Emma Wilson makes iQFOiL return in Lanzarote

Emma Wilson all smiles on her return to competition. © Sailing Energy

Double Olympic bronze medallist to kick start LA2028 campaign

What, where and when? 
The 2025 iQFOiL Games kicks off in Playa Blanca on the Canary Island of Lanzarote on Wednesday January 29 and concludes on Sunday February 2.

Who? 
After missing the European Championships in October last year in favour of a well-earned rest in the wake of Paris 2024, double Olympic bronze medallist Emma Wilson returns to the start line to kickstart her LA 2028 campaign. Wilson will be joined by a host of up-and-coming British athletes including Alice Read, Jennie Roberts and under 19 world champion Darcey Shaw. In the men’s fleet an eight-strong contingent will be led by under 23 world champion Finn Hawkins, and European silver and bronze medallists Andy Brown and Matt Barton.

The lowdown 
The first big event of 2025 – and arguably the LA 2028 cycle – is upon us. The iQFOiL class always puts on a show, and the opening round of the three-date iQFOiL Games promises to be no different. The talk of the boat park is the change to the sails used, with women downsizing to a 7.3m sail and men to an 8m sail. The changes have been brought in to make the sport more accessible to athletes of differing body types and create a fairer playing field.

Anything else? 
Eagle-eyed fans of the British Sailing Team’s iQFOiL squads will notice a name missing from the entry list. Catrin Williams, a staple of the women’s team, has put a hold on her Olympic windsurfing career. But it’s not the last you’ll hear from Williams – she’s changed disciplines to Formula Kite!

Matt Barton celebrates bronze at the 2024 European Championships. © Sailing Energy

What they said
Emma Wilson (Portland, Dorset)
“I guess it’s a good chance to race on our new sail – we only got it a few weeks ago so everyone is new to it, which is kinda fun. After the Olympics I had a big break which I needed. Since January I’ve been back training with the British Sailing Team’s iQFOiL women’s squad and it’s been fun. I’m enjoying it and for me that’s what I want to keep doing.”

Matt Barton (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
“iQFOiL season kicks off in Lanzarote and will be the first opportunity for us to race on the new 8m sail. We have had some great training so far this winter here so it will be a great opportunity to see how it compares up with the best in the world.”

Andy Brown (Glasgow, Scotland)
“Training has been going very well with the rest of the team out here in Playa Blanca. Happy to be going into the first official regatta on the 8m sail. Fleet quality will be high and it’s a great opportunity to show my level and improve before the Princesa Sofia Regatta.”

How do I follow the regatta? 
The official website featuring results and the full entry list are here. If you want to track the progress of the Brits the best place to do so is the British Sailing Team social media channels. Each day we will keep you posted on results, and feature the best photos the event has to offer.