Emma Wilson and Finn Hawkins shine at 2025 iQFOiL Senior European Championship

Strong finish in Sicily as British windsurfers set sights on 2026 season 

Emma Wilson and Finn Hawkins secured podium finishes at the 2025 iQFOiL Senior European Championship this weekend in Sferracavallo, Italy, capping a successful 2025 season for British windsurfing.

Wilson added a European silver medal to her gold at this year’s iQFOiL World Championship narrowly losing out in a dramatic final to Israel’s Daniela Peleg. The two-time Olympic bronze-medalist was consistent throughout the regatta, winning six of the 11 races to directly progress to the final.

In the men’s fleet, 22-year-old Hawkins powered his way to a bronze medal, further establishing his place amongst the world’s best windsurfers with a series of impressive performances throughout the week. Hawkins was joined in the medal series by reigning world champion Andy Brown, who concluded his breakthrough season with a fifth-place finish, just missing out on a place in the final.

Emma Wilson said: “It’s been another week I can be proud of. It’s a bit disappointing not to take the win as I felt I could and didn’t execute my best race, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. A big congratulations to Daniela and the rest of the fleet — it’s always a great battle.

“I’m pleased with how far I’ve come this year. Winning the worlds was my goal and I’m so happy I managed to do that. After the challenges of last year it took a lot mentally to rebuild, and I’m incredibly grateful to my family, friends and the team around me for their support. I’m excited to carry this momentum into 2026.”

image credits Sailing Energy

Finn Hawkins said: “I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved this week. It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding event, and I feel like I’ve taken another big step forward in my development.

“The level in the fleet is incredibly high, so to come away with a result like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m excited to keep building and push on into 2026 including competing at a home World Championship in Portland.”

As the 2025 racing season comes to a close, the British Sailing Team is already looking forward to 2026, where the iQFOiL World Championships will be hosted by the RYA at Weymouth & Portland - marking the first time the UK will stage a major championship in the class and the first Olympic windsurfing world title event on British waters since 2009.