iQFOiL LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER: MEDAL SERIES LINE-UP DECIDED IN SILVAPLANA
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Huguenin and Smith secure the overall lead as the battle for the final places in the Medal Series goes down to the wire
Silvaplana, Switzerland – August 27, 2026 – The 2026 iQFOiL Last Chance Qualifier reached a decisive stage today at the Vanora Engadinwind, as the final Qualification Series races determined the athletes who will compete in Friday's Medal Series for the last available places at the iQFOiL Senior World Championships in Weymouth.
With the standings exceptionally close after the opening days of racing, every point mattered as sailors fought not only to qualify for the Medal Series, but also to secure one of the coveted top-two positions that carry a direct place into the Grand Final.
To add another challenge, the Race Committee switched to Slalom racing, producing fast, tactical and action-packed racing under another excellent Maloja breeze.
The Men's fleet delivered one of the closest contests of the week. Switzerland's Loïc Huguenin and France's Félix Dary shared all five race victories between them, with Huguenin claiming three wins and Dary the remaining two. Huguenin's consistency allowed him to finish the Qualification Series in first place, earning a direct place in the Grand Final. Poland's Michał Maziarka held onto second overall to secure the other automatic Grand Final berth, despite Dary's impressive comeback. One of the final sailors to book a place in the Medal Series was Britain's Charlie Baker, fresh from his victory at last week's iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games #3, who will now have the opportunity to continue his excellent form against the senior fleet.
In the Women's fleet, Abi Smith maintained her overall lead after another consistent day on the water, securing the top seed heading into the Medal Series. The switch to Slalom particularly suited Arrianne Paz, who claimed two race victories to strengthen her position and head into the final day with renewed confidence as one of the main contenders for victory.
With the Qualification Series complete, all eyes now turn to Friday's Medal Series, where the remaining places for the 2026 iQFOiL Senior World Championships will be decided. After four days of outstanding Maloja conditions, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling finale on the waters of Lake Silvaplana.
Comments