The X-15 Wingfoil Series stopped off in Portimão from 24 to 26 May 2026 and brought together athletes from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Italy, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK. The Clube Naval de Portimão provided the infrastructure for two intensive days of competition, during which the athletes raced exclusively on identical X-15 equipment.
The one-design format eliminates material advantages and focusses the competition on athletic ability, tactical skill and consistency on the water. The conditions challenged the riders throughout the event and resulted in frequent position changes within the field. The international make-up of the field demonstrates the global reach of the X-15 class and the increasing demand for accessible one-design competition in wingfoil racing. The X-15 class was largely developed by Starboard and, following the example of iQFOiL, is set to gain a global foothold with the aim of becoming an Olympic sport.
Dominance in the men's event, British-Finnish duel in the women's event
Romain Ghio from France put in an impressive performance and won four of the five races held. His consistency and tactics gave him a clear lead in the overall standings. Rafferty Read from Great Britain secured second place and put in a solid performance throughout the series. Alberto Citzia from Spain completed the podium in third place. The close gaps in the field led to numerous position changes during the individual races.
Alice Read from Great Britain was crowned the overall winner in the women's competition. The Brit beat off strong competition and performed consistently throughout. Monika Mikkola from Finland took second place and fought intense battles for the top positions. Her compatriot Aleksandra Blinnikka secured third place and rounded off the Finnish-British podium. The women's division was just as competitive as the men's class, with frequent lead changes and close decisions.
Young talent shows strength
The youth classes demonstrated the depth of development within the X-15 class. Leo Zabell Blanco from Spain dominated the U19 division, underlining the strength of Spain's young talent. Andre Caires won the U17 classification on home waters in Portugal and thrilled the local audience. Jack Rozeboom from the Netherlands secured the title in the U15 category and proved his talent despite his young age. The youth classes showed technically demanding racing and already revealed the next generation of top athletes.
The event in Portimão demonstrated the strengths of the X-15 format. All participants were provided with identical equipment by the class, which guaranteed absolute equality of opportunity. The athletes were able to concentrate fully on performance, tactics and further development. The concept eliminates the financial outlay for own high-performance equipment and lowers the entry barriers to competitive sport.
X-15 World Championship still in 2026
The event in Portimão demonstrated the strengths of the X-15 format. All participants were provided with identical equipment by the class, which guaranteed absolute equality of opportunity. The athletes were able to concentrate fully on performance, tactics and further development. The concept eliminates the financial outlay for own high-performance equipment and lowers the entry barriers to competitive sport.
The X-15 class is now focussing on the 2026 X-15 World Championship, which will bring together the world's best one-design wingfoil racers later this year. The date and venue will be announced shortly via the official X-15 class communication channels.
All results and information at x-15class.org
