Maddalena Spanu Prepares for Final Leg of Wingfoil Racing World Cup
Maddalena Spanu, a Young Azzurra athlete, is set to compete in the final leg of the Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Jericoacoara, Brazil, from December 2 to 6, 2025. She currently leads the provisional World Cup rankings.
The final leg of the Wingfoil Racing World Cup will determine the 2025 champions in both the women's and men's divisions. Maddalena Spanu, representing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's Young Azzurra programme, is among the top contenders. At 19, Spanu has excelled in the 2025 international circuit, securing victories in Morocco, Switzerland, Turkey, China, and Italy, which has solidified her position at the top of the World Cup rankings.
Spanu's achievements this season include wins in the European and Formula Wing World Championships, showcasing her determination and consistency. Her performance has been recognized by World Sailing, which nominated her as one of the four finalists for the Young Sailor of the Year award in October, highlighting her talent and commitment.
The qualifying rounds for the final leg will begin on December 2 and continue until December 5, featuring both long-distance and short-course races. The Medal Series on December 6 will decide the winners of the Brazil leg and the overall 2025 World Cup.
Maddalena expressed her readiness for the event, stating, "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."
Another Young Azzurra athlete, Federico Pilloni, recently achieved third place in the U23 category and finished in the top 10 overall at the iQFOiL European Championships on November 29. This result marks a significant milestone for Pilloni in his first year competing in the senior category.
Updates on the competition will be available on the YCCS website and Young Azzurra social media channels. For images or further information, contact the YCCS Press Office.
The Young Azzurra initiative, launched in 2020 by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, focuses on nurturing young Italian sailing talents with an emphasis on equal opportunities. The programme carries the legacy of Azzurra, the first Italian challenger for the America's Cup in 1983.
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, founded in 1967 in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, is known for organizing prestigious international sailing events. The club has a rich history, including the launch of the motor yacht Destriero, which set a transatlantic crossing record, and participation in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002.
In 2017, YCCS celebrated its 50th anniversary and launched the One Ocean sustainability programme. The Young Azzurra sporting programme was introduced in 2020 to support young Italian sailors.
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