Marstrand 2025: New Champions, Fresh Legends, and History Rewritten at the ILCA Europeans
Marstrand 2025: New Champions, Fresh Legends, and History Rewritten at the ILCA Europeans
ILCA 7: Britain Extends Its Empire on the Water
Once again, Great Britain proved the dominant force in the ILCA 7 class. Their medal count now sits at 40 – more than double Germany’s tally and far ahead of Sweden and Croatia. Michael Beckett GBR stood tall with Gold, his teammate Finley Dickinson GBR took Bronze, and Silver went to Duko Bos NED. For Dickinson and Bos, it was their very first ILCA Senior Europeans medal – proof that a new generation is breaking through.
Beckett, visibly drained but smiling, called it one of his hardest wins: “It’s Europeans, a big event, a lot of history. I didn’t have much prep, but when it mattered in Gold Fleet, it came together. I wouldn’t have been happy anywhere but first.” This was Beckett’s fifth career medal (2 Gold, 3 Silver), cementing him among the greats. Only Paul Goodison GBR, Ben Ainslie GBR, and Tonči Stipanović CRO rank higher in the all-time European standings.
ILCA 6 Women:
A Gold Eight Years in the Making
For Denmark’s Anna Munch, Marstrand was pure magic. After eight years of chasing the European podium, she finally struck Gold – her first medal at this level. “It was tight until the end. I’ve worked for this for eight years – it’s the best feeling ever. Now I need a holiday… and a beer!”
Agata Barwińska POL claimed Silver, completing her career “full set” of European medals – 2 Gold, 1 Bronze, and now a Silver – making her one of the most decorated active ILCA 6 sailors. Emma Plasschaert BEL added another Bronze, bringing her tally to three.
ILCA 6 Men:
Youth, Grit, and a Master’s Surprise
The ILCA 6 Men’s title was decided on a knife-edge. Josip Tafra CRO and Jiri Tomes CZE tied on 33 points, with Tafra taking Gold on countback and Tomes taking Silver. Lovre Bakotić CRO edged Bronze after another points tie with John Frederik Wolff DEN.
One of the most admired performances came from veteran Carlos Martinez ESP, a Master sailor who stunned the boat park by finishing fifth overall against rivals half his age. Proof that guile and grit can match youth and fitness.
The First Under 23 Titles: New Names in the History Books
For the first time, Under 23 European titles were awarded – an innovation that gave younger sailors their own place in the spotlight.
ILCA 7 U23:
Finley Dickinson GBR claimed Gold to go with his senior Bronze, ahead of Attilio Borio ITA (Silver) and Rem Pulci Magen ISR (Bronze).
ILCA 6 Women U23:
Anja Von Allmen SUI won Gold, with Roos Wind NED taking Silver and Eve McMahon IRL the Bronze.
The Open European Trophy: World-Class Visitors
The Open Trophy reminded everyone this wasn’t just a European show. New Zealand’s George Gautrey stormed into second overall in ILCA 7, while Australia’s Mara Stransky did the same in the ILCA 6 Women. Their podiums highlighted the depth of global talent on display in Marstrand.
A Championship to Remember
The 2025 Europeans will be remembered for breakthrough victories, career-defining medals, and historic milestones that reshaped the leaderboards. New champions were minted, veterans cemented their legacies, and the ILCA story grew another rich chapter.
From the crowded boat park to the sweeping island racecourses, Marstrand 2025 showed that Europe’s sailing heartbeat remains as strong as ever – with fresh faces joining the roll of legends.