Sail the Thrilling Waves of the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships: Recounting a Spectacular Day 2 and Dramatic Day 3

On the heels of a spirited Day 1, the action continued to captivate on Day 2 of the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships & Open European Trophy held in Puck, Poland. With steady winds averaging 14 knots and occasional gusts cresting over 20 knots, the call of the open sea rang out loud and clear. Just after morning’s arrival, the first warning signal pierced the dawn, marking the beginning of another thrilling day of sailing competitions that, despite initial drizzles, transformed into a partially cloudy spectacle.

The elite clusters of youthful sailors- all 440 of them from seven different fleets- displayed their nautical prowess across two gruelling races, keeping the audience on tenterhooks. The final race culminated in a well-earned respite onshore, where the sailors relished a restful meal and rejuvenated themselves for the upcoming challenges.

The excitement carried through to Day 3, the final qualifying day. All six races scheduled were completed despite capricious winds creating an unpredictable environment on the Boys’ and Girls’ courses. The indomitable young sailors navigated these testing conditions with unwavering resolve, with the first to unfurl their sails hitting the water at 11:45. As the day wore on, the aquatic ballet was blessed with sunny skies, flat waters and benign winds between 4 to 6 knots, proving that every sailing challenge brings a different set of variables for its sailor-protagonists to master.

This illustrious event, represented by a record-breaking 440 participants from 41 countries, wouldn’t have been possible without the resilient organizational fabric composed of the Polish ILCA Class Association Team Poland, the Polish Yachting Association, and EurILCA. The event also garnered generous patronage from the City of Puck, Marina Puck and Invest Puck Sp. z o.o., alongside several event partners and media houses.