Strong winds, a challenging racecourse, and nearly the entire world elite on the starting line – the Europe Class World Championship is about to begin in Górki Zachodnie, Gdańsk. Who are the favourites for the world titles? What does the championship schedule look like, and what can spectators expect? Paul Depoorter, President of the International Europe Class Union (IECU), shares his thoughts ahead of the event.
Following the conclusion of Open Week, which ran from 2 July and served as the final qualification opportunity for the World Championship, Gdańsk is ready to host the most important Europe Class event of the season.
The championship is organised by Yacht Club Gdańsk in cooperation with AZS COSA Galion and the Polish Europe Class Association. The event is supported by the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Pomorskie Region, and the City of Gdańsk.
The first championship races are scheduled for Wednesday, 8 July, while the new Europe Class World Champions will be crowned on Sunday, 12 July, during the official closing ceremony at AZS COSA Galion.
Open Week completed the championship fleet
As Paul Depoorter explains, sailors must normally qualify for the World Championship through their respective national qualification systems. However, not everyone is able to secure a place that way, which is why Open Week plays such an important role.
“Open Week offers sailors one final opportunity to qualify for the World Championship. Here in Gdańsk, 13 men and four women secured their places, ensuring that we have the strongest possible fleet on the starting line.”
Final results of the open week can be found here: https://europe-worlds-2026.upwind24.pl/results
Nations Cup kicked off championship week
Immediately following Open Week, the Nations Cup was held, bringing together national teams for a day of team racing.
“The Nations Cup is a team racing competition. Each nation fields a mixed team of four sailors who compete for the Nations Cup trophy. It’s a unique format because these sailors normally race individually.”
Five national teams took part in the regatta and final standings are:
- Spain
- Denmark
- Poland
- Germany
- Sweden
The World Championship Opening Ceremony, together with the prize-giving ceremonies for Open Week and the Nations Cup, takes place on the evening of 7 July.
Strong winds shouldn’t disrupt the schedule
The weather forecast suggests challenging conditions for the opening days of the championship.
“Wednesday may begin with very strong winds, but we’re optimistic that racing will be possible later in the afternoon. At this time of year, daylight lasts well into the evening, so we can start racing even quite late. Even if we lose the first day, we still have enough time to complete the full championship schedule.”
According to the forecast, competitors can expect strong north-westerly winds and significant waves throughout much of the week.
“These are some of the most exciting conditions for the Europe Class. Sailing downwind and surfing on the waves is tremendous fun, and I’m confident spectators will enjoy spectacular racing and some fantastic images.”
Two World Champions to be crowned
The championship consists of two separate events: one for men and one for women. Each fleet races independently, with separate starts, rankings, medals, and ultimately separate World Champions.
Who are the favourites?
In the men’s championship, Paul Depoorter identifies French sailor Cyril Richard as the leading favourite after his dominant victory at Open Week and another impressive win at a major regatta in Italy earlier this season.
“He is certainly one of the strongest contenders for the title. He’s extremely experienced and has been in outstanding form for quite some time.”
Depoorter also highlights Denmark’s Emil Foxby-Jacobsen and Martin Brønlund Olesen, both consistent top performers at recent international events, alongside Norway’s Sergio Albaladejo Gomez and Sweden’s Charlie Enlund Ekberg, who has returned to Europe Class competition.
With the reigning Men’s World Champion not competing this year, Gdańsk is guaranteed to crown a new champion.
A highly competitive women’s championship
The battle for the Women’s World Championship promises to be equally exciting.
Depoorter points first to Poland’s Weronika Glinkiewicz-Madej.
“She is a former Olympian in the Europe Class with enormous experience. Although she took a break from competition, she knows both the boat and the local waters exceptionally well. In championships like this, experience often proves invaluable.”
Among the other favourites are last year’s World Championship medallist from Spain and two strong German sailors. If he had to choose one name, however, Depoorter would put his money on Germany’s Nadia Kopp, who has been the most consistent performer throughout the current season.
Hosts ready for the season’s biggest event
Agnieszka Kiełczewska, President of the Polish Europe Class Association, multiple World and European Championship medallist and one of Poland’s most accomplished Europe Class sailors, believes hosting the World Championship marks an important milestone for both Polish sailing and the international Europe Class community.
“The dynamic development of the Europe Class in Poland is now clearly visible on the international stage. Bringing the World Championship to Poland is the result of the dedicated work of the Polish Europe Class Association. Sailors from all over the world have already arrived in Gdańsk, and the level of competition promises to be exceptionally high. I’m also delighted that Poland will be represented by a strong national team. I’m confident our sailors will make the most of their knowledge of the local waters and give our supporters plenty to cheer about.”
Press material from the regatta organizer
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