Levante returns as final series of the iQfoil European Championship begins in Portimão
After a full day ashore yesterday, racing resumed today at the 2026 iQFOiL Open European Championships in Portimão. Conditions proved far more favorable today, as the Levante settled earlier and strengthened steadily across Praia da Rocha. Blowing from approximately 115 degrees at around 15 knots, the southeasterly breeze allowed the organizing team to remain fully on schedule, with the first warning signal sent ashore at 11:30 for the Gold Men fleet.
The championship has now officially entered the Final Series, marking a key turning point in the regatta. From this stage onwards, the top 50 percent of the fleet in each category compete together through Friday, significantly increasing the level of direct competition between the highest-ranked sailors. At the conclusion of the Final Series, on Saturday May the 23rd, the top ten athletes overall will qualify for the Medal Race Series, where the 2026 European titles will ultimately be decided.
The day began with three Course Racing contests, later in the afternoon, the Race Committee shifted to Sprint Racing for the final two races of the day. The transition between formats dramatically changed the racing dynamic, creating spectacular action both on the water and for spectators ashore, while testing the versatility of the fleet across contrasting disciplines.
In the Women’s fleet, Israel’s Tamar Steinberg (ISR 216) continues to lead the championship after another demanding day in the Final Series, despite more mixed results in the five races completed today. The young U23 rider managed to retain control of the standings thanks to her strong consistency across the week, including another race victory in the final contest of the day. The provisional podium is all made by U23 sailors, China’s Wenqi Li (CHN 17) climbs into second overall after a very solid performance featuring a race win and consistently strong finishes throughout the day’s varied conditions. Norway’s Maya Gysler (NOR 21) remains firmly in third place overall, while Israel’s Shahar Tibi (ISR 3) moves up to fourth after an excellent comeback day highlighted by a race victory and several top finishes. Italy’s Olympic gold medalist Marta Maggetti (ITA 157) and Britain’s Emma Wilson (GBR 7) all remaining within striking distance heading into the final stages of the championship, respectively in eight and ninth place.
In the Men’s fleet, Luuc Van Opzeeland (NED 55) maintains the overall lead after another intense day in the Final Series, despite a costly UFD penalty in one of today’s five races. The Dutch rider responded immediately with a race victory in the final race of the day. Australia’s Grae Morris (AUS 81) climbs into second overall after a strong and steady performance in the Levante conditions, while Denmark’s Johan Søe (DEN 37) remains third and firmly in contention heading into the final stages of the regatta. Italy’s U23 sailor Federico Alan Pilloni (ITA 286) continues his impressive championship in fourth overall after another highly competitive day that included two top-three finishes. Fellow Italian Nicolò Renna (ITA 150) moves up to fifth overall thanks to a race win in the Upwind Sprint, while France’s Nicolas Goyard (FRA 465) remains in the fight in sixth.
With the Final Series now underway and direct battles intensifying among Europe’s top riders, the 2026 iQFOiL Open European Championships enter their decisive phase in Portimão.
