Polish sailors among the world’s best after World Cup in Hyères

The six-day competition at the second stop of the Sailing Grand Slam series in Hyères, France, has concluded. Although Polish sailors left without medals, they firmly established their presence among the world’s elite. The best result among the Polish team was achieved by Agata Barwińska, who secured fifth place in the ILCA 6 class.

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Today   |   16:20   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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Piotr Myszka, Head Coach of the Polish Yachting Association, praised the team's performance:

– This was definitely a much better performance by our entire team compared to Mallorca. There, we had only one representative in the final medal race, but here in France, it’s clear that the form is improving – our sailors are more and more often appearing in the top 10. We had three crews and three individual competitors in six classes making it into the medal races. I am very pleased with this – the hard work is paying off, the form is building, and the speed is improving. It was a good test before the major events ahead – said Piotr Myszka.

Agata Barwińska, representing SSW MOS Iława, sailed consistently at a high level throughout the regatta, competing against 72 of the world’s top athletes.

– Overall, I am very happy with this regatta; it went very well. Consistent sailing throughout the event gave me a solid position ahead of the medal race. Although the medal race did not go exactly as I had hoped, I had a comfortable lead over the sixth-placed sailor, which allowed me to take some risks – and I am satisfied with that. This is precisely what I have been working on with my coach – to take braver decisions when the situation demands it. I believe this is a good sign ahead of the World Championships in China, which we are heading to in a week – said Agata Barwińska.

In the 49er class, two Polish teams finished in the top ten. Mikołaj Staniul and Jakub Sztorch from KS AWFiS Gdańsk finished seventh, while Dominik Buksak and Adam Głogowski from Centrum Żeglarskie Szczecin and Nauticus Olsztyn claimed eighth place.

– In the 49er class, both of our crews had mathematical chances for a medal. Although the points gap was significant and ultimately it didn’t happen, each team fought until the very end. Mikołaj Staniul and Jakub Sztorch should be particularly pleased – after missing the top 10 at the previous World Cup, they have proven they can compete with the best, which is very promising for the preparations ahead – noted Piotr Myszka.

Another strong performance came from Gabriela Czapska and Hanna Rajchert of Spójnia Warszawa, who secured seventh place in the 49erFX class.

– Gabriela Czapska and Hanna Rajchert are a young team that is increasingly establishing themselves in the top 10 of the World Cup standings. You can see their steady progress. I hope they continue this path, moving closer to medal positions. A stable, gradual build-up of form for the main event – everything seems to be going according to plan – added Piotr Myszka.

The sailors themselves commented on their performance:

– We approached this regatta without specific expectations in terms of results – our main goal was to execute our planned strategies. Of course, in the back of our minds, we hoped to make it into the top 10 and qualify for the medal race to prove we can compete among the world's best. We achieved that, which makes us very happy – said Gabriela Czapska.

– However, we are still in the preparation phase for the European Championships, which will take place in Greece in just over a month, and that is where we aim to peak. We are happy to see steady progress and to be racing against the best in the world. We are truly pleased to be entering the world elite and hope to stay there – added Hanna Rajchert.

In other classes, Iza Satrjan from UKŻ Wiking Toruń and Paweł Tarnowski from Sopocki Klub Żeglarski each secured eighth place. Unfortunately, Paweł Tarnowski was unable to compete in his medal race due to insufficient wind conditions, and thus retained his standing from the previous day.

– It’s a pity because Paweł Tarnowski had both the appetite and the opportunity to win the event. Nevertheless, it was a strong showing and very consistent sailing throughout the regatta – evaluated Piotr Myszka.

Regarding Iza Satrjan's performance, Piotr Myszka added:

– Iza Satrjan sailed very steadily from the beginning and approached the medal race with the same attitude. Unfortunately, there was a slight lack of risk-taking, but it is very encouraging that she is back racing among the leaders. This was her first medal race appearance in a long time. This experience will certainly pay off ahead of the upcoming European Championships in May – added Piotr Myszka.

Polish sailors leave Hyères without medals but with renewed confidence ahead of the key events of the season.

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żeglarstwo Puchar Świata Hyères reprezentacja Polski żeglarstwo Agata Barwińsk Sailing Grand Slam

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