The European Championships in the 29er class are part of Gdynia Sailing Days, which first took place in 2000
138 crews from 25 countries will begin their competition on Wednesday in Gdynia at the European Championships in the 29er class. These regattas will take place as part of the 25th edition of the Gdynia Sailing Days festival. “This body of water can surprise anyone,” said Ewa Lewandowska, the World Sailing Youth World Champion from Buzios, Brazil (December 2023). The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 PM.
The European Championships in the 29er class are part of Gdynia Sailing Days, which first took place in 2000. It is one of the most important recurring events in the Baltic Sea region. The host country’s representative, gold medalist of the World Sailing Youth World Championships from Buzios, Brazil (December 2023), warns that the competition will take place in a very challenging venue.
“It is unpredictable and poses difficulties even for seasoned and experienced sailors. We train a lot here, and I know it can surprise anyone, even those who think they know it well. Especially when the wind blows from the shore, conditions can be very variable,” said Ewa Lewandowska, who triumphed in Buzios with Julia Żmudzińska, and in Gdynia, her crew member will be Krzysztof Królik.
Sailors have already arrived in Gdynia, undergone mandatory measurements, and are training on the water. "So the measurements are just about checking if your equipment is within the class rules and if everything is okay and safe," explained Finnish sailor Maisa Kauppi, who sails with Alisa Kylavainio.
The sailor from Helsinki is impressed with the host city of the European Championships. “It seems like a really nice city, with really nice people, and it's beautiful,” added Maisa.
A trial race is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 PM, and three hours later, the official press conference will begin. Attendees will include Tomasz Augustyniak – Deputy Mayor of Gdynia, Peter Lubeck – President of the International 29er Class Association, Pippa Kenton-Page – Executive Director of the International 29er Class Association, and Tomasz Chamera – President of the Polish Yachting Association and Vice President of World Sailing.
The first races will take place on Wednesday. “I like the speed of the class, and I also like sailing with my best friend, and I think that’s the most important part of it. But I don’t know if we have a set expectation yet, but I think we are going to expect some improvement in our starts, and I’m looking forward to racing in the big fleet,” admitted Alisa.
Sailors will compete in three fleets – eliminations are planned until Friday, and final races will be held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Medals will be awarded among women, men, and mixed crews, as well as in the same categories in U-17.