Young Azzurra, Maddalena Spanu ready for final leg of Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Brazil
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 2 Dec 2025 03:56 AEDT
2-6 December 2025
Maddalena Spanu leads the WingFoil Racing World Cup rankings and is ready for the start of the final leg in Brazil © Yacht Club Costa Smeralda
The final leg of the WingFoil Racing World Cup gets under way tomorrow in Brazil and will run through 6 December. These last races will be decisive in crowning the 2025 World Cup champions in both the women's and men's divisions.
Among the top contenders is Maddalena Spanu, an athlete from the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's Young Azzurra programme.
At just 19 years old, Spanu has dominated the international circuit in 2025, winning all the legs held so far - in Morocco, Switzerland, Turkey, China and Italy - consolidating her position at the top of the World Cup rankings. This outstanding record is complemented by her victories in the European and Formula Wing World Championships, confirming her remarkable determination and consistency.
Maddalena's exceptional season has also been recognised by World Sailing, which in October nominated her among the four finalists for the Young Sailor of the Year award, a prestigious tribute to her talent and commitment, along with the results achieved.
The qualifying rounds for the final leg of the WingFoil Racing World Cup will begin tomorrow, 2 December, and will continue until 5 December, alternating between long-distance and short-course races. On 6 December, the Medal Series will determine the winners of both the Brazil leg and the 2025 World Cup.
"Tomorrow I'll take to the water happy with the progress I've made so far, but also aware of the responsibility. I've worked hard to be ready and I'll give it my all in every race. I hope to end the year in the best possible way. Being nominated by World Sailing as one of the finalists for Young World Sailor of the Year was a great honour for me and further motivation to continue improving." said Maddalena on the eve of the event.
Another athlete in the Young Azzurra programme, Federico Pilloni, claimed third place in the U23 category and finished in the top 10 overall at the iQFOiL European Championships on 29 November. For Pilloni, this result is a significant milestone, attesting to the level achieved in his first year competing in the senior category.
Updates will follow on the YCCS website and Young Azzurra social media channels.