UNSTABLE BREEZE BRINGS QUALIFICATION SERIES TO A CLOSE IN LANZAROTE

Two final Course Races set the top eight as the iQFOiL International Games move into Medal Series mode

Lanzarote, February 10, 2026 - Day 4 of the iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote, hosted at Marina Rubicon, brought another test of patience and adaptability for sailors and race officials alike. The fleet faced shifting breeze and unstable conditions that ultimately marked the end of the Qualification Series and set the stage for the upcoming Medal Series.

When the fleet arrived in the North area, a few promising gusts suggested a possible start. However, the wind quickly faded, forcing the Race Committee to relocate the entire fleet to Pechiguera North in search of more stable conditions. The move proved initially successful, with a steady northerly breeze settling in at around 15 knots.

With the wind blowing directly from the North, and thanks to the new race area location, the strategic picture opened up significantly compared to the previous days. Sailors were able to play both sides of the course, resulting in lively and well-balanced starts, with boards lining up on both port and starboard tack. Two Course Racing races were successfully completed for both the Men and the Women, rewarding tactical awareness and clean execution.

Shortly after the conclusion of the second race, conditions changed abruptly. The wind dropped suddenly and it was no longer suitable for fair racing, the Race Committee made the call to abandon further racing for the day.

With the completion of today’s races, the Qualification Series is now officially over. Attention now turns to the Medal Series, scheduled for tomorrow, where the top eight sailors in each fleet will battle it out for final positions.

The Medal Series format will see sailors ranked fifth to eighth compete in the Quarter Finals. The top two finishers from the Quarter Final will advance to the Semi Final, where they will face the sailors ranked third and fourth overall. From the Semi Final, the top two will progress to the Grand Final against the sailors ranked first and second after the Opening Series. The top two qualifiers carry one match point into the Grand Final, which will continue until one sailor reaches two match points to secure victory.

Top 8 Women

1.     Emma Wilson (GBR)

2.     Sharon Kantor (ISR)

3.     Marta Maggetti (ITA)

4.     Tamar Steinberg (ISR)

5.     Palma Čargo (CRO)

6.     Medea Falcioni (ITA)

7.     Theresa Marie Steinlein (GER)

8.     Islay Watson (GBR)

Top 8 Men

1.     Finn Hawkins (GBR)

2.     Nicolas Goyard (FRA)

3.     Luuc Van Opzeeland (NED)

4.     Johan Søe (DEN)

5.     Nacho Baltasar Summers (ESP)

6.     Adrien Mestre (FRA)

7.     Yun Pouliquen (FRA)

8.     Duncan Monaghan (GBR)

With everything now on the line, Lanzarote is ready to deliver a decisive final day as the iQFOiL International Games move into the high-pressure, head-to-head Medal Series.