PORTIMÃO DELIVERS SPECTACULAR ONE DESIGN RACING WITH THE X-15 WINGFOIL CLASS
Portimão, Portugal, May 24-26 2026 — The Portimão 2026 X-15 Wingfoil Series delivered two days of close and highly competitive racing, bringing together riders from 17 nations to compete on identical X-15 equipment in the class’s unique one design format.
Hosted by Clube Naval de Portimão, the event showcased the core philosophy of the X-15 Class: delivering accessible one design wingfoil racing focused on athlete performance. With all competitors racing on identical equipment, success is determined by skill, tactics, consistency and execution on the racecourse.
Athletes from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Italy, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom gathered in Portimão to race on the same supplied equipment. The international fleet highlighted the growing global reach of the X-15 Class and the increasing demand for accessible one design competition.
With all competitors racing on identical equipment, the racing was exceptionally tight throughout the fleet. Riders were challenged by a range of conditions that tested their consistency, race management and ability to perform under pressure. Across the event, positions frequently changed and margins remained close, demonstrating the strength of the one design concept.
In the Men’s Division, France’s Romain Ghio secured victory with an impressive and consistent performance, winning four of the five races. Great Britain’s Rafferty Read finished second overall, while Spain’s Alberto Citzia completed the podium in third.
The Women’s Division produced equally competitive racing, with Great Britain’s Alice Read claiming the overall title ahead of Finland’s Monika Mikkola in second and fellow Finn Aleksandra Blinnikka in third.
The event also highlighted the strength of youth development within the X-15 Class. Spain’s Leo Zabell Blanco claimed victory in the U19 division, Portugal’s Andre Caires topped the U17 fleet on home waters, and the Netherlands’ Jack Rozeboom secured the U15 title. Their performances demonstrated the depth of emerging talent progressing through the X-15 pathway.
Beyond the racing, Portimão demonstrated the unique appeal of the X-15 format. With equipment supplied by the class and every competitor racing on the same gear, athletes were able to focus entirely on performance, tactics and progression while building friendships and connections across an increasingly international community.
The X-15 Class extends its sincere thanks to the race officials, race management team, volunteers, support crews and everyone at Clube Naval de Portimão for hosting a fantastic event. Their professionalism and commitment ensured a smooth and successful competition both on and off the water.
As the X-15 Class continues to expand globally, events such as Portimão demonstrate the potential of one design wingfoil racing to create fair, exciting and accessible competition for riders of all ages and abilities.
Looking ahead, the X-15 Class now turns its attention to the 2026 X-15 World Championships, which will bring together the world’s top one design wingfoil racers later this year. The date and location will be announced soon, with further details to be released through the X-15 Class communication channels.
RESULTS
Men’s Division
1. Romain Ghio (FRA)
2. Rafferty Read (GBR)
3. Alberto Citzia (ESP)
Women’s Division
1. Alice Read (GBR)
2. Monika Mikkola (FIN)
3. Aleksandra Blinnikka (FIN)
U19 Division
1. Leo Zabell Blanco (ESP)
2. Victor Delepoulle (FRA)
3. Arthur Couturier (FRA)
U17 Division
1. Andre Caires (POR)
2. Arthur Autexier (FRA)
3. Salvador Castel-Branco (POR)
U15 Division
1. Jack Rozeboom (NED)
2. Viktor Vaclavek (CZE)
For complete event results and race-by-race scoring, visit:
https://www.sailwave.com/results/X15_2026_portimao.html
ABOUT THE X-15 CLASS
The X-15 Class is a one-design World Sailing wingfoil class. However, unlike traditional one-design sailing classes, the X-15 is built around a forward-thinking strategy: to evolve in sync with advancements in foiling technology. While maintaining standardized equipment to ensure fairness and accessibility, the Class will allow for selected parts of the gear updated every two years in line with the updated Class Rules, allowing the class to stay relevant as a one design class.
Website: https://x-15class.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x15class/
Contact: ava@star-board.com
