Sol Wingfoil Racing World Cup Jeri Brazil - Day 1
by IWSA Media 3 Dec 2025 21:44 AEDT
2-6 December 2025
Sol Wingfoil Racing World Cup Jeri Brazil - Day 1 © IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
After a two-month pause for youth, world and continental championships, the Wingfoil Racing World Cup roared back to life on Brazil's sun-kissed north-east coast, launching its season finale on the iconic waters of Jericoacoara.
The eco-resort of Vila Kalango, framed by palm trees, golden dunes and warm Atlantic waters once again provided a dream backdrop as 49 riders from 14 countries and five continents lined up for the decisive final showdown of 2025.
With consistent breeze ranging from 18 to 24 knots, day one delivered exactly what Jeri is famous for: fast, physical, punishing racing. Both the men's and women's fleets faced four long-distance contests, each kicked off by a breathless 'rabbit start' behind a speedboat. It was a gruelling day that tested fitness to the max, the heavy seaweed that drifted across the racecourse adding an extra layer of difficulty with riders having to constantly jump to clear it off their foils.
Women: Spanu shines in golden year
Maddalena Spanu arrived in Brazil as the woman to beat. Having dominated the fleet all season, the Italian has never won in Brazil and is on a mission to change that statistic. To succeed here will complete a golden year for the Sardinian who became World Champion and Youth World Champion in 2025 and is expected to take the World Cup crown as well. Spanu will be racing in a golden helmet presented to her by the Italian sailing federation to mark her gilt-edged season.
Despite her formidable form, Spanu faced pressure from rising challengers Vaina Picot of France and Greece's Emilia Kosti, both of whom have shown rapid development throughout the season. Picot - who turned 16 last month - produced electric starts in the opening two races, leading to the first mark before having to settle for third and second. Her speed off the line continued through the day as she secured three second-place finishes.
However no one could stop Spanu. The Italian swept all four long-distance races, stamping her authority on the fleet and signalling that the Jeri curse may finally be lifting.
France enjoyed a strong showing overall, with Kylie Belleouvre finishing the day third to complete a promising start for the tricolour squad.
Men: Manowiecki strikes early as Ghio eyes revenge
All eyes were on Mathis Ghio, the Frenchman chasing his fourth consecutive World Cup title. Though leading the overall standings, Ghio also carried personal motivation into Jeri. He lost last year's Brazil event to Poland's Kamil Manowiecki, the only blemish on his otherwise perfect record at this venue.
Manowiecki though made clear he has no intention of surrendering the crown. The Pole delivered three superb race wins to seize the early overall lead, mastering the long-distance format and the demanding conditions.
France's Bastien Escoffet matched that intensity with remarkable consistency, never finishing outside the top two. His immense workload, covering around 60km including warm-up, underlined the physical toll of the opening day, yet his stamina and control kept him firmly in the hunt.
Ghio remains very much in the title conversation, but with Manowiecki in fierce form and Escoffet flying, the battle for the men's World Cup crown promises to be a thriller.
A vibrant welcome to Jeri
The competition was officially opened in a colourful ceremony in the mood-lit gardens of Vila Kalango, just metres from the beach. Local children carried the flags of all 14 nations, giving the event its traditional blend of global camaraderie and local spirit.
Five days to crown the champions
With steady breeze forecast and both fleets stacked with talent, the next five days in Jericoacoara will decide the men's and women's 2025 World Cup champions. If day one is anything to go by, the finale of the Sol Wingfoil Racing World Cup Jeri is set for an unforgettable climax on Brazil's legendary coast.