Matteo Iachino (Starboard / NeilPryde / Z Fins) won his first world title almost a decade ago in 2016, but then the Italian had to wait another 2023 to get his hands on a second PWA World title. However, after that long wait the Italian has hit a purple patch which has seen him win PWA world titles in 2023, 2025 and 2026 - after winning his first Slalom X world crown - while he has the chance to add further success as the 36-year-old prepares to begin his Foil Slalom world title defence in Sylt in just a few weeks time. We recently caught up with Matteo for an interview, which you can read below:
Hey Matteo, how’s it going?
“Hey Chris! All good! Back to Italy to see my parents a bit and train some foil in different conditions for Germany!”
You’ve had a bit of time after Fuerte now - how does it feel to have won your fourth world title?
“It’s my fourth PWA and my fifth in windsurfing and it just feels great. I would say the first and this last one are the ones i give more value to. This year s conditions were amazing and it feels great finishing on the top spot!"
If we go back to that event in Fuerte, during those opening seven eliminations that must be some of the best you’ve ever sailed?
“I think the event itself has probably been the best racing event I took part in during my windsurfing career. Super windy, nice waves at moments, every day amazing conditions. I knew I was in good form and I knew my gear this year was a killer combination, but I didn’t expect that much at the beginning of the event.”
Heading into the into the final day it really looked like you almost had things already wrapped up, but then you suffered a shock semifinal exit and Pierre won the elimination to take it into a deciding elimination… what were your feelings as you watched that final unfold and then how do you mentally prepare yourself for a final elimination shootout?
“It was really weird. I never had such an advantage being 3/4 of the way through the competition and I told myself just to take it easy. But the level is so high that you can’t go 90%, you have to go all in. In the last elimination I still had a big advantage in points, but I pushed all the way till the second last reach and only then I started thinking about it, and it worked out.”
Did something unusual happen in that penultimate elimination? Up until that moment you had looked pretty much untouchable during the event…
“As I said i thought to just relax and do some easy racing just enough to secure the victory without risking but there is not a chance to do good in a PWA event going safe 90%…”
Sylt is now just a few weeks away - how are you feeling about the event and starting your Foil Slalom world title defence and how are your preparations going?
“I feel really good on the foil gear too. The speed is there. I need to do some last adjustments but I’m almost ready. Sails and board feel on point for sure. A couple weeks ago I was not really willing to get back on the foil, but now I can't wait to be on the starting line again.”
Thanks, Matteo. Congrats again on your latest world title and good luck with the rest of your preparations for Sylt.