Strong week ends in frustration for Grae Morris at the iQFOiL Europeans
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 23 May 22:54 BST
18-23 May 2026
Grae Morris in action during the 2026 iQFOiL Open European Championships in Portimão © Sailing Energy / iQFOiL International Class
Grae Morris has endured a difficult finish to an otherwise outstanding European Championships campaign in Portugal, with a technical penalty and unforgiving finals format derailing a potential podium result.
After a superb week of racing across a wide range of conditions, Morris looked set to carry strong momentum into the final day and challenge for the overall lead. However, a post-race technical penalty added crucial points to his scoreline, dropping him into a tie for second overall before countback relegated him to third and into the sudden-death Semi Final.
In the high-pressure knockout race, one tough result ended Morris' medal hopes, with the Australian eventually finishing seventh overall despite being one of the standout performers throughout the regatta.
While the result was a frustrating conclusion for the Olympic silver medallist, the Championships marked another significant step forward for the young Australian iQFOiL Squad.
Australian National Squad Coach Arthur Brett said the regatta highlighted the progress being made within the team. "It's the first time we've had three members of the squad in Gold Fleet, which is a brilliant result," Brett explained. "Our oldest squad member is only 22, and we're building. It's a really good feeling."
Alongside Morris, Rory Meehan and Philip Cripsey both finished inside the top 50 per cent of the fleet to qualify for Gold Fleet, with Meehan finishing 27th overall and Cripsey 54th.
The regatta tested athletes across an enormous range of conditions. "We had everything from six or seven knots through to 20 knots, flat water through to big swell, and no current through to plenty of current," Brett said.
"It was challenging both physically and mentally, but everyone stayed focused on the job and really felt we were able to recognise what was happening in real time."
The European Championships conclude a demanding opening block of the international season, following racing and training stints across Spain, France and Portugal.
"The first half of the European season has gone quickly," Brett shared. "We've had Palma, Hyères and Portimão, plus a lot of training in between. It's been solid, and we work pretty hard, but we're looking forward to what's ahead."
The squad will now return home for a short break before regrouping in Mooloolaba in June for a major training block, followed by a month-long campaign in Los Angeles beginning in late June to gain valuable experience on the LA2028 Olympic race course.
The disappointment of Portugal will no doubt serve as motivation moving forward. With a young and rapidly improving squad, Australia's iQFOiL program is building strong momentum as preparations continue towards the 2026 World Championships in Weymouth this September.
Australian Sailing Team (AST), Australian Sailing Squad (AS Squad), Australian Sailing Futures (ASF), State Sailing Performance Program (SSPP) and other Australian (AUS) results at the iQFOiL European Championship:
iQFOiL - Men (119 entries)
7th - Grae Morris (AST)
27th - Rory Meehan (AS Squad)
54th - Phillip Crispey (ASF)
76th - Jarrod Jones (ASF)
iQFOiL - Women (79 entries)
57th - Sammie Costin (AUS)
65th - Anna Crispey (ASF)
Full results can be found here.