Young Champions Bid Farewell - ILCA 4 Youth European Championships Conclude in Puck

The ILCA 4 Youth European Championships have come to a close after eight intense days of competition in Puck, Poland. The regatta brought together 440 young sailors from 41 countries, confirming not only the growing depth of talent in European youth sailing, but also Poland’s readiness to host top-tier international maritime events.

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26 june 2025 | 11:09 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Robert Hajduk / PZŻ

While only a select few left with medals, all participants gained invaluable experience on the demanding waters of Puck Bay—experience that will undoubtedly shape their future in high-performance sailing.

Victory for Italy and Greece – Youth Talent on Full Display

Italy’s Giulia Marella claimed the European Champion title in the girls’ fleet.

– It was a windy day, and I managed to win the regatta. I’m incredibly happy—even if I still can’t believe it, she said moments after crossing the finish line in the final race.

Turkish sailor Derin Bartan was another standout performer, clinching the U16 gold medal and finishing 4th overall.

– It was a tough day, but I enjoy strong winds. For me, the lighter wind days were the biggest challenge, she admitted.

In the boys’ fleet, Emmanouil Anastasios Vomvylas of Greece topped the leaderboard with confidence and composure.

– I wasn’t stressed. I knew I was strong and believed I could win. There’s no secret—it’s all about hard work, said the newly crowned champion, whose long-term dream is to compete at the Olympic Games.

Polish Athletes Show Spirit Amid Demanding Conditions

Poland fielded four female sailors in the gold fleet. Though gusty winds on the final day impacted final standings, their presence among Europe’s elite was a strong sign of progress.

Nina Mirowska (AZS University of Warsaw) dropped from 12th to 18th overall.
Martyna Seroka (ŻLKS Poznań) placed 40th.
Matylda Jankowska (YKP Gdynia) finished 50th and 14th in the U16 division.
Patrycja Jałoszyńska (KŻ Nysa) came in 53rd overall, 16th in U16.

In the boys' silver fleet, Jakub Pawlikowski was the top Polish sailor, finishing 7th in his group—77th in the overall ranking and 24th in the U16 category.

Puck Proves Itself as a Premier Sailing Venue

The logistical and operational success of the event drew praise from international authorities.

– Puck is an excellent location for large-scale regattas. Two marinas, a central stage, great infrastructure, and a team of dedicated volunteers—everything ran like clockwork, said Jean Luc Mitchon, Chairman of EurILCA.

Maciej Bardan, President of the Polish ILCA Class Association, echoed that sentiment:

– We had a full range of wind conditions—from strong to light—and we completed the full race schedule. The youth enjoyed not only competition on the water, but also the community onshore.

Tomasz Holc, President of the Polish Yachting Association, underlined the importance of hosting the event:

– This was an important milestone for our young sailors on the pathway to Olympic classes. Puck Bay is a safe and optimal training ground for high-level development.

From Sailing to the Stars

A fitting closing anecdote underlines the broader value of youth sailing: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Poland’s latest astronaut to fly to space, once sailed in the ILCA class as a youth. Proof, perhaps, that sailing doesn’t just build athletes—it nurtures explorers.