Olympic Talent, and Unpredictable Winds in Balatonfüred
From the very first boat arriving at the Balatonfüredi Yacht Club, it was clear that this year’s edition would be a record-breaker. The ILCA 4 class (formerly Laser 4.7) was the star of the show, with 84 entries, making it the largest fleet of the event. The ILCA 6 class drew international attention with high-profile sailors including Nethra Kumanan (India), the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympic Games in sailing, Ameena Shah (Kuwait), and Ines Gmati (Tunisia). The ILCA 7 fleet featured some of Eastern Europe’s top talent, ensuring fierce competition across all classes.
A regatta shaped by the wind gods
Lake Balaton is famous for its shifting breezes, and this year the sailors had to endure every trick in the book.
Day 1: Despite the optimism, no races could be sailed as the lake lay flat under glassy, windless skies. Sailors swapped tiller extensions for table football paddles, as the yacht club kept spirits high with games and a communal dinner.
Day 2: The long wait was rewarded with two valid races for both ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 fleets. Winds were unstable and shifty, making every decision critical. Race committees faced a tough day with multiple restarts, while sailors were tested to the limit in tactical patience.
Day 3: Frustration returned as light airs once again failed to materialise. The race committee waited, but by afternoon the call was made—no more racing. The regatta would stand on the slim but valid results from Day 2.
Despite the weather challenges, the regatta’s social atmosphere and record participation made it a memorable event.
Podium glory: Final results
When the breeze finally allowed, the competition was tight and unforgiving. The prize-giving ceremony at Balatonfüredi Yacht Club highlighted the winners across all divisions.
ILCA 4 Girls
Alexandra Ivanova (CRO) – 14 pts
Emily Fenech (MLT) – 20 pts
Liliana Dymak (CZE) – 28 pts
ILCA 4 Boys
Edi Jurman (CRO) – 2 pts
Marek Stolba (CZE) – 9 pts
Isaac Azzopardi (MLT) – 11 pts
ILCA 6 Women
Kristina Boja (SRB) – 28 pts
Sára Lackó (HUN) – 29 pts
Sofiia Naumenko (UKR) – 34 pts
ILCA 6 Men
Máté Pour (HUN) – 10 pts
Jeremias Prikryl (CZE) – 10 pts
Pal Bite (HUN) – 10 pts
ILCA 7 (Open)
Semen Khashchyna (UKR) – 6 pts
Bence Sellei (HUN) – 6 pts
Valeriy Kudryashov (UKR) – 7 pts
Ties were a theme, with several podiums decided only on countback—proof of the evenly matched nature of the fleets.
Beyond the results: Community and camaraderie
Events like the Europa Cup Balatonfüred are about more than just podium finishes. They are about growing the sport, encouraging youth sailors, and offering a stage where Olympians and amateurs share the same starting line. The communal dinners, laughter in the boat park, and the sight of 177 boats on Lake Balaton are what truly define the event.
The organisers at Balatonfüredi Yacht Club, together with sponsors and volunteers, once again proved why this venue is a cornerstone of European dinghy racing.
Conclusion
The 2025 EurILCA Europa Cup HUN was a regatta of extremes: record fleets, Olympians in action, unpredictable winds, and unforgettable memories. Even with just two races sailed, the event delivered on its promise—competition at the highest level, camaraderie across nations, and Lake Balaton’s unique charm at the heart of it all.
As sailors look ahead to the next Europa Cup stop, the Balatonfüred edition will be remembered as both a challenge and a celebration of what makes dinghy sailing special.