2026-02-18
Four Decades of Sailing Carved in Ice
18 February 2026
Västerås, Sweden
© Richard Ström
With the wind refusing to cooperate on Lake Mälaren today, racing at the 2026 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships remained on hold. But a quiet racecourse doesn’t mean a quiet community. Days like this offer something different — time to reflect on the history of WISSA, the evolution of the equipment, and the people who have shaped this unique sport for more than four decades.
A Legacy on Hard Water
WISSA President Will Tuthill (USA) has been part of this story since the 1980s. He still marvels at the unlikely fact that the world’s longest running international competition for windsurfing, wings, and kites takes place not on water, but on ice. “It sounds incredible but it’s true: the longest running international competition in the history of all three of our disciplines is actually on ‘hard’ water,” Tuthill says. “It started in 1980 with windsurfing sails. Wings became an official class in 1991 in Estonia, and in 1993 in Poland we adopted kites.”
© Marijo Grigic
The first official WISSA event was held in 1980, and by 1984 the championship had already made its way to Västerås — the same city hosting this year’s edition. Tuthill’s own first event was in 1986.
In 1987, poor conditions in Germany left competitors with plenty of time to talk and plan. That year, they formed the first official association. Over time, the administrative load proved heavy, and WISSA returned to a more informal structure, a model that has carried the sport from the 1990s to today.
Now, there is renewed discussion about forming a more formal international body to support growth, visibility, and development. But Tuthill is clear about one thing: “We are proud of the WISSA spirit and the inclusivity of our community. Whatever we build for the future, we need to make sure that spirit is preserved.”
© Richard Ström
A Family, a Community, and a Lifetime of Ice
Few people embody that spirit more than Feodor Gurvits (Finland), competing this year alongside his wife Anna and their sons Eemil and Ossi. This is Feodor’s 15th WISSA event, and his journey is as remarkable as it is humble.
His first WISSA was in 2007 — and he finished last. A decade later, in 2017, he won. In 2025, he took home three medals.
But for Feodor, the challenge has evolved. “Competing by yourself is one thing,” he explains. “But if you are moving a bigger team of people and trying to make competition for everyone lean and efficient, that’s more of an effort.”
He speaks with pride about the WISSA ethos — a culture built on mutual support, shared knowledge, and collective problem solving. “We help each other with equipment and with logistics. We’re a very open community. If somebody makes it to the competition, we make sure they are able to compete.”
© Richard Ström
Feodor’s own path into the sport began almost by accident. After moving from Germany to Finland with a car full of windsurfing gear — in February — he needed a way to sail in winter. So he built a sled. The first broke after three meters. The second after 300. The third finally worked. So he organized a competition. There were four participants.
The next year, he went to WISSA — and finished last. But he kept going.
Coaching the Next Generation
In 2016, Feodor began coaching juniors. By 2018, they had already earned two medals. Since then, his team has medaled every year.
He now coaches not only Finnish sailors but also members of the Estonian windsurfing team, and even a Finnish sailor who once aimed for the Olympics before the complexities of Olympic windsurfing — especially the transition to foiling — became overwhelming.
The family’s involvement runs deep. Feodor laughs when he talks about how he introduced Anna to the sport:
“On our second or third date I dragged her to the ice. She didn’t give up then, and she’s still not giving up on me.”
Anna adds her own memory:
“I was tricked into organizing the WISSA event in 2011 while I was this pregnant — and it was an experience. I really appreciate what the Swedes are doing here.”
Their son Eemil is competing for the first time this year.
“Losing to your son is a very pleasant competition to lose,” Feodor says. “He already beat me in chess, so now we’re waiting for the sailing part. But he needs to practice a little bit — he’s not there yet.”
Eemil, meanwhile, is taking it all in stride:
“This is my first competition, but I did it at home — wing with skis. Here I’m doing wing with skates for STS, and maybe I’ll do wing with skis for the course racing.”
© Richard Ström
Equipment, Evolution, and the Art of Adjustment
Ice and snow sailing is a sport where equipment choices can make or break a race — and where conditions change by the hour. “You would think ice is ice,” Feodor says, “but there are so many different types of surface, and you need to adjust your equipment accordingly.”
From bumpy hard ice to smooth black ice to thin snow cover, every surface favors a different sled configuration. Feodor prepares multiple setups — skis, skates, different angles, different sharpening — and stays ready to switch mid event. “Sometimes you even retire from a race, take the discard, and make sure you have the most suitable equipment for the next one.”
The sport has seen major equipment revolutions. Narrow ski sleds dominated decades ago. Then in 2011, Russian sailors arrived with large white sleds that “wiped the table.” “Some sleds work everywhere and anyone can drive them,” Feodor explains. “Some are more sophisticated — maximum performance, but only in certain conditions. I’m more of a ‘Paris–Dakar’ style. Whatever I build has to work in any conditions.” Much of the innovation happens in the community itself — through shared testing, building, and discussion. “We have a very active Facebook group where information is shared. We borrow equipment, test, build for each other. That is the engine for development.”
© Richard Ström
Looking Ahead
With no racing today, the standings remain unchanged. Organizers remain hopeful that the coming days will bring the wind needed to continue the championship. But even without racing, the day offered something valuable: a reminder of what makes WISSA special. A sport built on ice, powered by wind, and sustained by a community that shows up for each other — year after year, generation after generation.
Racing continues through Saturday, concluding with the iconic Marathon across Lake Mälaren.
Text by Marina Psychogyiou
2026-02-17
WISSA Worlds Land in Västerås
17 February 2026
Västerås, Sweden
On Tuesday morning, 95 competitors from 12 nations will take to the frozen, snow covered surface of Lake Mälaren as the 2026 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships officially begin in Västerås. Hosted by Jolle Kappseglarna Västerås and supported by Visit Västerås, the event is held under the authority of the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA).
Athletes will race using a wide range of wind powered equipment — wings, kites, and windsurfing sails — mounted on skis, snowboards, ice skates, or sleds. The result is one of winter sport’s most diverse and visually striking fleets, with competitors gliding at high speed across the lake.
A Championship for All Generations
This year’s fleet spans an extraordinary age range, from the youngest sailor at just 10 years old to the oldest at 72. Several families are competing together, with children racing alongside — and sometimes against — their parents. The atmosphere on the ice is already one of shared passion, friendly rivalry, and pure winter fun, even as the sport continues to nurture its long term ambition of joining the Winter Olympic programme.
A City That Has Embraced the Event
Västerås has welcomed the championship with enthusiasm. On Saturday, spectators were treated to a dramatic display as skydivers carrying the Swedish flag and the event flag landed directly on the ice in front of the clubhouse — a striking prelude to the week ahead.
The official opening ceremony kicked the event off at the JKV clubhouse, featuring a show of light and fire, Viking performers, and local food. The celebration set the tone for a week where sport, culture, and community meet on the frozen lake.
“We are incredibly proud to host the world here in Västerås,” said Hans Holm, Commodore of Jolle Kappseglarna Västerås. “Our lake, our winter, and our club are ready. What makes this event special is the people — athletes, volunteers, families, and the entire city coming together. We want everyone to feel welcome on the ice.”
Racing Ahead: Five Days of Competition
Racing begins Tuesday and continues through Saturday, featuring multiple formats:
- Course Racing: long legs across the lake, testing speed, tactics, and endurance
- Short Track Racing: tight, technical heats with close manoeuvres and fast, head to head progression
- The Marathon: Saturday’s long distance race covering the full lake, a signature challenge of the World Championships
With conditions looking promising, competitors are preparing for a full and varied programme.
As the first start approaches, Västerås stands ready — the ice is set, the sails are rigged, and the world’s best ice and snow sailors are poised for an unforgettable week on Lake Mälaren.
Text by Marina Psychogyio
Registration is now officially open!
Ice & Snow sailing World Championships 2026
2025-11-23
We have been working days and nights and finally registration is officially open.
Registration is now officially open, and we’re excited to invite you to be part of this unforgettable Ice & Snow Sailing World Champioships 2026. Take advantage of our Early Bird registration, available until December 21, and enjoy a reduced entry fee.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
OPENS NOVEMBER 23th
WWW.ISSWC.COM
2025-11-22
Registration Opens Soon for the Ice & Snow Sailing World Championship 2026!
Get ready! Registration for the Ice & Snow Sailing World Championship 2026 opens on November 15. Take advantage of the Early Bird period from November 23 to December 21 to secure your spot at a reduced price — and get your name printed on your competition vest.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the world’s top ice and snow sailors.
More information will be available when registration officially opens.
WE ARE LIVE!
WWW.ISSWC.COM
2025-11-10
We’re Live!
The official website for the Ice & Snow Sailing World Championships 2026 is now live!
Join us in celebrating this exciting event taking place February 16–21, 2026.
We warmly welcome all competitors and fans to explore the site, stay updated, and get ready for an unforgettable championship on ice and snow!