The Slovenian crew won the 2025 First 18 SE European Championship.
The event confirmed the BENETEAU First 18 SE as one of the most active and competitive One-Design classes in Europe, with a record fleet of 42 teams registered from eight different countries.
Cover photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva
Jure Jerkovič and Robert Zajc (ŠD Gibanica, Slovenia) became 2025 European Champions after five days of racing in light and shifting conditions. Goran Stevanović and Nikola Marjanović of JK Ada, Serbia, came in second, followed by Mitja Margon president of JK Pirat Portorož, Slovenia, who was sailing with his 12-year-old son Matic, in third.
The race committee successfully held seven races despite the challenging weather conditions, which included prolonged wind breaks, occasional showers, and breezes that rarely exceeded 10 knots.
Under EUROSAF's supervision, Sailing Club Pirat organized the event this time in collaboration with Seascape d.o.o. and the Slovenian First 18 SE Class Association.
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva & drone photos: Vid Slapničar
Winners statements
The regatta was fantastic – excellent organization, a great atmosphere, and a really well-run event. The weather wasn't entirely on our side, as we struggled with light winds, but Robert and I made the right decisions at the right moments. We truly enjoyed the sailing, and also everything that came with the event. This wasn't my first European Championship – I had already won in Germany in 2021. Even though we haven't trained together much recently, we've gained a lot of experience over the years, and it really showed during this regatta.
European Champion Jure Jerkovič
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva - Jure Jerkovič & Robert Zajc, Slovenia
A great event! There was a bit more waiting for the wind than we are usually used to in Portorož, but we still really enjoyed it. The crews were very competitive, and every race was a real battle. We are very happy with 2nd place – it's our best result at a European Championship so far.
Vice-European Champion, Nikola Marjanović
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva - Goran Stevanović & Nikola Marjanović, Serbia
The weather conditions were really tricky, so completing seven races successfully in such circumstances is thanks only to a very experienced race committee – sincere congratulations to them! The third place that I achieved with my 12-year-old son, Matic, is very special to me. Seven years ago, I won the very first official European Championship in this class together with my daughters
President of the Sailing Club Pirat and third-place finisher Mitja Margon
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva - Matic Margon and Mitja Margon, Slovenia
First 18 SE and its growing community
The First 18 is a blend of an active owners' community and timeless design, developed over the past 15 years. It appeals to a diverse group of sailors: newcomers appreciate its simple deck layout and low maintenance. At the same time, experienced racers enjoy one of the most active recreational One Design classes in Europe, which includes 700 boats sailing.
Every boat in the one-design class is identical, which ensures that skill, strategy, and teamwork are the only factors that determine race outcomes, as it did at the European Championship 2025, which makes the competition fair, thrilling, and closely matched.
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva
The First SE range is all about the joy of dynamic sailing, and it doesn't get more joyful than sailing the First 18 SE – where there's no clutter, just pure sailing. Coming back to this class every few years feels like calibrating my compass. I truly hope that every owner of a 60-footer, a 44-footer, or any other boat will one day experience sailing the First 18 SE, because it's just pure fun – and that's it.
Andraž Mihelin, CEO & co-founder of Seascape, manager of BENETEAU First range
Photo credits: Uroš Kekuš Kleva - Jure Jerman & Andraž Mihelin, Slovenia
Going further
Bringing together sailors of all skill levels and nationalities, the BENETEAU First 18 SE European Championship is still expanding, and we are proud of that.
With its mix of dynamic sailing experience, a passionate First SE community, and recreational racing, the class continues to grow as a truly accessible and inspiring way to enjoy performance sailing.
Photo credits: Vid Slapničar
Published on 16.09.2025