IFCA Foiling European Championships in St. Peter-Ording - Day 1
by IFCA 16 Jul 18:19 BST
2026 IFCA Foiling European Championship Day 1 © IFCA
The IFCA Foiling European Championships got under way in near-perfect conditions in St. Peter-Ording. On the opening day of competition, 65 athletes from 16 nations took to the waters of Ordinger Beach.
With wind speeds ranging from 10 to 15 knots, a full men's elimination and three women's races were completed during the afternoon.
In the men's fleet, John Soukos (GRE-198) of Greece claimed victory in the opening elimination. With this first win, he also moved into the overall lead of the IFCA Foiling European Championships.
German local favourite and title contender Fabi Wolf (GER-404) finished second, while Bob van de Burgt (NED-737) of the Netherlands secured third place. Denmark's Kasper Nielsen (DEN-148) and Noah Vinter (DEN-7777) completed the top five.
The two leading favourites, Alexis Mathis (FRA-997) of France and Amado Vrieswijk (NB-20) from Bonaire, finished sixth and seventh respectively in the opening elimination.
Three race wins for Lina Eržen
In the women's fleet, Slovenia's Lina Eržen (SLO-51) delivered a flawless performance, winning all three races and taking a commanding lead in the overall standings.
Behind her are Norwegian sisters Tuva Oppedal (NOR-29) and Helle Oppedal (NOR-39). Both were disqualified from the opening race for early starts, but bounced back strongly. Tuva finished second in each of the remaining races, while Helle recorded two third-place finishes.
Germany's Lena Schmäh (GER-857) impressed on home waters and currently sits fourth overall, with Caren Niezen (NED-367) of the Netherlands rounding out the top five.
Official Opening Ceremony attended by Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen
The official opening ceremony took place in the evening and was attended by Claus Ruhe Madsen, Schleswig-Holstein's Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Employment, Technology and Tourism.
Together with Boris Pfau, Mayor of St. Peter-Ording, Jan Dirk Tenge, President of the Schleswig-Holstein Sailing Association, and numerous guests, he welcomed the athletes during the colourful Parade of Nations.
The IFCA Foiling European Championships run from 15-19 July as part of the California Windsurf Cup St. Peter-Ording, offering a total prize fund of €40,000.
Alongside the fight for the official European Championship titles, awarded by the International Funboard Class Association (IFCA), the athletes are also competing for valuable Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) world ranking points.
The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Interior is supporting the organisation of the event with €120,000 in funding.
Sport and entertainment for the whole family
The California Windsurf Cup offers not only spectacular foiling and windsurfing action on the water, but also an extensive entertainment programme on land. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions at numerous stands throughout the event area on Ordinger Beach.
The event combines world-class sport with a vibrant beach festival atmosphere, offering an enjoyable experience for the whole family.