Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major2
83%
Finn Open and U29 European Championship 2026 Underway After Stormy Start
After a thunderstorm caused heavy rain and flooding, the 2026 Finn Open and U29 European Championship in Gdynia, Poland, began with a practice race and opening ceremony. Racing is set to start on Tuesday under forecast dry and hot conditions with light to moderate winds.
Quick Facts
Who
Rob McMillan (Finn Class President)
What
Equipment inspection and registration
When
June 20-27, 2026
Where
Gdynia, Poland
- Equipment inspection and registration
- Practice race on Monday
- Opening ceremony at Marina Gdynia
- Racing scheduled to start Tuesday at 12:00
- 10-race series from Tuesday to Saturday
The 2026 Finn Open and U29 European Championship, part of the LOTTO Gdynia Sailing Days, officially began on Monday with a practice race and an opening ceremony, following three days of equipment inspection and registration. A total of 103 sailors from 17 countries are competing in the event, which runs from June 20 to 27 in Gdynia, Poland.
On Sunday evening, a major thunderstorm swept through the area, bringing heavy rain, local flooding, thunder and lightning, after several days of extreme heat and light winds. However, the weather forecast for the remainder of the week predicts dry, hot conditions with sunny skies and light to moderate winds, offering favorable conditions for racing.
The practice race held on Monday afternoon saw winds of 10 to 15 knots from the north and high temperatures. Finn Class President Rob McMillan led around the top mark, followed by IFA Vice President Arkadii Kistanov (Italy) and defending champion Valerian Lebrun (France). Many competitors withdrew, but Finn Class Vice President Andrzej Romanowski (Poland) crossed the finish line first among the remaining boats.
During the opening ceremony at Marina Gdynia, Tomasz Chamera, Vice President of World Sailing, welcomed participants, saying, "I do hope that the facilities in Gdynia, and the wind conditions will be very useful for you." McMillan noted the strong Polish presence, with over 40 competitors from Poland compared to 15 in 2020, and officially declared the championship open.
The competitive series begins on Tuesday at 12:00 local time. The forecast for Tuesday is light, though an onshore breeze in the afternoon may provide a window for racing. The 10-race series continues through Saturday.
Topics
Why This Matters
This championship is a key event for the Finn class sailing community, attracting over 100 sailors from 17 countries. The weather resilience demonstrated and the competitive field—including defending champion Valerian Lebrun—make it a critical benchmark for Olympic and world championship preparations. For readers interested in sailing, it offers insight into regatta organization under adverse weather and a preview of top-tier competition.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 20, 2026
WireEquipment inspection and registration begin
Jun 21, 2026
WireMajor thunderstorm brings heavy rain, flooding, and lightning
Jun 22, 2026
WirePractice race sailed; opening ceremony held at Marina Gdynia in the evening
Jun 23, 2026
WireRacing series begins at 12:00 local time; 10-race series runs through June 27
Jun 27, 2026
WireChampionship concludes