iQFOiL Senior European Championship opens in Sferracavallo, Palermo, Italy
by iQFOiL Class 24 Nov 2025 03:55 HKT
23-29 November 2025
Under the Sicilian sun and with the majestic Tyrrhenian Sea as its backdrop, the 2025 iQFOiL Senior European Championship officially opened today in Sferracavallo, a coastal district of Palermo, Sicily.
Hosted by the Circolo Velico Sferracavallo in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the International iQFOiL Class Association, the regatta promises six days of high-performance foiling windsurfing at the highest level.
The Opening Ceremony took place this evening after a full day of final equipment checks, registration, and a vibrant practice session. Set in one of Italy's most scenic sailing venues, this Championship has drawn 141 top athletes, 87 men and 55 women, representing 36 countries from across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and beyond, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
"This venue is a spectacular stage for Olympic-level windsurfing," said Gonzalo Costa Hoevel, iQFOiL Class Manager. "Sferracavallo combines technical sailing conditions with rich cultural energy. The level of the fleet is exceptional, World Champions, Olympic medalists, and rising stars are all here. We're set for an exciting week of racing that will push the limits of the sport."
World and Olympic Champions Set to Battle
In the Women's fleet, the lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory. Emma Wilson (GBR), reigning World Champion and Paris 2024 bronze medalist, returns to the circuit to face off against Tamar Steinberg (ISR) and Theresa Steinlein (GER), her fellow 2025 World podium finishers. The field also includes Marta Maggetti (ITA), 2024 Olympic gold medalist, and the entire 2024 European Championship podium: Daniela Peleg (ISR), Maya Gysler (NOR), and Anastasiya Valkevich (POL).
In the Men's fleet, defending European Champion Pawel Tarnowski (POL) will be up against the newly crowned 2025 World Champion and 2024 Europeans runner-up Andy Brown (GBR), 2024 Olympic gold medalist Tom Reuveny (ISR), and Italian star Nicolò Renna, 2025 Worlds bronze medalist. Also on the starting line is Kiran Badloe (NED), Tokyo 2020 Olympic RS:X Champion, bringing his long experience and flair to the competition.
Adding another layer of excitement, several U23 (and younger) talents are stepping up into the Senior fleet, some for the first time, others already turning heads with breakthrough performances. Expect intense racing and surprising results as this new generation tests itself against the world's elite.
What's Next
Racing officially begins tomorrow, Monday, November 24, with the Opening Series. The event format includes Course Racing, Sprint Racing, and a Marathon, conditions permitting. After five days of racing, the top 10 athletes in each fleet will qualify for the dramatic Medal Series on Saturday, November 29, which will determine the European Champions through an elimination format culminating in a Grand Final.
The forecast looks promising, and the race committee, guided by the iQFOiL Class Course Representative, aims to deliver a complete schedule across all disciplines.
Stay tuned as some of the World's best windsurfers light up the waters of Sferracavallo in a week of high-speed, high-stakes foiling action.
Find out more at iqeuropeans2025italy.sailti.com/en/default/races/race