Mission Baltic: Maciek Rutkowski has made it - Baltic Sea crossing in nine hours

Maciek Rutkowski set off from Sandhamn in Sweden shortly after 7.00 a.m., with the first light of day. He covered more than 200 kilometres of open Baltic Sea before reaching Wladislawowo in Poland at around 15:15. It took him around nine hours to cover the distance.

At the start in the early morning, it initially looked like a tough affair: Maciek spent the first two hours doddering, not even getting on the foil. He had only managed nine kilometres when he emerged from the lee of the Swedish archipelago and the wind picked up. But then it was all systems go: the 2022 world champion foiled across the Baltic Sea at between 30 and 40 km/h almost all the time.

A few catapults, a few trim breaks

There were a few catapults on the way, but after a short breather Rutkowski was on his way again. The wind then picked up strongly on the open Baltic Sea, and at well over 20 knots Maciek reached the limits of his equipment. Several times he toyed with the idea of swapping his 6.7 for a smaller sail, but then left it at a few adjustments to the trim. In addition to the 85 cm wide board - with a noticeably flat nose - he chose a 550 front wing on the foil.

Maciek Rutkowski was accompanied by a guide boat, which kept him on the right course, and a boat with cameras that broadcast the entire crossing in a live stream, with commentary by Ben Proffitt. With various guests such as Paul van Bellen, John Skye and Bob van de Burgt (who surfed from Holland to the UK and back in one day last year), the hour-long broadcast was very entertaining.

200 kilometres in the same position

Remarkably, Maciek didn't change sides once. Apart from a few short breaks after falls or to eat, he spent the whole day in the same position! But he probably still had a more pleasant day than his crew on the boats: In choppy Baltic swell and at around 40 km/h, the technicians and helpers on the two powerboats were shaken up for hours and were almost more relieved than Maciek in the end.

Not only were numerous fans waiting for Rutkowski on the beach in Wladislawowo, but also a lot of Polish journalists. The entire mission was broadcast there on a screen and several boats escorted Maciek on the last few nautical miles. Things got tough again: Maciek had to run the last few metres upwind in the wind cover - at least on the other side.

Maciek not only wanted to achieve a personal goal and set a record with his project, but also raise money for a good cause. The "Mission: Baltic" is intended to raise awareness of Rett syndrome and collect money for the daughter of Polish powerboat pilot Bartek Marszałek, who suffers from the syndrome. More than 20,000 euros are said to have been raised, according to the figures at the time of Maciek's arrival. Click here for the fundraising campaign: siepomaga.pl/malwina-marszalek

A detailed interview with Maciek Rutkowski about his "Mission: Baltic" is being planned! Stay tuned!

Watch the Baltic Sea crossing with Ben Proffitt

• From Sweden to Poland: Mission Baltic Sea crossing - three questions for Maciek Rutkowski