iQFoil European Championship: Poland Dominates Day One

Successful Kickoff for the iQFoil European Championship in Cagliari at Sardinia Sailing CUP

Cagliari, October 7th – The iQFoil European Championship had a successful start in the waters of Poetto, Cagliari, with 120 male and female athletes competing under the Open format from across the globe. On the first day, both the men’s and women’s fleets completed four races each, in perfect weather conditions: a steady south wind filled in around 14:00, blowing between 10 and 12 knots. Tomorrow, the first start is scheduled for 13:00 with an expected east-southeast breeze.

Additionally, at 19:00 on October 7th, the amphitheater in Marina Piccola will screen the first episode of the docu-series Pampero by director and YouTuber Emanuele Malloru. The series addresses climate change with a unique storytelling approach. The environmentalist crew shares their perspectives on climate issues with a humorous and satirical style. The series is named after the boat, Pampero, which will set sail for the Caribbean after its stop in Sardinia.


Day 1 Standings

In the men’s leaderboard, Poland leads with Pawel Tarnowski, currently holding the top spot in the international rankings. He is followed by Joost Vink from the Netherlands and France’s Adrien Mestre, who won the IQFOiL World Championships in January 2024. Luca Di Tommasi is the highest-ranked Italian, holding fourth place, with Sardinian Federico Alan Pilloni (YCCS – Young Azzurra) in eighth. Pilloni, who recently won the Youth Sailing World Championships, is now the second-ranked U23 competitor. Among the athletes in the European Championship is Olympic bronze medalist Luuc Van Opzeeland.

In the women’s category, Poland also holds the top position with Anastasiya Valkevich, closely followed by British sailors Alice Read and Islay Watson. In fourth place is Sara Wennekes, who competed in the Paris Olympics in August. Among the top 20 are Italians Carola Colasanto (Tognazzi Mare Village), winner of the Youth Sailing World Championships, and Sofia Renna (Circolo Torbole Surf).


Sardinia Sailing Cup: A Month of Sailing Excellence

The Sardinia Sailing Cup continues its calendar of sailing events throughout October and November:

  • From October 15th, the Foil International Academy Trophy will take place, part of the Next Generation Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa. The event will focus on the Waszp Foil class, under the guidance of Alessandra Sensini, a federal coach.
  • From October 16th to 20th, the WingFoil Racing World Cup Italy will bring top athletes to the shores of Cagliari. With already 65 registered participants two weeks ahead of the start, the event, recognized by World Sailing as a Special Event, is expected to attract even more competitors.
  • The third week of November will be dedicated to the International Development Programme focusing on international Para Sailing. The waters of Su Siccu will once again serve as a competitive arena for these remarkable races.

The Sardinia Sailing Cup commenced on September 25th with the Italian Olympic Classes Championship Edison Next 2024, which ran until September 29th.

The event is promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia – Department of Tourism, Crafts, and Trade, with sponsorship from the Municipality of Cagliari.

PHOTO CREDIT: LUIGI CORDA SARIDNIA SAILING CUP

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