2026 Lanzarote International iQFOiL Games - Day 1
by iQFOiL Communications 8 Feb 16:50 AEDT
The 2026 Lanzarote International iQFOiL Games, the first event of the newly inaugurated season, officially got under way today at Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, organized by Marina Rubicón, with a strong turnout of 101 competitors, including 61 Men and 40 Women representing almost 30 nations, launching the campaign in characteristic Canary Islands style.
Day 1 delivered challenging yet high-quality racing conditions, with a west north-west breeze blowing between 8 and 12 knots, steadily and gently veering to the right throughout the afternoon. The racecourse featured a 1.5-metre swell, minimal chop and a clean water state, creating fast, technical yet accessible sailing conditions for the fleet.
A single racecourse was used for both Men and Women. The Men opened the regatta at 2:00 pm, completing three back-to-back Slalom races, then letting in one race for the Women, to then conclude their fourth and final race of the day.
After a tightly fought opening day, Great Britain's Finn Hawkins leads the Men's standings thanks to one race win and two third-place finishes, showing impressive consistency in the shifting breeze. Close behind is Federico Pilloni (ITA), who sits second overall after an explosive performance that included two race wins. Rounding out the provisional podium is Andy Brown (GBR), the 2025 World Champion, currently third overall with one race victory on the opening day.
The Women's fleet took to the course after the conclusion of the Men's racing, completing their final three races for a total of four Slalom races for the day in conditions that became even more shifty and unstable as the afternoon progressed.
At the end of Day 1, World Champion Emma Wilson (GBR) leads the Women's fleet after a commanding performance that included two race wins. She is tied on points with Tamar Steinberg (ISR), also scoring two victories to sit second overall. Sharon Kantor (ISR), Steinberg's compatriot, is currently third, finishing the day with one race win.
With strong participation, competitive racing and classic Lanzarote conditions on display, the 2026 iQFOiL season has officially begun, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.
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