The Balearic team begins its journey toward Los Angeles 2028 with the iQFOiL World Championship

Mallorcan sailors Nacho Baltasar from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita, along with Bernat Tomás, Andrea Torres, and Bárbara Winau, all from Club Nàutic s’Arenal, begin their journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics today, Friday, July 4, with the first World Championship of the new Olympic cycle: the 2025 iQFOiL World Championship.

The stage is set in Aarhus for a spectacular week of high-speed sailing as the 2025 iQFOiL World Championship kicks off on July 4th, bringing together more than 200 of the world's top windsurfers from over 40 countries. As the first World Championship of the new Olympic cycle, this event marks the beginning of the road to Los Angeles 2028, and the pressure is already mounting.

All Olympic medalists from Paris 2024 in iQFOiL are on the starting line: Marta Maggetti (ITA 157), Sharon Kantor (ISR 390), and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) in the women’s category, and Tom Reuveny (ISR 60), Grae Morris (AUS 81), and Luuc Van Opzeeland (NED 55) in the men’s. Joining them is RS:X Olympic gold medalist Kiran Badloe (NED 9). With such a powerhouse lineup on the water, the competition promises Olympic-level intensity and elite battles from day one.

Noteworthy is the participation of Olympian Nacho Baltasar, from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita, and Mallorcans Bernat Tomás, Andrea Torres, and Bárbara Winau, from Club Nàutic s’Arenal.

“This World Championship is a milestone for our class. It’s the first major event of the new Olympic cycle, and the level is extremely high, the Paris podium is complete, top talents from every continent, and new nations are joining the sport. iQFOiL is growing rapidly, and events like this showcase how exciting and global our sport has become. We’re looking forward to seeing what the week holds on the water here in Aarhus,” said Gonzalo Costa Hoevel, Director of the International iQFOiL Class.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the world back to Aarhus. It will be a vibrant celebration of sailing, not just for experts but for everyone,” said Jon Koch Hansen, Director of the Aarhus International Sailing Center.

Spectators will be able to enjoy all the action live and for free, with a festive atmosphere throughout Aarhus Ø. Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and giant screens broadcasting the races will create an inclusive experience for fans of all ages. From July 9th to 11th, the finals will be streamed worldwide with English commentary, offering a front-row seat to every tactical move, clash, and comeback. Before the live stream begins, the class will also launch a new live storytelling format on social media, featuring daily behind-the-scenes content, on-water footage, and real-time race updates, especially on Instagram (@iqfoilclass).

“It will be special to race at home, in Aarhus,” said Danish Olympian Johan Søe. “We’re ready, and I hope to see a big crowd on the waterfront!”

Aarhus has hosted world-class events like the 2018 Sailing World Championships and The Ocean Race, establishing itself as one of Europe’s premier sailing venues. Its state-of-the-art facilities and passionate community make it the perfect host for the 2025 iQFOiL World Championship.

“Hosting the iQFOiL World Championship once again puts Denmark, and Aarhus, at the heart of international sailing,” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark. “Together with key partners, our goal is to inspire, unite, and celebrate the energy of Olympic sport.”