iQFOiL-EM Portimao: Van Opzeeland and Steinberg lead after day two

The second day of competition at the iQFOiL Open European Championship 2026 in Portimão presented the 192 athletes from 42 nations with significantly different challenges to the opening day. Off Praia da Rocha, the thermal breeze only developed from around 16:30 and reached values between eight and eleven knots. Compared to the first day, the wind was more westerly, weaker and less stable. These conditions required precise handling in the manoeuvres and a good feel for the best pressure fields on the water.

Luuc Van Opzeeland consistent, Finn Hawkins unlucky

The men completed four races in the course racing format. This discipline tests the entire spectrum of tactical and technical skills on classic windward-leeward courses with several upwind and downwind legs. Dutch Olympic bronze medallist Luuc Van Opzeeland took the overall lead after an extremely consistent day with two wins on the day. Johan Søe held on to second place overall, while Grae Morris from Australia moved up to third place after a solid performance in the lighter thermal conditions. Finn Hawkins from Great Britain, who was still leading the standings after the first day, dropped back to fourth place overall despite maintaining good speed. He was penalised for an infringement of the starting rules.

Italian U23 athlete Federico Alan Pilloni confirmed his strong form with another stage win and is in fifth place overall after eight races. Italy placed two more athletes in the provisional top ten with Nicolò Renna and Luca Di Tomassi. Following a decision by the jury, the first race of the men's series from the previous day was officially included in the overall standings and is now included in the ranking. Lenny Friemel climbed a little to 71st place, Max Körner rose ten places to 78th and Finley Evans also improved slightly to 85th place.

Steinberg dominates the upwind sprint

On a different course, the women competed in the upwind sprint format, a much shorter and more dynamic discipline than course racing. The races lasted between two and five minutes and left little room for error. Tamar Steinberg from Israel consolidated her overall lead with an almost perfect performance. The 19-year-old finished first, first, first and 19th, comfortably extending her lead thanks to her consistency and speed.

Maya Gysler from Norway moved up to second place overall after a very solid day with three wins in her group. She thus confirmed her strong form throughout the championship. Zheng Yan from China climbed to third place overall after a highly consistent series in the afternoon races. Sophia Meyer slipped down one place to 57th, Emma Schleicher is in 71st place.