KINDER Joy of Moving coach cup breaks records at Gdynia Sailing Days

This year’s edition of the KINDER Joy of Moving Coach Cup, held as part of Gdynia Sailing Days, brought together a record-breaking fleet of 370 Optimist class boats. The event, widely recognized as one of the most significant regattas for Group B in the Polish Optimist Sailing Association (PSKO), showcased not only exceptional talent but also outstanding organization and a strong focus on sportsmanship and environmental awareness.

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20 july 2025 | 14:42 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Bartosz Modelski / PZŻ

– I believe the KINDER Joy of Moving Coach Cup is one of the most important events in the PSKO calendar for Group B. A fleet of 370 boats is a true record – and while somewhat expected, it confirms Gdynia's status as a top-tier regatta host – said Tomasz Figlerowicz, Vice President of the Polish Yachting Association and President of PSKO. – From an organizational perspective, the event is at a truly high level. We are proud and thankful to everyone involved.

Efficient racing at scale

With five groups of 75 sailors each, organizing races posed a major logistical challenge. Nevertheless, under the leadership of Barbara Grabasz, an experienced international judge with over 30 years in the sport, the races ran smoothly. Except for a few modifications on the final day due to increasing winds, the entire competition was executed with minimal delays or false starts.

Weather conditions varied: light breeze on day one, moderate winds on Saturday, and gusts reaching 16 knots on Sunday, especially affecting the youngest sailors in the Pearl group, who only completed two races that day for safety reasons.

Winners and rising stars

In the boys’ category, 11-year-old Jakub Nowoświecki (KSW Baltic) dominated the field with multiple race wins. Among the girls, 12-year-old Kornelia Pajak (YKP Gdynia) impressed with consistent performances and secured the top spot in her category – finishing just one point behind the overall winner.

The winner received a trophy engraved with the phrase “Hope of Polish Sailing” – a title previously awarded to now-professional sailors including Mikołaj Staniul and Jakub Sztorch (KS AZS AWFiS Gdańsk), who just a day earlier earned a silver medal at the Polish Open Championships in the 49er class.

More than just a regatta

The event also highlighted values such as fair play, camaraderie and care for the environment. Special awards were presented for exemplary behavior:

– Igor Ślęzak (Yacht Klub Kotwica Tarnobrzeg) was recognized for supporting a fellow sailor in distress and helping her continue the race.
– Inga Michorczyk received the ecological award after retrieving floating litter during the race and bringing it onboard – a simple but powerful gesture of environmental responsibility.

A global CSR initiative

The Coach Cup is part of KINDER Joy of Moving, Ferrero Group’s global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme implemented in over 20 countries. It promotes physical activity and holistic development in children through sport and play – values clearly present during this year’s regatta.

The final days of the Coach Cup brought together hundreds of young sailors, their coaches and families in a celebration of teamwork, competition and joy. As Gdynia Sailing Days continues, the KINDER Joy of Moving Coach Cup concludes with smiles, new friendships and the promise of a bright future for Polish sailing.

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Kamil Kusier
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