21/04/2026
A Successful Training Season
Coach Tetiana Nikitenkova Is Proud of Her Athletes
The 2025 season was incredibly intense and exciting for Magdalena and me. We held numerous training camps, took part in regattas, and watched our children grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals and as a team.
Particularly Impressive Training Camps
Portorož, Slovenia — April 2025
On the Adriatic Sea we trained with the Opti A, B and ILCA classes. For several days strong winds of up to 28 knots were blowing and the waves reached two to three meters. Some of the children dared to go out on the water in these challenging conditions, and I supported them every step of the way.
This camp became a real challenge and provided unforgettable experiences: learning to deal with the elements, making quick decisions, and acting as a team.
Imperia, Italy — 2025
With twelve children, two coaches, and no parents, we trained with Opti A, B and ILCA sailors in the Ligurian Sea with waves of one and a half to two meters.
Every day we worked on the skills of sailing in waves and proper boat heel — the foundation of successful sailing.
In addition to athletic preparation, the children learned independence. They cooked their own meals, completed all tasks independently, and spent time without phones. They handled this wonderfully and sometimes completely forgot that phones even existed. In the evenings they shared their impressions with their parents and talked about the day’s experiences and progress.
This camp truly brought the children together: they played together and supported one another. Under such conditions, real team spirit is created.
Other Training Camps
The lake camp with 41 children and the training camp at Lake Garda with 30 children and seven coaches will remain unforgettable because of their scale and activities.
Our Regattas
We accompanied the children to numerous competitions: in Langenargen and at the Olympic Day in Radolfzell, where we took third place.
In Überlingen our club achieved first place in Opti A and additional podium finishes in Opti B. We also competed in Lindau, achieved podium places at the Seemooser Regatta, and sailed in Ludwigshafen, Öhningen and Meersburg, where one of our athletes won first place in Opti B. We also took part in the V-Cup and the Friday regattas.
A Special Highlight
I would especially like to highlight the Knaudel Regatta in Laupheim. We traveled there with 22 participants from WYC, and our children took the first three places in the Opti A, B and C classes.
This was the result of hard work throughout the entire season, especially from the beginners in Opti A and B.
Another impressive event was the regatta in Öhningen, where eleven athletes competed. On one of the days the wind reached up to 28 knots. I was incredibly impressed and proud when one of my athletes capsized in cold water two to three times on a single upwind leg. That day I saw five to seven times how difficult and cold it was for them. Their hands were almost numb.
At one moment I thought I would have to take her off the racecourse because the time limit had already expired and we were waiting for her. But she said to me:
“Coach, please let me finish.”
In that moment I realized how much sporting spirit she had — it reminded me of myself. That is exactly why I am proud to coach such resilient athletes.
Every training camp and every regatta is not only about sporting results, but also about life lessons. The children learn responsibility, independence, mutual support and teamwork. I am proud of every child, every success, and how they have grown this season.
As a coach, I am convinced that every second, every minute and every hour spent on the water in training and regattas gives children invaluable experience. They learn to make decisions, work as a team and deal with challenges. These moments shape character, self-confidence and a true passion for sport that lasts a lifetime.
For me, there is nothing more valuable than seeing children grow, discover their potential and become a real team.
T.Nikitenkova
