Test format, real stakes - Polish Championships in 49er and 49erFX showcase Gdynia’s readiness for 2027 WSC

The Polish Open Championships in the Olympic 49er and 49erFX classes, held during Gdynia Sailing Days, delivered high-intensity racing and valuable organizational insights. As a test event for the 2027 World Sailing Championships, the regatta featured an experimental format that broke away from traditional medal race systems – with shorter courses, fewer boats on the starting line, and knockout-style quarterfinal and semifinal stages.

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19 july 2025 | 14:48 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

High tempo, tighter racing

The new setup proved both spectator-friendly and athlete-approved. Organizers aimed to simulate conditions expected during the 2027 Worlds, focusing on intensity, clarity of racing, and adaptability.

– This is exactly how we train – minimal boats, short courses, intense decisions. That made the difference, and we were ready for it – said Dominik Buksak, who together with Adam Głogowski (Centrum Żeglarskie Szczecin / Nauticus Olsztyn), won both the test event and the Polish national title in the 49er class.

Unpredictability at every leg

The dynamic format led to frequent shifts in overall standings. In the women’s fleet, Gabriela Czapska and Hanna Rajchert (Spójnia Warszawa) advanced from the quarterfinals and secured second place overall, which translated into gold in the national classification.

– That quarterfinal helped us ease into the conditions and find the right rhythm. It was a fight from the first tack – said Czapska.

– We had little to lose, everything to gain. The windward gate created tactical pressure, and we managed it well – added Rajchert.

In the U23 49erFX category, Ewa Lewandowska and Anna Zwara (AWFiS Gdańsk / MKŻ Arka Gdynia) climbed up the rankings on the final day, ultimately finishing just off the senior podium, while claiming U23 gold.

In the men’s 49er U23, Mateusz Gwóźdź and Krzysztof Królik took third overall and won their youth category, signaling strong generational depth in Polish sailing.

Test passed on land and water

The new racing model received praise from coaches and officials. Krzysztof Kierkowski, Olympic sailor and national team coach, emphasized the need for change:

– We’ve grown tired of standard medal races. Today’s structure brought more action, more opportunities to race, and more pressure. This format brought fresh energy.

From a technical and logistical standpoint, the regatta served as an important rehearsal for Gdynia’s hosting of the 2027 World Sailing Championships, and the city passed with flying colors.

Polish Open Championships – Final Results

49er