DN World and European Championships 2026 in Poland
by Darius Gerasimavicius 25 Feb 11:45 GMT
DN World and European Championships in Poland © Gwidon Libera
A Historic Season of Ice, Endurance and Excellence - an Estonian Triumph and a Dramatic Ice Odyssey
The DN World and European Championships this year became a remarkable story of endurance, professionalism, and organisational resilience. A total of 120 pilots from 15 countries gathered to compete for the most prestigious titles in ice sailing.
The organisation of the championship was entrusted to the Polish DN fleet, which carried out extensive preparation. However, nature intervened and reshaped the plans.
From Swedish Bays to Poland's Lake Bukowo
Due to a sudden warm spell in Poland, ice conditions became unsafe. The decision was made to begin the championship in Sweden, in Norrköping - Kalmarden Bay. Poland remained the Organising Country, while Sweden was named the Host Country.
Although the ice thickness was sufficient and snow-free - ideal for DN speeds - the Race Committee identified numerous deep cracks that posed serious risks. After long discussions, the C fleet qualification was conducted. However, during the race Latvian pilot Madars Alvikis (O-31) broke his rudder after hitting a crack. The incident clearly demonstrated that racing could not continue safely at that venue.
Alternative Swedish locations were inspected but proved unsuitable. The entire championship caravan then relocated to Poland - Darlowo region, Dabki, Lake Bukowo - where ice conditions finally met the required standards.
The Gold Fleet - A Stage of Mastery and Intrigue
In the Gold Fleet, Estonian sailor Rasmus Malin (C-20) confidently won the first two races. Closely following him was multiple-time World Champion Karolis Jablonskis (P-36), finishing second.
The second race brought drama near the top mark when Dariusz Kosecki (P-125) was involved in a collision, resulting in a lost mast fixation. This incident significantly reshuffled the standings.
The third race became a remarkable comeback story. Starting from a distant position, Jablonskis capitalized on wind shifts and showcased exceptional speed to take victory. His performance once again demonstrated world-class skill.
Winning the fourth race as well, Jablonskis reignited the title battle. However, the wind began to ease and time was running short. If a fifth race had not been completed, sailors would not have been allowed to discard their worst result under championship rules.
The Race Committee worked with exceptional professionalism. Despite having to adjust the course five times due to shifting winds, they successfully launched the decisive fifth race.
Historic Estonian Triumph
After five races, a new World Champion was crowned.
Rasmus Malin became the first Estonian sailor since independence to win the DN World Championship title. It took 40 years since Tiit Hagmas' historic victory representing the USSR for Estonia to reclaim the world crown. This achievement marks a stunning milestone for the young Estonian talent.
World Gold Fleet podium:
1st - Rasmus Malin (C-20), Estonia
2nd - Karolis Jablonskis (P-36), Poland
3rd - Argo Vooremma (C-36), Estonia
World Silver Fleet podium:
1st - Maxime Bachelin (Z-119), Switzerland
2nd - Tom Hogard (S-906), Sweden
3rd - Tomas Frisian (S-878), Sweden
World Bronze Fleet podium:
1st - Laura Banach (P-102), Poland
2nd - Bernard Van'tity (Z-124), Switzerland
3rd - Kimmo Vilamaa (L-147), Finland
This championship was not only a sporting triumph but also a testament to organisational excellence. The relocation between two countries, challenging ice conditions, logistical demands, and critical safety decisions demonstrated the DN community's ability to adapt swiftly and professionally.
In the end, the championship was completed with five decisive races, historic achievements, and a new World Champion crowned after one of the most dramatic ice odysseys in recent DN history.
DN European Championship: Tactical Drama, Experience and a Historic Season
Immediately following the World Championship, competitors turned their focus to the DN European Championship. This time there was sufficient wind, though highly variable, demanding maximum concentration and tactical flexibility from every sailor.
The Race Committee, led by Arek Ornovski, worked professionally to ensure that racing was conducted in full compliance with DN class regulations despite the challenging and shifting conditions.
Gold Fleet - Decided in the Final Metres
The opening race was won by Lukasz Zakrzewski, followed closely by newly crowned World Champion Rasmus Malin (C-20), with Karolis Jablonskis (P-36) finishing third.
In the second race, John Kistler (C-53, Estonia) entered the title fight with a victory. Shifting winds reshuffled the order: Zakrzewski finished 12th, Malin 4th, and Jablonskis 5th.
The decisive third race ultimately determined the championship. Although Michal Burczynski (P-114) won the race, it was not enough to secure a medal.
Rasmus Malin finished second, securing the European Championship title. Lukasz Zakrzewski clinched silver by finishing 5th and staying ahead of Jablonskis. Karolis Jablonskis narrowly missed the podium by only a few points.
European Silver Fleet podium:
1st - Thomas Huber (G-8), Germany
2nd - Thomas Ebler (D-112), Denmark
3rd - Oscar Lindell (L-132), Finland
European Bronze Fleet podium:
1st - Sam Fagerlund (L-69), Finland
2nd - Krzysztof Prot (P-442), Poland
3rd - Jean-Pierre Comtesse (Z-47), Switzerland
The Bronze Fleet delivered one of the most remarkable stories of the championship. Jean-Pierre Comtesse (Z-47), aged 82, demonstrated that in this highly technical sport, experience, equipment management, and tactical precision can prevail over youthful energy. His podium finish in shifting wind conditions stands as a unique and inspiring achievement.
Women in DN Ice Sailing: Growing Presence in an Extreme Sport
DN ice sailing continues to place increasing emphasis on female participation. The number of women competitors is steadily growing in this extreme and technically demanding sport.
At both the World and European Championships, the women's podium was identical. Germany's Anja Fiedler (G-390) claimed victory in the women's classification at both events. Second place was secured by Laura Banach (P-102, MKZ Mikolajki, Poland), while Weronika Martynowska (P-379, Yacht Klub Polski Warszawa) finished third in both championships.
The growing participation of women represents an important evolution of the class, demonstrating rising competitiveness and inclusivity within the international DN community.
Together, the 2026 DN World and European Championships will be remembered as a season defined by relocation, variable ice and wind, historic victories, generational excellence, and the continued evolution of one of the most unique winter sports in the world.