World champions crowned in epic conditions
History was made this week in the Azores as WingFoil Racing crowned its first-ever Youth and Masters World Champions. The volcanic island of Terceira provided a breathtaking stage for the landmark event – a place where dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unpredictable weather combined to deliver a truly memorable competition.
Rising stars shine in Youth categories
In the Youth Boys division, an exciting talent burst onto the international scene. New Zealand’s Kosta Gladiadis, just 17 years old, impressed from the outset in what was his first major competition on a Wingfoil.
Whatever the conditions, and with winds often exceeding 30 knots, Gladiadis delivered consistently strong performances, topping the leaderboard for much of the event.
However, it was the more experienced Italian Ernesto de Amicis who ultimately took control when it mattered most. The 17-year-old stormed to two back-to-back victories in the finals to claim the inaugural Youth World Champion title.
“It’s really good to be the first Youth World champion, the battle was really close and there were really good fights in all-round conditions, so I’m really pleased” said de Amicis as the sun set over Praia de Vitoria.
Stepan Benes of Czechia also showed remarkable skill and determination, fighting hard for a well-deserved bronze.
In the Girls’ World Championship, it was China’s Yana Li who displayed exceptional resilience. After a disastrous second day, when two penalties for false starts dropped her from the top of the standings, the 16-year-old recovered in stunning fashion. She won three consecutive races in the grand-final to secure the World title.
“I’m really pleased with how I dealt with things. I just calmly raced.” She said after racing. “It was messy on the water and there was really strong rain which hurts when you’re not wearing glasses. I just kept telling myself ‘you can do this, you’re the best’.”
Italy’s Lara Talarico, just 12 years old, proved she’s one to watch for the future. Already her country’s youth silver medallist, she now adds a World silver medal to her growing list of achievements.
Claire Tian Yu Tse of Hong Kong showed her technical ability in lighter winds to claim bronze.
Masters Fleet: Age prevailed
Eighteen athletes from ten nations lined up for the Masters world title, all over the age of 35, collectively boasting an incredible 900 years of experience. Despite the camaraderie on land, the competition on the water was fierce.
The light winds on the opening day favored the Mediterranean sailors, and Italian Alberto Cocchi took advantage of this to take the lead. As conditions worsened over the course of the week, youth and high-level experience proved to be a winning combination.
Britain’s Chris Rashley took the lead in the fleet in challenging, high-wind conditions. Rashley, who usually coaches his wife, Anaïs-Mai Desjardins, on the WingFoil Racing World Cup circuit, enjoyed a role reversal in the Azores, with Desjardins acting as his caddy for the duration of the event.
On finals day, with epic winds and waves testing every competitor, Rashley was unstoppable, taking the Masters world title in a single race. The 36-year-old was the youngest in the Masters fleet, but he believes age is no barrier to competing: “I feel better now than I did when I was 20. Physically, I’m in a good place. Mentally, I’m better prepared. I’ve learned a lot in 20 years of racing and training.”
week to remember
The week’s wildly varied conditions showcased not only the physical and tactical demands of WingFoil racing but also the sport’s growing global depth. From new teenage stars to seasoned veterans, the competition highlighted a thrilling balance between fresh talent and enduring mastery.
