosted a Sailing Picnic promoting inclusive sailing activities for people with disabilities. The first of three eco weekends also took place, featuring a beach clean-up initiative, a trash-collecting competition, and the launch of the Recycled EKO-Boat Contest. The first creative submissions have already reached the regatta office, with more expected in the coming days.

49er and 49erFX: Polish Nationals and Test Event Begin

Today also marked the start of the Polish Championships and Test Event in 49er and 49erFX classes. A total of 53 crews took to the water – 26 female teams from 14 countries and 27 male teams from 16 countries. Racing will continue throughout the week, promising elite-level competition and intense international rivalry.