ILCA 4 European Championships in Puck: Calm Conditions, Ranking Shake-Ups, and Final Fleet Assignments

Day three of the ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and Open European Trophy brought a welcome change of pace for many sailors. Gentle, almost lazy winds over Puck Bay allowed for what some described as “slow motion” racing. However, Sunday was more than just a calm interlude—it marked the end of the qualifying series and set the stage for the final rounds, with fleets now divided into gold, silver, bronze, and (for boys) emerald groups.

competitive sailing news

22 june 2025 | 23:09 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

Light Winds, Full Racing Schedule

Despite the initially fickle wind, the Race Committee managed to complete the full racing schedule. For many young sailors, it was a last chance to climb the rankings—or, in some cases, to suffer a slip.

- These are my first European Championships,” said Kamila Maziarz (102nd overall). - The wind was too strong for me during the first two days, but today was calmer and more in my comfort zone. I hope it stays like this for the next races. I want to do well in the silver fleet.

Polish Girls in Strong Form, Spanish Sisters Lead

Poland's female sailors continue to impress. Nina Mirowska moved up to 12th place overall and will race in the gold fleet. She’ll be joined by Martyna Seroka (16th), Patrycja Jałoszyńska (48th), and Matylda Jankowska (50th), both members of the Polish Sailing Association's national team. Jałoszyńska and Jankowska are currently 12th and 14th in the U16 category, respectively.

The leaderboard is topped by Blanca Ferrando Babe from Spain, while her sister Marta Ferrando Babe leads the U16 standings. Former leader Derin Degisen from Turkey dropped to second place after a tough day but remains confident:

- I had poor starts today, but I made up ground during the races. I'm happy with how I managed the situation. My goal is to finish in the top five, Degisen said.

Boys Battle with Light, Shifty Wind

The boys' fleets also had to contend with light and shifting wind, which tested both patience and focus. The top Polish competitors—Jakub Pawlikowski (88th) and Wojciech Bortkiewicz (89th)—qualified for the silver fleet.

The top three positions remain under Greek control: Emmanouil Anastasios Vomvylas, Konstantinos Portosalte, and Helias Gaviotis lead the standings heading into finals.

- It was tricky today, but I’m happy to be in the gold fleet, said Toby Waggett from Great Britain. - Every point will matter now. I prefer stronger wind, so I hope we get more breeze tomorrow.

Leo Gosling of Switzerland summed up the day succinctly:

- Staying focused was everything today. Obviously, my goal is to win the European Championship.

Final Series Begins

Although Sunday’s pace was gentler, the stakes were high. From Monday onward, the event moves into its decisive phase. With sailors now grouped by performance, each race will be a direct battle for final positions. The pressure will mount—and so will the tactical demands and mental tests.

Polish hopes rest especially on the shoulders of the girls in the gold fleet, while other national teams, particularly Greece and Spain, are also looking strong as the regatta enters its final stretch.