Polish 29er sailors Szymon Kolka and Bartosz Zmudzinski have become one of the standout teams in this year’s EuroCup circuit. After seven events, they currently sit in 3rd place overall—an impressive position for a team that only started sailing together at the end of last season. With a shared background in singlehanded classes and a strong training foundation, their season has been defined by smart racing, resilience, and rapid growth. In this Q&A, the duo reflects on their path so far, their favorite venues, and the mindset behind a comeback race that proved their potential.
1. Can you both introduce yourselves? How old are you, and where are you from?
Szymon: Hi, I’m Szymon Kolka, 17 years old, and I sail out of Gdynia, Poland.
Bartosz: I’m Bartosz ?mudzi?ski, also 17, and I’m based in Warsaw, though most of my sailing happens by the sea.
2. How did you start sailing, and what led you to the 29er class?
Szymon: I began sailing at age 7 in the Optimist and had a really solid run. After that, I wanted something faster and more technical. The 29er checked every box.
Bartosz: For me, it started with family cruising trips. My dad introduced me and my sister to sailing early. She actually went into 29ers first—and I followed, determined to catch up and do better.
3. How did you team up as a sailing duo?
Szymon: We paired up late last season, and funnily enough, we were both helms before that.
Bartosz: It’s a cool dynamic—we both understand what it takes to drive the boat, so we make decisions together and play to each other’s strengths.
4. You’re currently leading the 2025 EuroCup—what’s been the key to that consistency?
Szymon: Communication, solid preparation, and a great training environment in the Polish fleet.
Bartosz: We’ve also had strong coaching support and great sparring partners, which definitely raises your level.
5. How often do you train, and where?
Szymon: Most of our time is spent training in Gdynia.
Bartosz: In winter, we go abroad to warmer spots, but our home base is where the groundwork happens.
6. What’s your favorite venue to sail at, and why?
Szymon: Gdynia—it’s home, and you learn so much sailing there in all kinds of conditions.
Bartosz: Lake Garda, hands down. Incredible breeze and energy on the water.
7. What’s the most challenging aspect of sailing a 29er?
Szymon: Learning to communicate effectively. Coming from single-handed boats, we had to adapt fast.
Bartosz: It’s a boat that punishes hesitation. You need trust and quick decisions.
8. What’s your favorite thing about skiff sailing?
Szymon: Speed and teamwork. There’s nothing like locking in with a good teammate and flying.
Bartosz: Downwind speed—especially catching waves and gybing at full pace.
9. What’s been your best moment on the water this season?
Szymon: We had a race in the first EuroCup where we started dead last—10 seconds late—and ended up winning it.
Bartosz: That comeback was everything. It showed we can fight back under pressure.
10. Any standout achievements in your sailing career so far?
Szymon: Qualifying for the ROC in Cyprus was huge. It connected me with some of the world’s best young sailors.
Bartosz: Medals at the Europeans and Worlds my first year in 29ers still feel unreal.
11. What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Szymon: Stay at the top and enjoy the process.
Bartosz: Keep improving, and keep the fun in it—results follow when you love the work.
12. Do you see yourselves staying in the 29er or moving to another class?
Szymon: We’re focused on now, but eventually we’ll see—maybe the 49er.
Bartosz: School and sailing are both priorities. Long-term, we’d love to aim for Olympic-level classes.
13. What event do you dream of winning?
Szymon: Short-term, the 29er Worlds.
Bartosz: Long-term? The Olympics.
14. Who are your biggest rivals on the EuroCup circuit?
Szymon: There are so many strong teams this year—it’s a deep fleet.
Bartosz: We don’t focus on rivals, more on our own goals and racing clean.
15. Do you have any pre-race routines or mental prep?
Szymon: We do short focus exercises and listen to music to get in the zone.
Bartosz: It helps clear the nerves and lock in before the first start.
16. What would you be doing if you weren’t sailors?
Szymon: Mountain biking in summer, skiing in winter. I love fast-paced sports.
Bartosz: I’d probably be on the tennis court—it’s a recent hobby, but I’m hooked.
17. What’s the best sailing advice you’ve received?
Szymon: “Train smart, not just hard.”
Bartosz: “Believe in yourself, and trust the process—it always shows up on race day.”
18. What advice would you give younger sailors aiming for the 29er class?
Szymon: Don’t skip the basics—communication and consistency win more races than luck.
Bartosz: Give 100% in every session. The payoff doesn’t always show right away, but it adds up.
Thank you to Szymon and Bartosz for taking the time to share their journey with us.
If you and your teammate would like to be featured in a future Meet the Fleet article, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at office@29er.org and info@socialfascination.com to get started.