The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy will host the iQFOiL elite from 6 to 12 September 2026. 187 athletes from 41 nations will compete in the Musto iQFOiL World Championships for the season’s most prestigious titles. The Royal Yachting Association is organising the event in partnership with the International iQFOiL Class Association. Weymouth is regarded as one of the world’s leading venues for sailing competitions and hosted the Olympic sailing events in 2012. The field of competitors brings together Olympic champions, reigning champions, youth world champions and up-and-coming talents. Open and U23 athletes will compete together, demonstrating the depth of the class on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The races begin on Monday 7 September and conclude with the Medal Series on Saturday 12 September.
A top-class men’s field featuring defending champion Brown
The men’s field boasts exceptional quality. Defending champion Andy Brown from Great Britain faces European champion Luuc van Opzeeland from the Netherlands. Olympic champion Tom Reuveny from Israel and silver medallist Grae Morris from Australia round out the top field. Nicolò Renna from Italy, an Olympian and 2024 world champion, is also among the favourites. They are joined by successful regatta sailors such as Mattia Saoncella from Italy, Johan Søe from Denmark, Federico Alan Pilloni from Italy, Nicolas Goyard from France and Finn Hawkins from Great Britain. Local hopeful Samuel Sills completes the British team. The depth of talent at the top promises one of the most fiercely contested World Championships in recent years. The three German competitors Lenny Friemel, Max Körner and Finley Evans are hoping for a breakthrough on the big stage.
Emma Wilson, the reigning world champion and Olympic medallist, is defending her title in front of a home crowd. The British player must hold her own against a top-class international field. European champion Tamar Steinberg from Israel poses a challenge to Wilson, as does Olympic champion Marta Maggetti from Italy. Aimee Bright from New Zealand, Shahar Tibi from Israel, Pilar Lamadrid from Spain, Hélène Noesmoen from France and Sharon Kantor from Israel round out the top field. An outstanding U23 generation, featuring Sophie Clark from Great Britain, Taisiia Stopchenko and Danai Giannouli from Greece, demonstrates the future potential of the category. Representing Germany, of course, is the Olympic sixth-place finisher and Bronze medallist at last year’s World Championships, with Theresa Steinlein in attendance. Also present are Sophia Meyer and Emma Schleicher Two top-class young female competitors have entered the race.
Weymouth: the perfect setting for the title matches
Gonzalo Costa Hoevel, iQFOiL Class Manager, emphasises the importance of the event: “The iQFOiL World Championships are the highlight of our season and represent the highest level of competition in Olympic windsurfing. Weymouth is one of the world’s finest sailing venues and provides the perfect stage for our athletes. The fleet has never been stronger, with established champions competing against an incredibly talented new generation. We are looking forward to an unforgettable week of racing that will showcase the speed, athleticism and excitement of the iQFOiL at the very highest level.”
Niall McLeod, Event Director of the Musto iQFOiL World Championships, adds: “Welcoming the world’s best iQFOiL windsurfers to Weymouth and Portland is a proud moment for everyone involved. Few venues can match Weymouth’s Olympic heritage, world-class facilities and challenging racing conditions. It will be a fitting stage for the crowning of the 2026 world champions. An enormous amount of work has gone into creating an event that showcases windsurfing and the iQFOiL in the best possible light, both on the water and for the community in Dorset. We are looking forward to six days of exceptional racing and will be opening the doors of our free Fan Zone on Saturday for families and fans to watch the decisive Medal Series.”
Ideal conditions for spectacular races
The September conditions in Weymouth promise challenging races. The venue offers a wide range of conditions that test every aspect of modern foiling. The combination of one of the world’s most renowned sailing venues, an exceptional international field of competitors and favourable weather conditions creates the ideal setting for a memorable World Championship. The battle for the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship titles is about to begin.
All the information and results can be found at iqfoilclassofficial.org