Gold Fleets raise the stakes at the iQFOiL Youth and Junior Worlds on the Costa Brava

The iQFOiL Youth and Junior World Championship has entered its most competitive phase on the Costa Brava, Spain. With competitors split between the Gold and Silver Fleets, the leading names in each category now face each other directly, increasing the pressure for results and for places in the decisive Medal Series.

Held at the Club de Vela La Ballena Alegre, in Sant Pere Pescador, the championship brings together almost 400 young athletes from 36 countries. The competition began on 3 July and runs until the 10th, when the world champions will be crowned in the U19 men's and women's and U17 men's and women's categories.

An impressive comeback in the U19 women's fleet

The biggest turnaround of the day came from France's Théa Le Borgne Zibetti. The reigning U17 world champion, she is competing this season in the U19 category and produced one of the largest moves in the standings. After starting the day in 24th place, Théa climbed 20 positions and finished the day's racing in fourth overall.

Mattia Saoncella keeps a perfect campaign

In the U19 men's category, Italy's Mattia Saoncella remains the man to beat. After another flawless sequence, he stayed the only athlete in the entire championship with a perfect score. Saoncella arrived on the Costa Brava after winning the U19 European title in the class in 2025.

Shifting wind demands constant attention

Racing took place under strong sun and high temperatures on the Costa Brava. Changes in wind strength and direction required constant adjustments to equipment and strategy. In iQFOiL, a foiling windsurf class, small changes can rapidly alter competitors' speed and positioning around the course.

The fight for Medal Series places

With the Gold Fleets under way, the margin for error narrows. Only the top ten athletes in each category will advance to the Medal Series, scheduled for the final day of the championship. The decisive phase will be raced in a knockout format, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and a grand final, keeping the contest open until the very last race.