Intermarine UK’s sponsorship of Polish sailors Aleksandra Melzacka and Sandra Jankowiak was proudly on display as the pair secured second place at the 2026 Gdynia Test Event.
The 49erFX team competed against an international fleet on the waters of Gdynia, Poland, from 14 to 19 July. After several days of fast and closely fought racing, Aleksandra and Sandra finished the event in second place with 31 points.
Their week included two race wins and a run of consistent results that kept them firmly in contention for the top spot. Danish sisters Johanne and Andrea Schmidt took the overall win, while Estonia’s Helen Pais and Helen Ausman completed the podium.
The result continues a strong season for Aleksandra and Sandra, who have also collected bronze medals at both the 2026 49erFX World Championships and European Championships.
Competing on home waters
The Gdynia Test Event formed part of the 27th LOTTO Gdynia Sailing Days and brought together leading 49er and 49erFX teams from across Europe and further afield.
For Aleksandra and Sandra, the event offered the chance to race on familiar waters in front of a home crowd. Conditions across the week kept the fleet on its toes, with changing winds testing each team’s communication, decision-making and boat handling.
That is all part of the challenge of 49erFX racing. The Olympic-class skiff is quick, physical and highly responsive. Both sailors need to work in complete sync, reacting to changes in the wind and water while making split-second tactical decisions.
It was fantastic to see the Intermarine UK name carried across the team’s black spinnaker as they raced around Gdynia Bay.
Backing a team at the top of their sport
Aleksandra and Sandra are established members of Poland’s national sailing team and represented their country in the women’s skiff event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Their progress since then has placed them among the leading crews in the international 49erFX fleet. Success at this level takes years of training, travel and preparation, both on and off the water.
Through our sponsorship, we are pleased to play a part in their journey and help them continue competing on the international stage.
It is also a natural partnership for us. Intermarine UK works across the marine and shipbuilding industries, so supporting a team whose success depends on skill, teamwork and a close connection to the sea feels right.
Looking towards 2027 and beyond
The Gdynia Test Event was more than another regatta. It also gave sailors and organisers the chance to prepare for the World Sailing Championships, which will take place in the city from 22 July to 1 August 2027.
That championship will act as the first major qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17 and 470 classes.
Racing at the venue now gives Aleksandra and Sandra valuable experience as they continue building towards the next stage of their campaign.
Their second-place finish in Gdynia adds another podium to an already impressive 2026 season, and we look forward to following their progress over the coming months.
Congratulations to Aleksandra and Sandra on a great result from everyone at Intermarine UK.
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