The ice sailor huddle
DN Worlds 2026
Site Change
Tuesday night the European secretaries, the PRO, and race leadership met to discuss options. The course at Kolmården had proven too short for the wind strength we were seeing, and cracks had developed near the weather mark. After reviewing the conditions, the PRO and race organization concluded that the race course could not carry a world championship properly.
EU Commodore John Winquist led the meeting. Everyone was heard. The discussion was thorough and direct, and by the end of the evening a clear plan was in place. Scouts were dispatched to nearby Swedish lakes and back into Poland to reassess earlier venues.
Wednesday morning the hotel lobby was full. Sailors from across Europe, along with the North Americans, had checked out and were standing by with gear stacked along the walls, waiting for the decision. When the call came, phones were out and ferry reservations began immediately.
The regatta will return to its original host country of Poland. The chosen venue is Lake Bukowo, one of the first lakes scouted before the championship began. Earlier concerns about snow cover had partly led to Sweden being selected. This time the snow missed the lake, and reports from scouts are strong.
Racing is scheduled to begin Thursday on Lake Bukowo. The Americans and Canadians are making the move as well.
My part of this journey ends here as I head into Norway with my brother while the championship continues.
Follow along on the usual channels and on David Frost’s Facebook page.
