iQFOiL LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER: DARY AND SMITH CLAIM VICTORY IN SILVAPLANA

11 minutes ago
2 min read

Frenchman storms through the Medal Series from the Semi Final to win the men's title, while Smith caps a dominant week in the women's fleet

Silvaplana, Switzerland – August 28, 2026 – The 2026 iQFOiL Last Chance Qualifier came to a dramatic conclusion today at the Vanora Engadinwind, where changing weather conditions, thrilling Medal Series racing and a passing thunderstorm combined to produce an unforgettable finale. At the end of the day, Félix Dary (FRA) claimed victory in the men's fleet after an extraordinary comeback through the elimination rounds, while Abi Smith (GBR) completed a dominant week to take the women's title.

The Men's Medal Series immediately delivered high drama. The Semi Final began with a General Recall after several of the favorites crossed the line early. Finley Evans, Félix Dary and Magne Iversen were all penalized with a five-second delayed start, opening the door for John Madrigal and Charlie Baker. Baker's hopes ended early after falling off the foil shortly after the first mark, while Dary steadily worked his way back through the fleet. By the final upwind, the Frenchman had taken control of the race, with Iversen also moving ahead of Madrigal. Dary crossed the finish line just before falling into the water, narrowly securing victory ahead of Iversen as both advanced to the Grand Final.

The first attempt at the Grand Final brought yet another twist, with Qualification Series leaders Loïc Huguenin and Michał Maziarka both starting prematurely. Shortly afterwards, a thunderstorm swept across Lake Silvaplana, forcing a brief postponement before racing resumed on a shortened Slalom course.

Starting with a five-second advantage, Dary and Iversen immediately took control. Riding a wave of confidence after his Semi Final victory, Dary led from start to finish to win the race and level the match points. However, deteriorating conditions prevented any further races from being sailed. With three sailors tied on one match point, the final standings were decided according to the finishing order of the last completed Grand Final race, handing Félix Dary a remarkable overall victory after starting the day in the Semi Final. Loïc Huguenin (SUI) finished second, while Michał Maziarka (POL) completed the podium in third.

The Women's fleet completed one final race before the weather closed in. Having led the championship throughout the week, Abi Smith (GBR) confirmed her dominance to secure the overall victory with another composed performance. Alexandra Lojinova finished second overall, while Arrianne Paz completed the podium after a consistently strong regatta.

The conclusion of the Last Chance Qualifier also marks the end of two successful weeks of iQFOiL competition at the Vanora Engadinwind, where Masters, Youth & Junior and Senior athletes all enjoyed spectacular racing on the waters of Lake Silvaplana. With the final qualification places now decided, the focus turns to the 2026 iQFOiL Senior World Championships in Weymouth, where the world's best foilers will meet once again.