Major Sustainability Recognition for IWSA

The International Wing Sports Association has become the first non-boat class to be awarded Clean Class status by Sailors for the Sea.
The decision reflects the work done by the class to bring sustainability to the forefront of its events and planning.
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognized as a Clean Class by Sailors for the Sea,” says Mirco Babini, President of the IWSA. “This acknowledgment reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sailing community.”
Emily Conklin, Sailors for the Sea’s Program Manager says “Working with this emerging sailing format allows us to bring the Clean Regattas Program and our sustainability initiatives to a broader audience. Sailors of all kinds have the power to make a positive environmental impact, and we’re excited to support WingFoil Racing throughout their international circuit!”

IWSA Tour Manager Marina Psychogyiou is keen to stress the association’s determination to go beyond the usual environmental practices, “We want to go further than removing single-use plastic and beach clean-ups although these are, of course, important but we also strive to bring knowledge and inclusivity to the local communities. So when we visit a venue we're trying to engage as much as possible the local population hoping to spread our sport’s values within the local community.”


© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk

The Wingfoil Racing World Cup Series got underway this week in southern Morocco at the New Dakhla Spirit Resort. It’s the first time the tour has visited Africa and the IWSA felt it was an important opportunity to support the local organiser’s sustainability efforts.
“They are very sustainably aware already here, in fact the lagoon is a government protected area. So together we enforced a strict limit on motor-propelled boats and ensured the use of locally sourced, natural materials for refurbishing the campus accommodation” explains Psychogyiou who also pointed out the driftwood flagpoles and solar heated water tanks above each bungalow’s roof.


© IWSA media/ Robert Hajduk

For Psychogyiou, who works closely with local organizers, the ultimate measure of success is when progress continues after the athletes, fans and race management have gone home. “We have several locations we return to year after year and it’s so satisfying to see how things have developed and to pick up from where we left off previously”.


© IWSA media/ Robert Hajduk

On the water today Dakhla produced fantastic conditions for eight short-track races in good breeze averaging 22 knots. Three-times defending Men’s champion Mathis Ghio of France dominated his fleet with 8 wins from 8 races to move top of the overall standings. Kamil Manowiecki also showed great form winning 4 and totalling 8 podium places. The Pole is now second overall just ahead of Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo.


© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
The Women’s competition saw no change to Maddalena Spanu’s dominance. The Italian won all her races to build a seven-point lead at the top of the standings. Spain’s Iset Segura, who started the day second overall, dropped to third after failing to finish Race 5. Segura struggled in the morning session with the rake on her foil, something she managed to fix during the lunch break. Emilia Kosti of Greece is now second overall – her worst result today was a third.


© IWSA media/ Robert Hajduk

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