The 2026 KIA Windsurfer European Championship concluded after a week of racing at Union-Yacht-Club Attersee, Austria. From 26–31 May, sailors from around the world gathered on one of Europe’s most picturesque lakes to compete in a championship that celebrated both the sporting challenge and the unique spirit of the Windsurfer Class.
Blessed with stunning Alpine scenery and excellent hospitality, competitors completed a series that combined Course Racing with a spectacular Long Distance Race, rewarding tactical skill, board handling, endurance and consistency in tactical conditions.
A total of 121 sailors competed across five fleets, ranging from Youth sailors to some of the sport’s most experienced champions, demonstrating the truly intergenerational nature of Windsurfer racing.
A Group
A Group featured a world-class podium, with Olympic gold medallists Christoph Sieber (AUT) and Bruce Kendall (NZL) finishing first and third respectively. Sieber secured the win through a highly consistent series, while Peter Van Schie (NED) claimed second place between the two Olympic champions.
1. Christoph Sieber (AUT)
2. Peter Van Schie (NED)
3. Bruce Kendall (NZL)
B Group
Germany’s Lasse Brudek delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the championship to take victory in B Group. Jan Skrepek (CZE) secured second place, while Alessandro Torzoni (ITA) completed the podium after a closely contested series.
1. Lasse Brudek (GER)
2. Jan Skrepek (CZE)
3. Alessandro Torzoni (ITA)
C Group
The battle for victory in C Group went right down to the wire. Jean Michel Pautrec (FRA) and Davide Gessa (ITA) finished level on points after seven races, with Pautrec taking the title on countback. Lennart Cnossen (NED) completed the top three.
1. Jean Michel Pautrec (FRA)
2. Davide Gessa (ITA)
3. Lennart Cnossen (NED)
D Group
Marcel van der Ploeg (NED) was the standout performer in D Group, winning four races on his way to the European title. Karel Lavicky (CZE) finished second, while Finland’s Juha Blinnikka secured third place.
1. Marcel van der Ploeg (NED)
2. Karel Lavicky (CZE)
3. Juha Blinnikka (FIN)
Women’s Fleet
The Women’s title was won convincingly by Olga Gorbatykh (USA), who dominated the fleet with all race victories but one. Bruna Ferracane (ITA) finished as runner-up, while Benedetta Barone (ITA) secured third place overall.
1. Olga Gorbatykh (USA)
2. Bruna Ferracane (ITA)
3. Benedetta Barone (ITA)
The championship once again showcased everything that makes Windsurfer racing special: competitive racing, a welcoming atmosphere, and sailors spanning generations sharing the same start lines and social events. From Youth competitors to Olympic champions and Windsurfer legends, Lake Attersee provided the perfect stage for another memorable European Championship.
The IWA and Class would like to thank Union-Yacht-Club Attersee, the volunteers, race officials, sponsors, and all competitors who contributed to the success of the event.
Results: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/14967/event
