WingFoil Racing World Cup Series 2025 in Istanbul from August 13th to 17th
The 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Series arrives in Istanbul from August 13th to 17th, bringing high-speed action to the exclusive Fenerbahçe Sailing Club, part of the historic Fenerbahçe Sports Club, best known to football fans as one of Turkey’s most iconic teams. With a €10,000 prize pool and season titles starting to take shape, the stage is set for a crucial showdown on the Bosphorus.
Iconic location, challenging conditions
Located on Istanbul’s Asian coast, Fenerbahçe Sailing Club overlooks the Sea of Marmara, where ferries regularly traverse the deeper channels. However, the designated race course, located closer to the club’s waterfront, promises steady afternoon breezes, calm waters, and tight tactical racing—ideal for this high-speed foiling discipline. It’s a stark contrast to the mountain lake of Silvaplana, Switzerland, where participants last competed.
Rising Stars Target the Podium
Silvaplana saw a successful event for several emerging names, many of whom are now targeting not only the race win but also the overall World Cup title. In the women’s fleet, 15-year-old French prodigy Vaina Picot was the center of attention in the paddock after finishing third in qualifying and chasing the leaders. Can she make another step forward in Istanbul? Also keep an eye on Anaïs Mai Desjardins (FRA), currently fourth in the overall standings, and Greece’s Emilia Kosti, who is steadily gaining ground on the tour.
The Ones to Beat: Spanu and Ghio
Italy’s Maddalena Maria Spanu, the reigning World Cup champion, won both World Cup races this year, but showed signs of vulnerability in Silvaplana, losing several races. Traveling alone for the first time without her parents, the 18-year-old had to battle homesickness and a hungry peloton. Nonetheless, her ability to bounce back and regain form demonstrated why she’s the one to beat in Istanbul.
In the men’s fleet, Mathis Ghio [FRA] continues to lead the charge. Despite some tough situations in Switzerland, he showed his typical composure under pressure, securing another overall victory. But the gap is closing.
Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki is just eight points behind Ghio in the standings, while Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo and France’s Julien Rattotti remain within reach. But perhaps the biggest shift in momentum has come from Freddie Strawson [GBR]. The 28-year-old from Lincolnshire attracted attention in Switzerland by winning his first World Cup race and reaching the final for the first time, a result that could turn him into a serious contender.
Also on the rise is Nicolò Spanu [ITA], Maddalena’s brother, who is part of a growing Italian wave challenging Ghio’s dominance at the top.
A look ahead
Istanbul marks the midway point of the World Cup season. For athletes like Spanu and Ghio, it’s a chance to consolidate their lead. For rising stars like Picot and Strawson, it’s a golden opportunity to prove that Switzerland is no exception.
Let the race begin!
The excitement kicks off on August 13th with thrilling long-distance races, followed by a week of intense short-track racing. The action reaches its grand finale on Sunday, August 17th, with the highly anticipated medal round, where the champions will be crowned. Fans will be able to follow every moment of the AUDI 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Turkiye in real time, as the races will be monitored live, with updates and insights shared across all official IWSA channels.
