International Quiz for Future Olympians (iQFOiL) World Championship to be held in Weymouth in 2026
In September 2026, the picturesque town of Weymouth & Portland in the UK will play host to the much-anticipated 2026 iQFOiL World Championships. The event, scheduled from the 21st to the 26th of September, will take centre stage at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, with racing taking place at a harbourside Race Village.
The iQFOiL World Championships, an exciting addition to the Olympic windsurfing equipment for the Paris 2024 cycle, promises edge-of-seat racing, with speeds that can reach an impressive 35kts (65kph). The competition will feature a series of races culminating in a thrilling knockout finale on the last day, all of which will be streamed live online for spectators worldwide.
The event is not just about competition; it's also about social and environmental progress. The RYA, in partnership with the iQFOiL Class, Dorset Council, and WPNSA, has planned a comprehensive social impact program. This includes participation opportunities, mentoring, and education initiatives for local young people, aiming to inspire the next generation of windsurfers and environmental champions.
The event is a significant milestone for the UK, marking the first time the country has hosted a major championship in the iQFOiL class. Double Olympic medallist Emma Wilson, a member of the British Sailing Team, will be participating in the event, defending Great Britain's women's and men's World Championship titles on home waters.
UK Sport has provided National Lottery funding for the event, and Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, has expressed delight at the UK hosting the iQFOiL World Championship in 2026. Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, is also looking forward to the event, seeing it as an opportunity to build on the success of previous sailing competitions.
The event will also promote sustainability and support environmental education efforts, including seagrass seahorse projects. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the event's aim to serve as a catalyst for social and environmental progress in Weymouth & Portland.
Images for this article are courtesy of Sailing Energy/IQFOiL Class.
[1] Live streaming details will be announced closer to the event date.
Sports enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to witnessing the thrilling windsurfing event, the 2026 iQFOiL World Championships, which promises edge-of-seat racing and speeds reaching an impressive 35kts (65kph). This sports competition, taking place in Weymouth & Portland, UK from September 21st to 26th, is more than just a race; it's also about social and environmental progress, with a comprehensive impact program designed to inspire the next generation of windsurfers and environmental champions.
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