2025 iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote - Overall
by iQFOiL Communications 2 Feb 21:40 PST
28 January - 2 February 2025
The #1 iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday with the Medal Series crowning Johan Søe (DEN 37) and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) as the first champions of the 2025 season. Hosted by Marina Rubicón, the event brought together 100 of the world's best iQFOiL athletes from 26 nations, kicking off the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle in style.
The final day's Medal Series delivered great expectations, as the new format provided an engaging and dynamic conclusion. The challenging conditions, with gusty and shifty winds, from the North ranging from 10 to 16 knots, added to the intensity, pushing the athletes to give their very best.
Emma Wilson Claims Victory in the Women's Fleet
Emma Wilson, the 2024 Paris Bronze medalist, showcased her dominance throughout the week, entering the Grand Final as the Opening Series leader. She started with a win as a reward for her consistent performance and secured her second win in the Grand Final, enough for her to claim the top spot.
The day began with the Women's Quarter-Final featuring Islay Watson (GBR 20), Sara Wenneke (NED 33), Theresa Steinlein (GER 799), and Palma Cargo (CRO 9). Watson and Cargo advanced to the Semi-Final, where they faced Marta Maggetti (ITA 157) and Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6). Watson and Valkevich earned their spots in the Grand Final, joining Wilson and Shahar Tibi (ISR 3).
Wilson led the Grand Final from start to finish, proving her consistency and skill in challenging conditions. Shahar Tibi finished second overall, followed by Islay Watson in third, Valkevich in fourth, and Maggetti in fifth.
"It's been an amazing week here in Lanzarote," said Wilson after the race. "The Medal Series was intense, I haven't done well in the Medal Series, but the new format with the two-bullet win had me somehow less stressed. I'm thrilled to start the season with a win, I am not normally a strong wind person but the new sail is undoubtedly a good change for the fleet."
Johan Søe Wins in the Men's Fleet
The Men's Medal Series was a true test of resilience and skill. Twenty-one-year-old Johan Søe, who led the Opening Series, faced fierce competition but managed to recover from an early crash to win the Grand Final and claim the title.
The Quarter-Final saw 20-year-old Manolo Modena (ITA 27), Kiran Badloe (NED 9), Rytis Jasiunas (LTU 7), and Adrien Mestre (FRA 4) battling for two spots in the Semi-Final. Modena and Badloe advanced to join Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465) and Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4). Once again, Modena and Badloe emerged victorious, setting up an epic Grand Final with Søe and Nicolò Renna (ITA 150).
The Grand Final opened with high tension as Søe crashed in the first downwind, allowing Renna to secure the first win. The decisive second race saw Søe maintain his composure, taking the lead at the windward mark and holding it to the finish. Modena finished second in the final race, with Renna third and Badloe fourth, due to a crash at the top mark.
The final ranking then sees Johan Søe first, followed by Nicolò Renna second - as he has a win in the Grand Final - Manolo Modena third and Kiran Badloe fourth - as their finishing order in the very last race.
"This whole week was very good for me," Søe commented. "And the grand final as well turned out to be a success. The first one was bad for me as I crashed soon after the start in a jybe, luckily no damage to the equipment and I was able to finish the race and win the following one. It is great to start the year with a win!"
Looking Ahead
The #1 iQFOiL International Games has set the tone for an exciting 2025 season. With athletes now heading back to their training bases, the focus shifts to the next major events: the #2 iQFOiL International Games in Cádiz from March 8 to 14 and the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma from March 28 to April 5.
This event not only marked the start of the new Olympic cycle but also had the new sails racing for the first time, with everybody enjoying the change, and tested a new Medal Series format, which proved a success in rewarding consistency.
A special thanks to Marina Rubicón and the organizers for delivering a flawless event that continues to solidify Lanzarote's reputation as a prime destination for Olympic-class sailing.
Overall Results: (top five)
Women
1. Emma Wilson (GBR 7)
2. Shahar Tibi (ISR 3)
3. Islay Watson (GBR 20)
4. Anastasia Valkevich (POL 6)
5. Marta Maggetti (ITA 157)
Men
1. Johan Søe (DEN 37)
2. Nicolò Renna (ITA 150)
3. Manolo Modena (ITA 27)
4. Kiran Badloe (NED 9)
5. Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465)
6. Nacho Baltasar (ESP 4)
Event Partners
The 2025 iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote are organized by Marina Rubicón, with sponsorship from Turismo Lanzarote through its sports tourism product, "Lanzarote Sports Destination." Additional support comes from the Cabildo de Lanzarote through the Insular Sports Service, the Art, Culture, and Tourism Centres of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, the Yaiza Town Hall, the Canary Islands Sailing Federation, DinghyCoach, and the Latin Sailing Federations.
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