Maciek Rutkowski, a world champion and 20-time Polish titleholder, completed the open-sea crossing from Sandhamn in southern Sweden to Poland on Friday, arriving at the Surf Stolica spot in Władysławowo at 15:28.
The attempt began at 07:00 with an escort of two RIB motorboats carrying rescuers and a video crew that streamed the challenge live. After a windless start, conditions turned punishing: waves up to three meters, gusts nearing 60 km/h, seven wipeouts, passing container ships and even a curious seal. Signal disruptions on an escort boat added to the difficulties.
“It felt like my nervous system switched off after an hour,” Rutkowski said at the finish.
“There were moments I didn’t know where to go. Your sight and senses are worse. You have to force yourself to drink and eat. I started getting hand cramps. It was twice as hard as I thought. When I saw Rozewie, I cried.”
The rescue team reported how rough it was on board that a soaked phone began sending messages and recording on its own, and at times one support boat disappeared between the swells.
Throughout the crossing, Rutkowski’s vital metrics, including heart rate and calories burned, were monitored. Those “calories” will now be converted into aid for Malwina, the daughter of fellow athlete Bartek Marszałek, the only Pole competing in the world championships of Formula 1 on water.
By the time Rutkowski reached the shore, viewers had donated nearly PLN 70,000 (EUR 16,400), with the windsurfer pledging to add his own contribution.
(jh)
Source: TVP Info