2025 Wingfoil Racing Youth and Masters World Championships Praia Da Vitoria - Day 3
by WingFoil Racing World Cup 24 Oct 22:29 BST
21-26 October 2025
2025 Wingfoil Racing Youth and Masters Worlds Day 3 © IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Families, Cows, and Calm Before the Storm!
Light winds kept the fleet ashore at the WingFoil Racing Youth and Masters World Championships which means racing will resume on Saturday with the leading riders separated by just a few points.
While the sails stayed furled, the riders made the most of a mellow pre-storm Friday exploring the island and its famous cute cows. Known for their role in the island's world-class cheese making, the local cattle once again proved a hit with competitors enjoying some downtime before conditions ramp up.
With a powerful swell already building and a storm forecast to bring 20-30 knot winds and four-metre waves on Saturday, the riders can't wait to get back on the racecourse.
The day off also gave the Masters competitors a chance to share wisdom and encouragement with the younger athletes chasing Youth world titles. Among those enjoying the relaxed atmosphere were Poland's family teams, a true reflection of the sport's multigenerational spirit.
Forty-seven-year-old Paulina Ziolkowska, who runs a watersports shop in Poland, is competing in the Masters fleet. Her 13 year old daughter Blanka Jerzelkowska is taking part in the Youth World Championship. Paulina said her daughter's determination sets her apart.
"She's pretty stubborn. She doesn't learn super-fast but is super-stubborn in what she does. Like she learnt pump foiling earlier this year and she must have stuck at it for 500 times but never gave up. We're close but she's very independent, I think sailors are all like that."
Paulina also praised Blanka's sense of responsibility, both on and off the water: "She's aware of what she needs to do with schoolwork. I guess if she becomes a professional sportswoman then she'll also have to approach schoolwork professionally."
Blanka, meanwhile, keeps her mother's advice close to heart: "The best advice my mum gives me is to just have fun on the water and don't worry about the result."
Also representing Poland are Grzegorz and Kalina Grabski, a father and daughter duo.
Greg, who is competing in the Masters as he transitions from a business career to a life on the water, is hoping to become WingFoil Racing's first Masters World Champion.
"The Polish team has a coach, so I don't really have to coach Kalina," he explained. "But I do try to help her with her mental attitude. I tell her to think about the goal and not to worry about being at the top but to focus on how to sail. Of course, when we're both out competing, I always have an eye on where she is and how she's doing, even when I'm racing in the Masters."
Kalina returned the compliment, adding: "He's a really good teacher. We have fun and I think we have a good relationship."
With the storm now on its way, the atmosphere in the event village is electric.
Saturday promises the return of racing in spectacular, hair-raising conditions; huge waves, strong winds and all the excitement the riders have been waiting for.
More information and full results here.