Puck Hosts ILCA 4 Youth European Championships. Europe's Top Young Sailors Head to the Baltic

From June 18 to 25, 2025, the historic town of Puck, Poland, will transform into the European hub of youth sailing as it hosts the ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and the Open European Trophy. With nearly 500 sailors from across Europe and beyond, this prestigious regatta marks a highlight in the continental sailing calendar and a significant moment for Poland’s growing international presence in the sport.

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Today | 10:16 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. ILCA Team Poland

Strategic Host, Strategic Waters

The choice of Puck as host is no coincidence. The region has been a cornerstone of Polish sailing tradition for decades, offering steady wind conditions, proven infrastructure, and a sailing culture embedded in the local identity. The venue, Zatoka Pucka (Puck Bay), is often referred to as the "gem of the Baltic" due to its ideal training and racing conditions — sheltered, shallow waters and an average of 300 sailing days per year.

– Puck becomes the center of youth sailing in Europe, hosting the continent’s most competitive and numerous youth fleet, said Tomasz Holc, President of the Polish Yachting Association. - ILCA 4 is a critical stage in sailor development, often serving as a launchpad for Olympic success. We are proud that Poland has been entrusted with organizing this major event.

ILCA 4: The Foundation of Future Champions

The ILCA 4 class, formerly known as Laser 4.7, is specifically designed for sailors under 16 years of age transitioning from Optimist. The class is globally recognized as a stepping stone toward the Olympic ILCA 6 (Radial) and ILCA 7 (Standard) fleets.

Globally, over 225,000 sailors from 140 countries race in ILCA classes, making it the most popular single-handed racing dinghy worldwide. In Puck, the fleet will comprise over 470 sailors, including 180 girls (80 in U16) and 290 boys (145 U16). The Polish national team will be represented by 64 sailors – a strong contingent eager to leverage home waters.

– In just three years, nearly 60 ILCA 4 sailors have progressed into the national academy, noted coach Mirosław Laskowski. - It’s a highly dynamic class and a vital development pipeline.

Sustainability & Youth Engagement at the Core

Organized by the Polish ILCA Class Association, in partnership with the Polish Yachting Association and EurILCA, the championships place a strong emphasis not only on performance, but also on environmental responsibility and youth education.

Aligned with EurILCA Sustainability, Clean Regattas, and the Sailors for the Sea initiative, the event includes eco-workshops, dune conservation sessions, and collaborative programs with WWF Poland, University of Gdańsk, and the LIFE for Dunes PL project — emphasizing the protection of Baltic dunes and Natura 2000 areas.

– Sailing is inherently connected to nature, explains Maciej Bardan, President of the Polish ILCA Class Association. - That’s why we are committed to integrating sustainability at every level of the event — from shore operations to athlete engagement.

A Community-Driven Celebration of Sailing

In parallel, June 21 marks the PGE PolSailing Grand Opening – the kickoff of Poland’s largest nationwide sailing education initiative. Hosted at Marina Puck, the all-day event is free and open to the public, offering sailing experiences, workshops, and family-friendly attractions designed to engage the local community and promote water sports among youth.

The regatta will culminate on Wednesday, June 25 at 18:00, with the official medal ceremony, celebrating not only the top performers, but also the spirit of unity, learning, and sustainability that defines youth sailing in the modern era.

Setting a Benchmark for Future Regattas

The ILCA 4 Youth Europeans in Puck exemplify how world-class sporting events can blend athletic excellence, environmental awareness, and community integration. As Europe’s best young sailors converge on the Polish coast, the spotlight will be on a nation fast becoming a serious player in the international sailing arena.

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