Weymouth showed its tougher side on Day 4 of the 2026 MUSTO iQFOiL World Championships, with grey skies, a strong westerly breeze well above 15 knots and a solid chop providing a demanding racecourse for the 186 athletes competing for the world titles.
After Wednesday’s lighter and highly tactical Sprint Slalom, the Race Committee switched back to Course Racing, making the most of the strong breeze to complete four races for both the Men’s and Women’s fleets, alternating throughout a full day on the water.
In the Women’s fleet, Tamar Steinberg (ISR) once again confirmed her remarkable form. The reigning European Champion added three more race wins to her scorecard today, finishing 12-1-2-1 and extending her advantage at the top of the standings to 44 net points. Behind her, Sharon Kantor (ISR)climbed from third to second overall on 75 points, giving Israel the top two positions with one day of qualification remaining. Racing on home waters, Islay Watson (GBR) holds onto third with 101 points, while 15-year-old Medea Falcioni (ITA) remains close behind in fourth on 110. After occupying second place through the first three days, Stella Bilger (AUS) had a more difficult day and drops to fifth overall.
The Men’s fleet produced more surprises and another change at the top. Noah Lyons (USA) regained the overall lead with a strong opening sequence of 4-2-4 before a UFD in the final race, which becomes one of his discarded scores. The American now leads on 36 net points, but the fight remains extremely tight. Johan Søe (DEN) moves into second, just five points behind on 41, while Nicolas Goyard (FRA) was one of the standout performers of the day. The Frenchman scored back-to-back wins in the middle of today’s series to climb into third overall on 46 points. Luuc van Opzeeland (NED) remains firmly in contention in fourth on 48, while yesterday’s leader Yoav Omer (ISR) drops to fifth on 66.
With four days complete, the championship now enters its decisive phase. Friday will be the final opportunity to shape the standings and secure a place in Saturday’s Medal Series, with every point becoming increasingly valuable as the top ten in each fleet fight to keep their World Championship hopes alive.
The action from Weymouth and Portland continues live tomorrow, Friday September 11, before the world titles are decided in Saturday’s Medal Series.