2025 iQFOiL International Games #2 in Cádiz - Day 1
by iQFOiL Communications 11 Mar 08:38 NZDT
8-14 March 2025
2025 iQFOiL International Games #2 © Sailing Energy / iQFOiL Class
The opening day of the iQFOiL International Games #2 in Cadiz welcomed 240 athletes from 32 countries with extreme conditions that are expected to persist throughout the week.
With winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots from the southwest, shifts up to 30 degrees, a 3 to 5-meter swell, and squalls passing over the racecourses, the Senior, U19, and U17 fleets faced a demanding start to the competition.
The Senior fleets were the first to start racing and completed four Course Races as scheduled on the course closest to the harbor. Two of the three Paris 2024 Olympic medalists are on the podium of the fleet - Bronze medalist Emma Wilson (GBR 7) leading in the Women's division and Grae Morris (AUS 81) second in the Men's. Emma dominated with three race wins and a second-place discard, proving her strong form following her victory in Lanzarote. The leader of the Men is Finn Hawkings (GBR 19).
In the Women's fleet, Shahar Tibi (ISR 3) and Tamar Steinberg (ISR 216) from Israel complete the provisional podium. On the Men's side, Noah Lyons (USA 6) holds third.
"Four good races today. I'm not entirely happy with my performance as I made some mistakes I could have avoided, but overall, the results are good. I can't wait for tomorrow", Tamar Steinberg (ISR 216).
"We just kicked off the regatta in Cadiz. It was a bit windy and wavy with rain squalls, and no race was the same, so you had to stay on your game. I think I held it together and stayed pretty consistent, even though I had some crashes. I need more experience in these conditions, so hopefully, there'll be more of it tomorrow", Grae Morris (AUS 81).
The U19 fleets headed out slightly earlier than the Seniors and went to the western course, closer to open water. With bigger waves and stronger winds, racing proved even more challenging. The U19 Boys completed four Course Races, while the U19 Girls were sent ashore after three races due to increasing wind. Yfke Van Der Meer (NED 252) dominated with three consecutive wins, followed by Zofia Zarzecka (POL 114) (two second-place finishes and a third) and Jade Boyer-Gibaud (FRA 74) (one second and two third-place finishes).
In the Boys' fleet, Kylian Manhaval (FRA 1908) was unstoppable with four straight wins. Tied on points, Robin Zeley (SUI 5) and Titouan Dizet (FRA 98) sit in second and third, respectively.
The U17 fleets were the last to hit the water in the afternoon, using the course previously raced by the Seniors. In a short and intense session, both the Boys and Girls completed four Course Races. Julia Przybyl (POL 977) claimed three victories and leads the Girls' rankings, followed by Kalina Szostek (POL 205), who won the fourth race, and Anna Korevaar (NED 157) in third.
In the Boys' division, Dutch sailors Finn Brüll (NED 731) and Merlijn Boswijk (NED 244) sit at the top, with Lorenzo Maroadi (ITA 16) in third.
"We had an amazing day on the water! I managed to win three races—it was crazy out there with strong winds, big waves, and great energy!", Finn Brüll (NED 731).
"I'm happy with my day on the water! The waves and wind made it really fun, and I won three races. I'm looking forward to more racing tomorrow", Julia Przybyl (POL 977).
With similar conditions forecasted for tomorrow in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, the athletes will face another thrilling and demanding day on the water.