This year it was on the Polish Vilmsee in the Dramburger lake area of the Pomeranian Lake District with starters from ten nations. The 2018 Ice Sailing World Championship took place in Poland - half a home game for German-Polish Karol Jablonski, who is still the international measure of all things in cold sailing even at the age of 55. For the former America's Cup helmsman, the win meant not only the twelfth world title of his dominant ice sailing career, but also the fifth ice sailing world title in a row. "I still can't believe it myself," he said with a smile after the award ceremony.
These fascinating pictures were taken shortly before the start of the World Cup and show the beauty of cold sailing on runners
Karol Jablonski has won world title number 12 with his DN sailing sled
He had prepared himself and his DN ice sled very intensively for the regatt, said Jablonski, but the competition was ultimately strong and young. "There are a lot of guys who have prepared very well and trained very hard. They are all trying to win this title. But I have it and I am very happy and satisfied with it."
Jablonski cited his ability to recognize wind shifters as the key to his renewed triumph - as well as his comeback qualities. In a good mood, the father of two adult children reminded them that he was "not some kind of god with lots of private gusts" and that he had to take setbacks like in the opening race when he came to a standstill at a turning point with no wind, the boat for a long time had to push and did not finish until eighth. The small setback didn't stop him for long. His competitors - participants and spectators alike - described Jablonski on social networks as an "inspiration" and a "legend of our sport".
Ice sailing world championship 2018 on the Polish Vilmsee: the results