iQFOiL-EM: Steinberg and Van Opzeeland stumble, but stay ahead

The Final Series of the iQFOiL Open European Championship 2026 running. After a full day without wind, the field returned to the water in much better conditions. The Levante started earlier than on the previous days and strengthened continuously throughout the day. With around 15 knots from a south-easterly direction, the wind enabled the organisation team to keep to the schedule. The first signal for the gold group sounded at 11.30 am. The Final Series marks a turning point in the regatta, as from this stage only the top 50 per cent of each category compete together.

The programme began with three course races, and in the afternoon the Race Committee switched to sprint racing for the last two races of the day. The format change fundamentally altered the racing dynamics and made for spectacular scenes on the water and on the beach.

Tamar Steinberg maintains lead despite mixed results

Tamar Steinberg from Israel continues to lead the women's fleet, although the five races of the day produced mixed results. The U23 racer with sail number ISR 216 benefited from her strong consistency throughout the week. She secured another victory in the last race of the day. The provisional podium is made up exclusively of U23 athletes. Wenqi Li from China climbed to second place overall with bib number CHN 17. The Chinese athlete put in a solid performance with a race win and consistently strong placings in the changing conditions. Maya Gysler from Norway holds third place with NOR 21. Shahar Tibi moved up to fourth place after the Israeli made an excellent comeback with ISR 3. A race win and several top placings marked her day. Olympic champion Marta Maggetti from Italy is in eighth place, Emma Wilson from Great Britain in ninth. Both remain within striking distance of the podium places. While Sophia Meyer no longer competed and slipped to 69th place, Emma Schleicher climbed to 65th.

Van Opzeeland holds his own despite UFD penalty

Luuc Van Opzeeland from the Netherlands defended his overall lead in the men's race, despite making a mistake at the start in one of the five races. The Dutchman with sail number NED 55 reacted immediately and won the last race of the day. Grae Morris from Australia moved into second place overall with AUS 81 after a strong and consistent performance in the Levante conditions. Johan Søe from Denmark holds third place with DEN 37 and remains in the fight for the medals. Federico Alan Pilloni continues his impressive European Championships. The Italian U23 rider with bib number ITA 286 is in fourth place after again recording two top-three finishes. Compatriot Nicolò Renna climbed to fifth thanks to a victory in the upwind sprint. The Italian with ITA 150 thus remains in the medal race. Nicolas Goyard from France holds sixth place overall with FRA 465. Germany's starters Lenny Friemel, Max Körner and Finley Evans are in 77th, 84th and 95th place respectively.

With the conclusion of the Final Series on Friday, the preliminary decision on qualification for the Medal Race Series will be made. Only the top ten in each category will reach the final on Saturday.

All results can be found here 2026iqeuropeansportimao.sailti.com