Date added: 2026-06-15
The KORAB Research Club returns from the competition with a gold medal
The 2026 International Waterbike Regatta took place in Rostock, Germany.
"It was the Rektor waterbike that secured our victory. During the three-day competition, which included tests of speed, manoeuvrability and pulling power, the design proved to be unrivalled," emphasised the students.
The watercraft took first place in the overall competition standings, dominating most of the events:
- 1st place in the long-distance race (Long Distance – 10 km),
- 1st place in the FSB (Forward-Stop-Backward) manoeuvring event,
- 1st place in the acceleration test (Acceleration),
- 2nd place in the parallel slalom race (Slalom)
In addition to Rektor – CBG and Dżordż
In addition to Rektor, the CBG and Dżordż bikes participated in the competition.
CBG finished in the top ten of the competition (10th place overall), which is a huge improvement on last year’s results. This is the result of year-round work, which involved a significant reduction in the hull’s weight and the implementation of a new control system.
Dżordż, on the other hand, came 25th. "This year, we tested new control systems. Although they caused considerable technical problems that ultimately prevented the completion of the FSB and Long Distance events, we managed to handle the situation efficiently. We are drawing conclusions and getting to work," added the students.
The next edition of the competition in Poland
Winning in Rostock is not the only good news. According to a long-standing tradition, the IWR competition returns to Poland every ten years. The KORAB Research Club team has officially announced that it will be the main organiser of next year’s event – the International Waterbike Regatta 2027. Preparations to host European teams in Poland have already begun.
The International Waterbike Regatta has been attracting hundreds of participants since 1980. Students from all over Europe meet every year to test their skills in seven events: Sprint, Slalom, FSB (Forward-Stop-Backward), Bollard Pull, Acceleration, Long Distance and Secret Mission.
KORAB Research Club
The Gdańsk University of Technology is implementing a project entitled ‘Engineers’ Regatta 2026’, which has received funding of PLN 386,620.00 as part of a non-competitive project 'Support for students in developing their competences and skills'. This non-competitive project is being implemented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education as part of the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 (FERS) programme, with EU funding of PLN 22,693,000.00.