Stella Bilger has made a strong start at the 2025 iQFOiL European Championships
by YachtingNZ 25 Nov 2025 23:33 PST
Stella Bilger (NZL) is 10th overall at the 2025 iQFOiL European Championships - November 26, 2025 © Sailing Energy
Stella Bilger has made a strong start at the 2025 iQFOiL European Championships in Sferracavallo, Italy, sitting an impressive 10th overall in the women’s fleet after six course races across the opening two days.
The 20-year-old has already delivered two top-20 finishes, including an excellent fourth in Race 2, keeping her firmly in touch with the world’s leading windfoilers.
Bilger's early form follows a breakthrough September in which she claimed the iQFOiL under-23 world title in Portimão, producing a brilliant tactical move in the second medal race, breaking from her rivals and holding her nerve to secure gold in a remarkable New Zealand one-two, with teammate Aimee Bright taking silver.
After a slow start on Day 1 in Sicily, conditions came to life overnight (NZ time) Sunshine and a solid breeze allowed all fleets to complete five full-course races, creating the first major shake-up in the standings.
In the men’s fleet, Olympic champion Tom Reuveny continued to set the pace and remains at the top of the table after another consistent day. Great Britain’s Finn Hawkins climbed to second after two race wins and a strong scoreline. France’s Nicolas Goyard sits third, with Britain’s reigning world champion Andy Brown in fourth.
In the women’s fleet, Olympic bronze medallist and world champion Emma Wilson of Great Britain dominated the day with three race wins to move into the overall lead after six races. Dutch rider Sara Wennekes delivered a rock-solid performance to hold second.
See below for Day 2's update.
Latest results and standings here: iqeuropeans2025italy.sailti.com/en/default/races/race-resultsall