High-speed racing set against the historic backdrop of the Jurassic Coast. The iQFOiL Sailing World Championships are coming to the UK.
The world's finest windsurfers descend on Weymouth and Portland from 7-12 September for the class's biggest event of the season.
With Olympians set to sail and live racing on British shores, here is everything you need to know about the event.
What is iQFOiL?
iQFOiL racing made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, replacing the previous windsurfing RS:X class.
With the RS:X daggerboard replaced by a foil, the board appears to fly as the hydrofoils lift it out of the water when picking up speeds that can reach 35 knots or 65km per hour.
All competitors are required to use the same standardised equipment with the Olympic discipline taking on the course racing format.
Ultimately, it is fast, gripping and tests athletes' know-how and technique like never before.
What is the format iQFOiL Sailing World Championships?
Over nine days of racing, 177 competitors from 40 nations will take to British waters at the 2026 Championships.
Opening Series racing will take place from 7-11 September with tactical upwind and downwind course racing, which takes around 15 minutes per race.
All finals racing will take place on 12 September, with a fan zone open from 10am-6pm.
Last time out at the iQFOiL Worlds
Emma Wilson and Andy Brown made it a glorious British double gold on the waters of Aarhus in 2025.
In the event which launched the LA28 Olympic cycle, the Olympic bronze medallist secured her first-ever senior world title before Brown perfectly controlled the final race to clinch his.
Wilson recovered from a crash earlier in the first of the finals races to finish second behind Theresa Steinlein of Germany before taking control in the third race and making herself uncatchable for gold.
While Brown produced a decisive performance in the third men's race to take the crown.
Which Brits are racing in 2026?
Wilson and Brown return to defend their titles this September with a host of other British sailors on the start line.
Olympic medallist Wilson is set to lead out a nine-strong women's squad, which includes the likes of Islay Watson and Abi Smith, while Brown will line up with Brits such as Sam Sills and Finn Hawkins in the men's field.
Full entries are still yet to be confirmed.
Where to watch?
Weymouth Pavilion is the best place to catch all the action live and in person, with Weymouth Water Fest taking place on Sunday 12 September for finals racing.
If you can't get down in person, online viewing is available through the iQFOiL Class Official Website and the Royal Yachting Association.
Sportsbeat 2026