This June, the coastal town of Puck becomes more than just a sailing destination—it becomes a beacon of sustainability. As host of the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth European Championship & Open European Trophy, Puck will not only welcome top young sailors from across the continent, but also launch a far-reaching environmental campaign: “Young Sailors for the Baltic Sea”.
Blending elite competition with ecological commitment, this unique event is part of the EurILCA Sustainability Programme, and proudly supported by Sailors for the Sea. The regattas are a rallying call to protect marine ecosystems—and a model for how sport can lead by example.
Sustainability in action – Highlight initiatives
Learning with Purpose: WWF Education at Sea
In partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), tailored workshops will bring the Baltic Sea’s beauty and fragility into focus. Reaching audiences from classrooms to competition fleets, this effort will include:
- 1,000+ primary school students from Puck
- Nearly 500 ILCA 4 competitors
- 80+ pupils from the Special Educational and Upbringing Centre in Puck
Hands-On Conservation: The Great Coastal Cleanup
Sailors and volunteers will come together to clean a 4-kilometer stretch of coastline between the Puck marina and Błądzikowo—removing waste, raising awareness, and leaving a lasting impact.
32 Hours of Education & Inspiration
For the public, visitors, and athletes alike, a compelling program of lectures and film screenings will dive into ocean health and environmental stewardship. Topics include:
- Guide to Our Future
- Ghost Nets
- WWF’s 100-Year Legacy
- Life for the Dunes PL (University of Gdańsk)
- Coastal Landscape Park Ecosystems
- WWF Blue Patrol
Regattas with a Green Heart
Sustainability will run through every part of the event:
- No single-use plastic
- Community engagement and education
- Robust waste management and daily cleanups
- Promotion of green boating and eco-conscious equipment
Champions for Change
The message of sustainability is amplified by some of Poland’s top sailing icons—Olympians, ILCA champions, and multi-time medalists who embody both competitive excellence and environmental responsibility. Among them: Kacper Ziemiński, Karol Jabłoński, Maciej Grabowski, Anna Weinzieher, and Marcin Rudawski.
Their leadership sends a clear signal: sailing isn’t just a sport—it’s a platform for change. And the future of the Baltic depends on how we sail today.
About the event
The ILCA 4 Youth class is a cornerstone of competitive youth sailing, designed for younger sailors transitioning into high-performance racing. With its manageable sail size and globally standardized design, it offers an ideal platform for developing key racing skills, tactical thinking, and boat handling.
The ILCA 4 Youth European Championships is one of the most important events on the youth sailing calendar, bringing together top talent from across the continent. This year’s edition will be especially significant, featuring a record-breaking participation of 470 sailors, making it the largest in the event’s history.
For further information about the event and how to follow it online, please visit the official event website: https://2025-ilca4youth.eurilca-europeans.org
Keep smiling, keep sailing!
The EurILCA Team
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Source: Dorota Bartkowiak – ILCA Team Poland | Photo archive: 2025 EurILCA Europa Cup ITA – Yacht Club Imperia – Zero Gradi Nord.
