As the countdown to the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships in Puck begins, we’ve gathered words of wisdom from those who’ve been in your shoes. Former Polish sailors—now champions, coaches, and lifelong sea lovers—share their best advice with the young athletes preparing to take on the challenge. From mindset tips to race-day strategies, this five-part series is your personal guide from those who know what it takes.
EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
Anna Weinzieher’s Winning Formula: Routine, Focus, and Smart Decisions
Puck is truly an excellent sailing venue – diverse, challenging, yet also very rewarding. I hope that sailing here brings you lots of joy, becomes a source of unforgettable memories and valuable lessons, and that the experience you gain will pay off in the future – no matter where your sailing journey takes you.
My advice? Preparation and planning are key.
Start with your equipment – even before you rig your boat, make sure everything is ready. Every rope, block, and cleat – everything must work perfectly. If you’re planning any changes to your setup, make them in advance and practice with the exact configuration you’ll use for racing. This will give you confidence and eliminate unnecessary stress.
Create a daily routine – a set of actions you follow before each day of racing. It could be a short warm-up, a conversation with your coach, or a quick weather forecast analysis – something that structures your day and gives you a sense of control. Even in the most intense moments, it’s often the routine that helps you stay calm and focused.
On the water – have a plan and know your priorities – Before you start, take a moment to analyze the day. Think about what will be most important for decision-making on the course – will it be wind shifts, wind strength, or something else? In sailing, you can make very good decisions… but they won’t work if they’re based on the wrong assumptions. For example, even the best “playing the shifts” won’t help if one side of the course has several knots more wind – in that case, wind strength, not shifts, becomes the key.
That’s why it’s so important to have a clear, simple race plan before each start. Know where you want to be on the start line, how you want to sail the first beat, which tack is favored, or which part of the course should be sailed safely and where it’s worth taking a risk. Having a plan gives you an edge. You’ll react faster and more confidently than those who hit the course without one.
Having a plan gives you an edge. You’ll react faster and more confidently than those who hit the course without one.
You know that feeling when everything just clicks? – When you’re leading the fleet, feeling calm and confident, like everything is going exactly as you planned? That’s not a coincidence. That’s the result of preparation, planning, and focus. That’s exactly what I wish for you – races where everything comes together.
Competing in the European Championships is a great privilege – take full advantage of it. Have fun, enjoy the competition, and remember: every hour spent on the water is a step forward.
See you on the course and good luck in Puck!
All the best,
Anna Weinzieher
For more expert tips and insights from Poland’s top local sailors, visit the News section on the official event website at https://2025-ilca4youth.eurilca-europeans.org/. Stay informed and prepare to make the most of your experience at the 2025 ILCA 4 Youth European Championship & Open European Trophy in Puck!
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Source: ILCA Team Poland | Cover photo: Rober Hadjuk.
