The 2026 iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championships continued today at Club de Vela La Ballena Alegre, with another day of intense heat and challenging thermal conditions testing the world's best young windsurfers as the Qualifying Series approached its decisive stages.
With 399 athletes from 36 nations competing on the Costa Brava, sailors once again faced temperatures well above 35°C. Racing began in a relatively stable 7 to 10-knot breeze from around 120 degrees, allowing the first fleets to launch on schedule. However, as the afternoon progressed and the temperatures continued to rise, the thermal breeze became increasingly unstable, repeatedly building and fading while shifting across the race areas.
The constantly changing pressure demanded continuous adjustments from the Race Committee and rewarded sailors capable of reacting quickly to the evolving conditions. Although the U17 Boys launched later in the afternoon, the breeze had become too inconsistent to ensure fair racing and no races could be completed for the entire fleet.
The U19 Men Gold Fleet enjoyed the fullest program of the day, completing five Upwind Sprint races. Italy's Mattia Saoncella (ITA)once again demonstrated outstanding consistency, extending his lead at the top of the standings and remaining the only sailor in the championship with an almost flawless scoreline. Poland's Leon Jankowski (POL) climbs into second overall after another excellent day, while Israel's Itamar Levi (ISR)moves into third, keeping the fight for the podium wide open heading into the final qualifying races.
The U19 Women completed three races, beginning with an Upwind Sprint before switching to Sprint Slalom for the remaining two. The changing conditions produced another reshuffle at the top of the standings. Taisiia Stopchenko (AIN) retains the overall lead thanks to another consistent performance, while France's Salomé Simon (FRA) remains firmly in contention in second place. Britain's Sophie Clark (GBR) delivered one of the strongest performances of the day to climb onto the provisional podium in third overall.
The U17 Girls also completed two races, starting with an Upwind Sprint before moving into Sprint Slalom as the afternoon progressed. Turkey's Parla Kabasakal (TUR) continues to dominate the fleet, maintaining an unbeaten record and comfortably holding the yellow bib. Poland'sMichelle Urzykowski (POL) remains second overall, while Israel's Noa Koren (ISR) moves into third after a solid day that sees her enter the provisional podium.
With no races completed for the U17 Boys, the standings remain unchanged. Italy's Luca Pacchiotti (ITA) continues to lead ahead of Czech sailor Frantisek Burda (CZE) and Germany's Moritz Schleicher (GER).
With only one day remaining before the Medal Series, every point is becoming increasingly valuable. As the Gold Fleet battles continue and the qualifying phase draws to a close, the race for the top ten places in each category is intensifying, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championships on the Costa Brava.