The Medal Series in sight
The fourth day of the iQFOiL International Games in Lanzarote on Tuesday concluded the qualifying phase in tricky conditions, marked by unstable winds and crucial strategic decisions, both on the water and on land. As soon as the fleet arrived in the northern area, a few encouraging gusts raised hopes for a quick start to the races. However, the wind quickly dropped, forcing the race committee to move the entire fleet to another race area in order to find a more consistent flow. This decision proved to be the right one initially, with a north wind of around 15 knots establishing itself.
This new configuration offers a much more open tactical scheme than in previous days. The wind, perfectly aligned with the course, allows competitors to exploit both sides of the water. The starts are particularly balanced, with portack and starboard options. Two Course Racing races were completed for both the men and women, highlighting the importance of reading the water, managing trajectories and clean manoeuvres. Shortly after the second race, the situation changed dramatically. The wind suddenly dropped, making it difficult to continue the competition. The committee logically decided to stop racing for the day.
With these final races, the qualifying series is now complete. All eyes are now on the Medal Series, scheduled for Wednesday, which will bring together the top eight riders from each fleet. The format includes quarter-finals between those ranked fifth to eighth. The top two will advance to the semi-finals against the third and fourth in the overall standings. The two qualifiers will then join the leaders from the qualifying rounds in the grand final, where the top two will have a one-point advantage. Victory will be secured as soon as a competitor reaches two points.
Top 8 women
1/ Emma Wilson (GBR)
2/ Sharon Kantor (ISR)
3/ Marta Maggetti (ITA)
4/ Tamar Steinberg (ISR)
5/ Palma Cargo (CRO)
6/ Medea Falcioni (ITA)
7/ Theresa Marie Steinlein (GER)
8/ Islay Watson (GBR)
Top 8 men
1/ Finn Hawkins (GBR)
2/ Nicolas Goyard (FRA)
3/ Luuc Van Opzeeland (NED)
4/ Johan Søe (DEN)
5/ Nacho Baltasar Summers (ESP)
6/ Adrien Mestre (FRA)
7/ Yun Pouliquen (FRA)
8/ Duncan Monaghan (GBR)
Source: iQFOiL International Class
Photos: Sailing Energy /iQFOiL International Class
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