iQFOiL International Games set to shine at 2025 Kieler Woche

by Rachele Vitello 20 Jun 17:47 BST 21-25 June 2025

All eyes will be on Kiel this week as the iQFOiL International Games begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, at Kieler Woche, marking the first time this cutting-edge Olympic windsurfing class takes a leading role at the iconic German sailing festival.

With athletes from 25 countries across five continents, the event has drawn a truly global fleet — typically seen only at World Championships. This international turnout confirms iQFOiL's position as one of the fastest-growing and most competitive disciplines in Olympic sailing.

The regatta welcomes Senior Men and Women, as well as the next generation of foiling stars in the U19 and U17 divisions, competing across a demanding five-day schedule that will test versatility and consistency. For several emerging nations, this week also represents the final chance to qualify for the 2025 iQFOiL World Championship, taking place next month in Aarhus, Denmark — adding an extra layer of intensity and opportunity to the racing.

What sets iQFOiL apart is its mix of race formats, designed to push athletes across every dimension of sailing performance:

• Course Racing, where tactics, positioning, and wind reading are key.
• Sprint Racing, both Slalom and Upwind, focused on speed, timing, and precision maneuvers at close quarters.

This blend of formats challenges riders to develop a unique balance of mental sharpness, physical endurance, and technical skill — making every heat an all-around test of sailing excellence.

The weather forecast suggests a week of varied and challenging conditions. Racing is expected to open in hot, light winds, with a shift mid-week toward cooler temperatures, stronger breezes, and more unpredictable weather, promising dynamic competition and plenty of foiling drama on the Baltic Sea.

The iQFOiL International Games are organized in partnership with World Sailing, the German Sailing Federation, and the iQFOiL Class Association, as part of a shared commitment to the evolution of Olympic windsurfing and its global reach.

Racing runs from Saturday, June 21 to Wednesday, June 25.

Daily results and updates at iqfoilclass.org and kieler-woche.de