ISSWC Sweden 2026 - Update 1

Ice Sailing World Championships on Lake Mälaren

A world championship of a different kind is currently taking place in Sweden. At the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships (ISSWC), all the action takes place on frozen water. The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) is the governing body for these sports.

Wing races on ice

95 participants from 12 countries have traveled to Västerås to compete in races on Lake Mälaren. This year’s field of participants spans a wide age range. The youngest participant is just 10 years old, while the oldest is 72.

This Ice Sailing World Championship in Sweden brings back fond memories of my early days in windsurfing. People who couldn’t be more different are celebrating their sport together.

Although the focus of this competition is on having fun, the long-term goal of the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association is to have the sport included in the Winter Olympics program.

But for now, the focus is on the competition in Sweden, which runs from Tuesday through Saturday. The event schedule includes circuit races, sprints, and a marathon.

For once, don’t swim with the camera arround the buoy. Media coverage made easy.

The Ice Sailing World Championships in Sweden bring back fond memories of my early years in windsurfing. People who couldn’t be more different come together to celebrate their sport.

Of course, the battle for points continues on the regatta course, and so Tuesday’s schedule focused primarily on kitesurfing races. The light but steady wind allowed for six course races.

Hovercraft rescue vehicle

Using wings and windsurf sails, two qualifying rounds of short track slalom were completed before the wind died down. This determined the starting order for the final series over the next few days.