ILCA 4 Youth European Championships Set Sail in Sunny Puck

The ILCA 4 Youth European Championships have officially begun in Puck, Poland, doubling as the Open European Trophy with strong participation from non-European nations. With 12–15 knots of steady breeze and cloudless skies, day one delivered perfect sailing conditions. Thanks to the precise coordination by the Race Committee, led by Ewa Jodłowska, both scheduled races ran smoothly and were completed well before 2:00 PM.

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Today | 18:23 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

Record Participation, Rising Generation

This year’s event sees a remarkable turnout: 440 young sailors from 41 countries are competing, with 164 girls racing in three fleets and 276 boys divided into four. Though each sailor races in only two heats per day, the overall schedule includes 14 separate starts daily to accommodate all fleets. Competitors are aged 12 to 17, born in 2008 or later. Alongside the overall classification, U16 rankings are also maintained.

Voices from the Water – Lessons, Wind and Ambition

Polish sailors Wojciech Bortkiewicz and Kacper Wysocki shared their impressions:

— Conditions were solid, though the second race was more demanding due to shifting winds. But it’s only the beginning — there’s still everything to race for.

Both emphasized how critical this regatta is in their development:

— ILCA 4 is just the start. We're learning how to handle wind, build strength and endurance — the road ahead leads to ILCA 6 and ILCA 7.

Czech sailor Vladimir Kovac (76th overall) added:

— Great day on the water, but the upwind leg was tricky with gusty shifts. ILCA 4 is hugely popular — I dream of the Olympics one day.

First-time European Championship competitor Aria Miller of Canada (121st) expressed excitement:

— Poland is fantastic — my grandparents are from here. The regatta is tough but thrilling. The size of the fleet and the skill level are impressive.

From North Macedonia, sailors Jana Nedanoska (162nd) and Andrea Kavaj (163rd) noted the challenge of transitioning from Optimist to ILCA:

— ILCA demands more strength and experience — and that’s exactly what makes it more exciting, said Andrea.

Day One Leaders – Brazil, Greece, and Spain Out Front

After two races, Brazil’s Erik Scheidt holds the overall lead — the son of Olympic medalists Robert Scheidt and Gintare Volungeviciute Scheidt. The top European is Eleftherios Tsoukatos of Greece. In the U16 category, Spain’s Nikko Palou is leading.

Among the Polish fleet, Wojciech Bortkiewicz is the highest ranked after day one, sitting 86th overall (33rd and 14th in races). On the girls' leaderboard, Greece’s Fragkiski Kosma leads the overall classification, while Italy’s Sofia Berteotti heads the U16 group. Top Polish girl Nina Mirowska is 22nd overall, with a 3rd-place finish in race two. Close behind are Patrycja Jałoszyńska (34th overall, 8th U16) and Marianna Dryja.

Beyond Racing – Shore-Side Engagement

The regatta village in Puck offers a vibrant shore program alongside the racing. A central stage between the marinas hosts concerts and presentations, while sailors and visitors can enjoy local cuisine, explore sailing gear vendors, and engage in environmental education.

WWF’s Ewelina Sielska gave a midday talk on the protection of the ringed plover, while the University of Gdańsk showcased its coastal conservation initiative, Life for Dunes. On Friday, Puck will host a live broadcast of Koncert Życzeń with actor Wojciech Malajkat and Radio Nowy Świat. Meanwhile, the PGE PolSailing program kicks off with its Grand Start sailing showcase.

With a world-class fleet, top-tier conditions, and a focus on sustainability and youth development, the ILCA 4 Youth Europeans in Puck are setting a high bar for international junior sailing events.