Foiling Industry aligns on Certification Framework

By The Foiling Week

07/05/2025 - 18:00

After a successful debut in 2024, the World Foiling Congress returns to Genova on May 20th as the global reference event for the foiling industry — a full day dedicated to insight, exchange, and strategic vision for the future of waterborne mobility.

Regulation is at the core of this edition. The Congress will serve as a pivotal platform to assess and debate the upcoming international guidelines for foiling vessel certification. These are being developed by The Foiling Organization (TFO) in close cooperation with major global regulatory bodies.

The event will also mark the official launch of TFO’s Certification Work Groups (CWG) — specialist task forces defining scope, timelines, and resource strategies for a four-year roadmap toward standardized foiling certification.

To conclude the day, delegates will attend the Foiling Awards VIII Ceremony, celebrating individuals and innovations shaping the future of foiling.

The World Foiling Congress is a must-attend for professionals across the foiling spectrum — from leisure and sport to commercial and naval applications. This unique gathering brings together industry leaders, engineers, regulators, and innovators for high-level collaboration, technical dialogue, and strategic networking.

MAIN TOPICS
RCD & Foiling Organization Certification - TFO is collaborating with European Boating Industry (EBI) on the upcoming revision of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and developing a global Foiling Organization Certification to establish safety, quality, and environmental standards.
Flag States & Legislative Opportunities - Exploring how national flag recognition could define hydrofoils as a distinct vessel category — unlocking regulatory paths for innovation at EU and national levels.
Commercial & High-Speed Craft - Assessing how the IMO High-Speed Craft Code (HSC) could adapt to foiling, overcoming technical and regulatory barriers for large-scale commercial applications.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) - Creating design and safety standards for e-foil boards and emerging personal hydrofoils to support market growth while managing operational risk.
Manned & Unmanned Vessels for SAR/Naval Ops - Discussing the potential of autonomous and crewed foiling vessels in Search And Rescue and Naval applications — with input from emergency and defense stakeholders.

SPEAKERS
Aakash Dua, Regional Business Development Director - DNV
Alberto Carmagnani, Head of CE Marketing and Small Units compliance - RINA SERVICES
Andrew Baglin, Design & CFD Project Coordinator - Caponnetto Hueber
Corrado Musso, Yacht Centre of Expertise Lead Specialist - Lloyd's Register
Daniela Dingli, Head of Yachting - AG Advisory
Eloy Rodriguez, Director - Foilchemy
Godert van Hardenbroeck, Founder and CEO - Edorado
Katja Berkhout, Managing Director - Fliteboard EMEA
Laura Marimon Giovannetti, Senior Researcher - RISE
Kristoffer Uulas, Director of Quality and Compliance - Candela
Luca Rizzotti, President - The Foiling Organization
Luigi Francesco Minerva, Senior Project Manager - MARIN
Patrick Hemp, Technical Consultant - ICOMIA
Paolo Mazzucchelli, Technical Director - Navigazione Laghi
Richard Forest, Owner and CEO Seair
Romain Ingouf, Technical Director - Artemis Technologies
Rowan Gyde, Project Manager - TFO and Co Founder - Aotearoa Ocean Racing
Stefano Pagani Isnardi, Head of Research - Confindustria Nautica
Ulrich Heinemann, Owner - Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment

INDUSTRY VOICES FROM 2024
“The Foiling Organization is laying the foundation for broader adoption across sport and mobility.” — Sarah Allan, Penningtons Manches Cooper
“We’re here to connect, align on certification, and grow. This is where the future of serious foiling vessels begins.” — Francis Hueber, Caponnetto Hueber