Sopot, Poland — 18–25 July 2026

The ERGO Hestia Techno293 & Techno293Plus European Championships brought together leading young windsurfers for an unforgettable week of competition in Sopot, Poland.

The championships began on 18 July with a spectacular opening ceremony and a colourful parade through the city. Sailors, coaches and supporters proudly represented their nations, creating a festive atmosphere and setting the stage for five demanding days of racing on the Baltic Sea.

Five days of racing in every kind of condition

A total of 272 sailors representing 21 countries competed across seven divisions, making the championships a truly international event. Alongside strong European teams, sailors also travelled from much farther afield.

Competitors arrived in Sopot from Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Peru and New Zealand, among other nations. Some had crossed continents—and, in the case of the New Zealand team, travelled from almost the other side of the world—to take part. Their presence reflected the international reach of the Techno293 and Techno293Plus classes, and the shared enthusiasm for youth windsurfing at the Youth Olympic Games across very different regions.

The seven championship fleets ranged in size from 14 competitors in Techno293Plus Women to 58 in the U13 fleet. The programme included 13 to 15 races for each fleet, giving the sailors many opportunities to demonstrate their speed, consistency and tactical ability.

Over five days, Sopot presented the competitors with almost every challenge windsurfing can offer. Some races were held in light winds, when maintaining board speed, reading small changes in pressure and choosing the correct route around the course were crucial. On other days, gusts exceeded 25 knots and waves approached two metres, placing much greater demands on control, courage and physical endurance.

The constantly changing Baltic conditions meant that no sailor could rely on strength or speed alone. Competitors had to adjust their equipment, technique and tactics from one day to the next – and sometimes from one race to another. Light-wind specialists were challenged to perform when the wind increased, while sailors comfortable in strong conditions also had to show patience and precision during the lighter races.

With long series and two discards available in every division, consistency remained decisive. A single strong race was not enough: the eventual champions were the sailors able to remain competitive throughout the full range of conditions. The variety of wind and waves ensured that the most complete and adaptable sailors emerged as the 2026 European champions.

European Championship podiums

T293 U13

Antal Körtvélyesi (HUN)

Berk Pala (TUR)

Bozok Balci (TUR)

T293 U15 Boys

Joshua Castro Jurek (ESP)

Nino Larmier (FRA)

Simon Pirastu (FRA)

T293 U15 Girls

Alessandra Porcu (ITA)

Jessica Roman (HUN)

Cristina Iglesias Rubio (ESP)

T293 U17 Boys

Evangelos Kyriazakos (GRE)

Spyridon Monastiriotis (GRE)

Francesco Cao (ITA)

T293 U17 Girls

Kyriaki Zerva (GRE)

Evgenia Yvonni Gennimata (GRE)

Johanna Lukk (EST)

T293Plus Men

Panagiotis Ioannou (GRE)

Julien Omey (BEL)

Jasper Heireman (BEL)

T293Plus Women

Defne Egrilmez (TUR)

Euangela-Anna Georgatou (GRE)

Charline Quercy (FRA)

 

Ceri Williams Award presented to Piotr Hlavaty

The championships concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating not only the achievements of the sailors but also the people whose commitment helps windsurfing flourish.

During the ceremony, host-club commodore Piotr Hlavaty received the Ceri Williams Award in recognition of his dedication to windsurfing and his contribution to developing the sport in Poland.

Ceri Williams, the first General Secretary of the International Windsurfing Association, is remembered for his friendship, tireless work ethic, generous smile and willingness to go far beyond the call of duty. His contribution left a lasting mark on the international windsurfing community.

Created in his memory, the Ceri Williams Award honours people who pursue excellence while placing themselves at the service of windsurfing and the young sailors who love the sport. Its recipients embody the values promoted by the IWA through high-quality sporting, educational and teaching activities, while helping windsurfing grow around the world.

Piotr Hlavaty’s award provided a fitting conclusion to a memorable championship-one that combined outstanding racing, demanding Baltic conditions, international friendship and a shared commitment to the future of youth windsurfing.