St. Peter-Ording, 15 July 2026. The IFCA Foiling European Championships got underway in near-perfect conditions in St. Peter-Ording. On the opening day of competition, 65 athletes from 16 nations took off to the water of Ordinger Beach. With wind speeds ranging from 10 to 15 knots, a full mens elimination and three womens races were completed during the afternoon.
In the Men's fleet, John Soukos (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails / PATRIK Foils) 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 (Starboard / Severne Sails) lived up to expectations by finishing second. Bob van de Burgt (FMX Racing / Point-7) of the Netherlands followed in third place, while Denmarks Kasper Nielsen (Duotone Windsurfing) and Noah Vinter (PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils) completed the top five.
The two leading favourites, Alexis Mathis (Tabou / GA Sails) of France and Amado Vrieswijk (Future Fly / North Sails / Z Foils) from the Caribbean island of Bonaire, had to settle for sixth and seventh place respectively in the opening elimination.
Three Race Wins for Lina Eržen
In the Women’s fleet, Slovenias Lina Erženn (Starboard / S2Maui) dominated the competition. With three victories from three races, she established a commanding lead at the top of the overall standings.
Behind her are the Norwegian sisters Tuva Oppedal (Starboard / Severne Sails) and Helle Oppedal (Starboard / Severne Sails). Both were disqualified from the opening race following early starts but responded impressively in the subsequent races. Tuva Oppedal finished second in each of the following two races, while Helle Oppedal recorded two third-place finishes.
Lena Schmäh (GER-857) provided a positive surprise for the German team and currently sits fourth overall after the opening day. Caren Niezen (NED-367) of the Netherlands completes the top five in the Women’s standings.
Official Opening Ceremony attended by Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen
The official opening ceremony of the IFCA Foiling European Championships took place in the evening. Among the guests was 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 other guests, he welcomed the athletes, who were cheered on during the Parade of Nations.
The IFCA Foiling European Championships will take place from 15th to 19th of July as part of the California Windsurf Cup St. Peter-Ording. The event offers a total prize money of €40,000.
In addition to competing for the official European Championship titles, awarded by the International Funboard Class Association, the athletes are also battling for valuable points for the Professional Windsurfers Association world rankings.
The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Interior is supporting the organisation of the major sporting event with a funding of €120,000.
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 program of entertainment on land. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of activities and attractions at numerous stands throughout the event area on Ordinger Beach.
The event therefore combines international elite-level sport with a diverse beach experience for the entire family.
Photo Credit: CW//FinnAnjes//DanielPankoke