Europe Class World Championship 2026 at Gdansk - Overall
by Europe Class World Championship 2026 12 Jul 19:31 BST
7-12 July 2026
After nine races sailed in demanding conditions on the waters of the Gulf of Gdansk, the new Europe Class World Champions have been crowned. Martin Brønlund Olesen (Denmark) claimed the men's world title, while Marie-Amandine Vandeghinste (Belgium) secured victory in the women's championship.
The host nation also celebrated an outstanding performance, with Jeremi Zimny and Weronika Glinkiewicz-Madej both winning bronze medals.
The 2026 Europe Class World Championships brought together more than 90 sailors from 13 nations, confirming Gdansk's position as one of Europe's premier sailing venues. The event was hosted by the City of Gdansk and organised by Yacht Club Gdansk, AZS COSA Gdansk and the Polish Europe Class Association. The championship was co-funded by the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism.
Although the opening two days of racing were lost to storm-force conditions, the Race Committee successfully adapted the schedule and completed all nine championship races. Throughout the week, sailors faced strong northerly and north-westerly winds combined with steep Gulf of Gdansk waves, creating exactly the kind of conditions that define championship sailing.
Men - Olesen completes his journey to the world title, Poland celebrates bronze
The men's championship was dominated by Martin Brønlund Olesen (Denmark), who won seven of the nine races and finished the regatta with just seven net points. Cyril Richard (France) claimed the silver medal, while Poland's Jeremi Zimny completed the podium with bronze.
Final Men's Podium
1. Martin Brønlund Olesen (Denmark)
2. Cyril Richard (France)
3. Jeremi Zimny (Poland)
For Olesen, the victory marked the culmination of several years of steady progress. After finishing third two years ago and second last season, he finally claimed his first World Championship title in his fifth appearance.
"I couldn't have asked for better conditions. Even if I could choose the weather, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Strong wind and big waves are exactly where I'm at my best. I'll never forget this week," said the new World Champion.
The Danish sailor also praised the venue and the organisation.
"The waves made the racing fantastic. It was incredible to have wind on the racecourse while the harbour stayed calm. The organisers reacted whenever there was an opportunity to improve things, and overall they did a great job."
For Poland's Jeremi Zimny, the bronze medal represents the biggest achievement of his sailing career. Returning to the World Championship after a four-year absence, he improved dramatically from 13th place at his previous Worlds.
"I'm extremely happy. Before the championship I was hoping to finish in the top ten, so standing on the podium is an amazing surprise. The strong breeze suited me perfectly."
Zimny also highlighted the advantage of racing on familiar waters and thanked those who supported him throughout his career.
"I live close to Gdansk, so in many ways it felt like racing at home. I'd like to thank my coach, Jan Szczyglewski, whom I've worked with for eighteen years, as well as everyone who helped me along the way. It's also fantastic to see the Europe Class growing again in Poland, with both our men's and women's teams winning medals."
Women - Belgium takes gold, Glinkiewicz-Madej returns to the world championship podium
In the women's championship, Marie-Amandine Vandeghinste (Belgium) claimed the world title ahead of Sophie Menke (Germany), while Poland's Weronika Glinkiewicz-Madej secured the bronze medal.
Final Women's Podium
1. Marie-Amandine Vandeghinste (Belgium)
2. Sophie Menke (Germany)
3. Weronika Glinkiewicz-Madej (Poland)
The Belgian champion returned to the Europe Class after many years away from international competition, having taken time to focus on her studies and family. Her comeback was built on careful preparation, particularly her physical conditioning.
"I focused mainly on my fitness before the championship. I enjoy sailing in every condition, but especially in strong wind and big waves. After the regatta we're staying in Poland for another week to enjoy some family time."
For Weronika Glinkiewicz-Madej, a former Olympian in the Europe Class, the bronze medal was particularly satisfying after returning to competition following injury and limited preparation.
"I'm very happy with third place. I didn't have much time to prepare, and until recently I was still working with my physiotherapist. That makes this medal even more rewarding."
The experienced Polish sailor also spoke about the unique spirit of the Europe Class.
"Europe is simply the best sailing class in the world. You can adapt the boat to the sailor rather than the other way around. Since it is no longer an Olympic class, our fleet has become smaller, but much closer. We're like one big family, helping each other and enjoying sailing together."
She also praised the racing conditions throughout the week.
"I'm delighted we had so much wind. Summer sailing in Poland often means light breezes, so these were real sailing conditions - strong wind, big waves and exciting, high-speed racing."
The 2026 Europe Class World Championship once again demonstrated Gdansk's ability to host world-class sailing events. Despite a challenging start caused by severe weather, the organisers successfully delivered a full championship programme, while competitors consistently praised both the quality of the race management and the outstanding sailing conditions on the Gulf of Gdansk.
With two home medals, a highly competitive international fleet and spectacular racing throughout the week, the 2026 Europe Class World Championship will be remembered as one of the highlights of this year's international sailing calendar.
Live results are available here