SWEC – Day 0

Tønsberg, Norway, August 15, 2026. Although Norway has experienced a rather hot summer, it is not suffering from the African-style heat affecting the rest of Europe.

In the cool of Tonsberg’s long days, 18 crews from seven nations will begin the Women’s European Championship tomorrow with the first two races.

Today marks the final day of compliance checks and a trial race, with the typical local thermal wind blowing between 10 to 15 knots from 160 degrees.

Following this, there was the opening ceremony and the welcome party with the typical “Norwegian rowing” for the participants at the newly refurbished sailing club, which will host the European Open Championship next year.

Tomorrow’s first race is scheduled for 11.00, but the weather forecast suggests conditions similar to today’s, with the wind blowing at around 14.00.

Paola Prada’s speech:

“Good evening, everyone.

It is a great pleasure to be here in Tønsberg for the Snipe Women’s European Championship.

I am very happy to be here representing the SCIRA Board, and on behalf of the entire Board, I would like to warmly welcome all the sailors, officials, volunteers, and everyone who has made this championship possible.

First, I would like to sincerely thank the host club for welcoming us and for all the hard work behind this event.

A special thank you to our International Race Officer, the race officials and their teams, to Antonio Bari, our SCIRA Technical Representative, and to our International Jury, for your professionalism and dedication to fair and safe racing.

And, of course, thank you to all the land-based volunteers, whose work behind the scenes is essential to a successful championship.

I would also like to give a very special thank you to everyone who transported the boats to Tønsberg.

We know how much planning, time, and commitment it takes to bring a boat from another country to an international championship. Without your help, many of us simply would not be here today.

Thank you.

We are very happy to welcome sailors from seven countries: Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Norway, Poland, Spain, and the United States.

It is wonderful to see such an international group of women coming together here in Tønsberg.

And I would like to say a few words about why this championship is so important for the Snipe Class.

Women’s sailing is an important part of the future of our class.

The Women’s World Championship, together with our regional championships, has helped create a strong international community of women sailors.

The Women’s European Championship has been held since 2019, and has become an important part of our calendar.

Last year, we also held the Women’s Hemisphere Championship as a test. The experience was very positive, and this year it becomes part of our regular championship structure, continuing alongside the years of the Women’s European Championship.

We believe that opportunity creates participation.

When women have opportunities to compete, they gain experience, build friendships, take leadership roles, and inspire the next generation.

That is the kind of development we want for the Snipe Class: to evolve while preserving what makes our class special — close racing, tradition, friendship, and community.

So, to all the women sailing here this week:

You are not only competing in a championship.

You are helping shape the future of the Snipe Class.

On behalf of the SCIRA Board, thank you for being here.

I wish you all great racing, good winds, fair competition, and a wonderful week in Tønsberg.

Welcome to the Snipe Women’s European Championship.

Enjoy the championship!

Thank you.”

Paola Prada – SCIRA Vice-Commodore