Challenging Conditions on Day One Sees Early Leaders Show Their Hands
The Daishan leg of the WingFoil Racing World Cup Series has kicked off with a bang, with nearly 80 sailors tackling three long-distance races in challenging conditions. The stakes are high, with 500 ranking points and 60,000 Euro prize money on the line, making this the most important event of the series to date.
“The pressure is a privilege, but it only makes it harder to perform,” said David Zhai, the Daishan Event Organizer. “With the penultimate event of the series, every point counts, and all sailors know this.”
Kamil Manowiecki from Poland dominated the day, leading every race from start to finish. “I spent two weeks training at the venue to learn the conditions and especially the currents, and it’s paid off,” said Manowiecki.
Sean Herbert from New Zealand had a consistent day with three 2nds, and Mathis Ghio, the French king of wingfoil racing, finished third.
In the women’s division, Maddalena Spanu from Italy had a near-perfect day with 1,1,2 in the long-distance races. “We were expecting more wind, but the top sailors always find a way to make it look easy,” said Spanu.
The event has also seen a strong showing from Chinese sailors, including Meijuan Xiao, who made a strong return to wingfoiling after a six-month injury layoff. “I’m feeling good, and the challenging conditions were a great test for me,” said Xiao.
The 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China is more than a race—it’s a celebration of speed, strategy, and the spirit of competition. Follow the action, cheer your favourites, and witness the evolution of wingfoil racing all the way until 7 September.
The Super Sunday features the Golden Ticket Race for a last chance to earn a place on the podium, and the Medal Series, the last showdown.
Fans can follow every tack, jibe, and foil glide live with real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage. For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow @wingfoilracing on social media.
