On 28 August 2026, the iQFOiL Last Chance Qualifier at Lake Silvaplana came to a close with spectacular medal series and changeable weather conditions. The event saw the final qualifying places awarded for the iQFOiL Senior World Championships in Weymouth, which begin on 4 September. Félix Dary from France prevailed over the competition after an extraordinary comeback through the elimination rounds. Britain’s Abi Smith capped off a dominant week with overall victory in the women’s fleet. A passing thunderstorm added extra drama to the final races and forced the race format to be shortened to a slalom course. The event marked the conclusion of two successful weeks of competition at the Vanora Engadinwind, where Masters, Youth & Junior and Senior athletes competed on the Swiss mountain lake.
A dramatic semi-final in the men’s competition
The semi-finals of the Medal Series began with a general recall after several favourites crossed the starting line too early. Finley Evans, Félix Dary and Magne Iversen all received a five-second penalty with a delayed start. This situation opened the door for John Madrigal and Charlie Baker to take the lead. Baker’s hopes were dashed early on when he fell off his foil shortly after the first buoy. Dary methodically worked his way back through the field. On the final upwind leg, the Frenchman took control of the race, whilst Iversen also overtook Madrigal. Dary crossed the finish line just before he fell into the water, narrowly securing victory ahead of Iversen. Both thus qualified for the Grand Final.
The first run of the Grand Final brought another twist. The leaders of the Qualification Series, Loïc Huguenin and Michał Maziarka, both started too early. Shortly afterwards, a thunderstorm swept across Lake Silvaplana, forcing a suspension. Once the weather had improved, the organisers resumed racing on a shortened slalom course. Dary and Iversen started with a five-second lead and immediately took control. Buoyed by his victory in the semi-final, Dary led from start to finish and won the race. This levelled the match points. Deteriorating conditions prevented any further races from taking place. With three riders tied on one match point, the finishing order of the last completed Grand Final determined the final standings. Finley Evens secured his place at the World Championships in Weymouth with his fifth place in the overall rankings!
Smith dominates the women’s field
The women’s fleet completed a final race before the weather made it impossible to continue. Abi Smith had led the championship throughout the week and confirmed her dominance with another controlled performance. The British sailor secured overall victory with ease. Alexandra Lojinova finished the regatta in second place overall. Arrianne Paz completed the podium after a consistently strong week on Lake Silvaplana. The three athletes delivered consistent performances amid the changing conditions on the Swiss mountain lake.
All results at 2026iqgamessilvaplana.sailti.com
