Up to 250 of the world’s top windsurfers from over 40 nations are competing in the iQFOiL World Championships this week at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in Dorset.
Event, venue and public programme
The six-day regatta, staged by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), begins on Monday and will bring the Olympic windsurfing class — iQFOiL — to the south coast. The discipline uses hydrofoil-equipped boards that lift above the water and can reach speeds of around 35 knots (65 kph), a feature that has transformed competitive windsurfing and its spectator appeal.
Organisers have created a seaside fan zone adjacent to Weymouth Pavilion which will open to the public on Saturday from 10:00 BST to 18:00, with racing coverage scheduled from 12:00. The zone will feature live commentary, athlete interviews, a big screen and medal ceremonies. It will run alongside the Weymouth Water Fest on the beach, offering free-bookable activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, beach yoga and sea swimming.
British hopes and international field
Among those seeking world crowns are two members of the British Sailing Team, Emma Wilson and Andy Brown, both of whom won world titles in 2025 and will defend those honours. Wilson, who grew up in Christchurch, is also a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, having secured podium places at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Their presence underlines the strength of Britain’s programme in the iQFOiL class.
The entry list is truly global, with top sailors travelling to Dorset to compete across multiple divisions. For organisers and local authorities, the championships present both an elite sporting showcase and an opportunity to boost visitor numbers and community participation in watersports.
- Competitors: Up to 250
- Nations represented: More than 40
- Event length: Six days, starting Monday
- Fan zone hours: Saturday 10:00–18:00; racing from 12:00
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Dorset |
| Discipline | iQFOiL (hydrofoil windsurfing) |
| Top speed (approx.) | 35 knots / 65 kph |
Local impact and wider context
The championships provide a summer boost for Weymouth’s waterfront economy at a time when coastal destinations seek to extend their visitor season. The combination of world-class racing and accessible water-based activities aims to attract families and watersport enthusiasts as well as international visitors following the competitors.
For the sailing community, iQFOiL represents the sport’s current Olympic-facing platform. Its foil technology places a premium on board handling and tactical nous, and performances this week will be watched closely by national programmes and selectors as they plan for future competitions and Olympic cycles.
While the RYA coordinates the event, safety and race management will rely on the academy’s experience hosting major regattas on this stretch of the south coast. Spectators are advised to check official channels for daily schedules and any weather-related updates, as wind conditions will be decisive for race formats and timings.
Beyond the competition itself, organisers are emphasising participation and legacy: coaching sessions and beginner-friendly activities running alongside the championships are designed to convert spectator interest into ongoing engagement with sailing and paddle sports in the region.
As the fleet prepares to launch, all eyes will be on Britain’s title-defenders and on how the sport’s top athletes adapt to the foil-powered, high-speed environment that has come to define iQFOiL racing.
