PIMEW Offshore Wind Energy Cup 2026 

PIMEW Offshore Wind Energy Cup 2026 was memorable not only because the Wind & Water Legal Zbroja crew finished second in the overall standings, but above all because of the atmosphere, excitement and level of sporting competition that accompanied us throughout the weekend. 

It was clear from Monday’s opening ceremony that this would be a truly special edition. Meetings with representatives from across the offshore wind sector, discussions about projects being carried out in the Baltic Sea and the exchange of experience demonstrated just how rapidly Poland’s offshore wind industry is developing. Among the most frequently discussed topics were the creation of a domestic supply chain, the development of installation and service ports, investment in grid infrastructure, and preparations for the next stages of offshore project delivery. 

Moments like these are among the greatest benefits of these regattas. In our day-to-day work, we collaborate on complex projects, often knowing one another only through video conferences or email correspondence. In Sopot, we had the opportunity to meet face to face, talk and get to know better the people working together to build the future of Poland’s offshore wind sector. 

From the beginning, however, it was clear that there would be no room for “leisurely sailing” on the water. Conditions became increasingly demanding with each race. The wind steadily gathered strength, eventually making it impossible to use the gennakers. Even the mainsails had to be reefed, but as it turned out, the smaller sail area was more than enough to get the yachts planing and provide the crews with plenty of excitement. 

Tuesday’s races were a true test of skill, concentration and teamwork. The leading crews were separated by the narrowest of margins, with finishing positions often determined by a single manoeuvre, a sound tactical decision or a swift response to changing conditions. Each race had its own story, and the competitors’ sporting level was truly impressive. 

We will particularly remember the qualifying stage of the regatta. In one of the decisive races, we were leading the fleet when our crew line-up unexpectedly changed, as one of our crew members… decided to go for a swim (that is, of course, a joke – the swim was definitely not intentional). Despite the fierce battle for the final result, true to the principle that “we leave no crew member behind”, we turned back to retrieve our crew member, losing valuable metres and positions in the process. We ultimately managed to finish the race in third place, which was one of the most satisfying moments of the entire regatta and the best possible proof that sporting results are never more important than people. 

Throughout the regatta, the competition remained incredibly close. Every mistake came at a cost, every well-executed manoeuvre provided an advantage, and the crews fought for their positions right up to the very end. This makes it all the more rewarding that, as Wind & Water Legal Zbroja, we were able to maintain our focus, consistently stay among the leading teams and ultimately finish second in the overall standings. 

Congratulations are due to the winning crew from the Sea Agency in Gdynia (Morska Agencja Gdynia), which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, as well as to the STBU crew, who rounded out the podium. Our recognition, however, goes to all the participants who took to the starting line and competed in demanding conditions throughout the weekend, demonstrating a high standard of sailing and true sporting spirit. 

The PIMEW Offshore Wind Energy Cup once again reminded us why the offshore wind community is so exceptional. Competition on the water is uncompromising, yet everyone fully understands the importance of collaboration, trust and responsibility for the team. These are values that equally well define our day-to-day work on offshore wind projects. 

We return from Sopot with second place, but above all with the sense that we have formed a truly close-knit crew. Experiences like these stay with us far longer than any position in the final standings. 

This year, Wind & Water Legal were represented by: 

• Patryk Zbroja – skipper,
• Gosia Wojtysiak – jib trimmer,
• Maciej Janicki – bowman,
• Bartek Sierkowski – backstay trimmer,
• Sandra Murawska – onshore support.