Gold Decided at the Finish Line: Polish Crews Dominate Micro Class World Championship in Gdynia

It was a finale filled with tension, precision, and a spectacular battle to the very last meter. The Micro Class World Championship, held during the Gdynia Sailing Days, concluded with two decisive races that reshuffled the general classification and left no room for error. With everything at stake, the final race determined who would take the world title – and it was a Polish sweep across the podium.

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13 july 2025 | 15:04 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

In the first of the two final races, Piotr Mańczak’s crew (with Jacek Kuczyński and Bartek Peczka) crossed the line first, temporarily taking the lead. But the math was simple: whoever won the last race would become world champion.

It was the crew of Piotr Tarnacki – with Maciej Grzebita and Piotr Przybylski – who delivered under pressure and secured the gold after an incredibly intense final run. For Tarnacki, this marks his 13th world title in the Micro Class, but as he admitted – one of the most emotional of his career.

- I wasn’t even sure if my heart was still beating – I couldn’t feel it at all, said Tarnacki, smiling after jumping into the sea in celebration. - The emotions were unbelievable. I dedicate this victory to my daughter Nina. What we did out there – the teamwork, the determination from start to finish – was something special.

Tarnacki also emphasized the symbolic importance of Gdynia as a venue:

- I grew up here. I won a title here in 2013, and to do it again, during the Gdynia Sailing Days – an event of global organizational and sporting quality – means a lot to me.

A Team Triumph – and a Personal Goal

For Maciej Grzebita, sailing his first full season in the Micro Class, the victory was more than just a medal – it marked the realization of a personal project.

- One year ago, we started a plan to win the World Championship within three seasons. We did it in one. That’s an unbelievable feeling, said Tarnacki, visibly moved.

Piotr Przybylski, also part of the winning crew, highlighted the high level of competition and the importance of the final race:

- Until the very last leg, the outcome was unknown. One mistake could have turned the tide. Fortunately, our plan held, and the regattas were run with extraordinary precision by the Race Committee. I haven’t seen such smooth and timely racing in years. The final race, the battle for gold – it’s a moment that will stay with us forever.

Mańczak’s Crew Takes Silver After Early Setback

For Piotr Mańczak, finishing second left a bittersweet taste – especially after an earlier broken mast threatened to end their campaign altogether. Despite recovering well and even winning the penultimate race, they couldn’t overtake Tarnacki’s crew.

- I’ve been racing for nearly 30 years, and I’ve seen many regattas decided in the final race. This was one of those. The conditions were very demanding and forced every crew to stay sharp and adaptable. That’s the nature of this sport – and that’s what makes it great, commented Mańczak.

Polish Crews on Every Podium

The championship showcased the depth of Polish sailing talent across all categories. In the Open Class, the top three spots went to Polish crews. The Racer and Cruiser divisions also saw Polish teams at the top of the podium, confirming Poland’s status as a powerhouse in the Micro Class.