The opening day of the 2026 Ensis ENGADINWING Formula Wing Youth and WingFoil Open Masters World Championships brought together 100 competitors from 22 nations and five continents on Lake Silvaplana. Following registration and equipment inspections, a patient wait for the Maloja thermal eventually gave way to racing, with all three championship fleets completing four long-distance races to establish the first standings of the event.
Ernesto De Amicis (ITA) and Kosta Gladiadis (NZL) emerged tied at the top of the Formula Wing Youth Men fleet, while Vaina Picot (FRA) claimed a perfect four-race scoreline in the Youth Women division. In the WingFoil Open Masters fleet, Satchapong Vimonsatiankit (THA) secured the early lead.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Four long-distance races open the Championships
Despite sunshine and warm temperatures across the Engadin Valley, the famous Maloja thermal was slow to establish itself on Lake Silvaplana. Northerly and north-westerly winds dominated much of the day before the thermal breeze gradually developed from the south, allowing racing to finally get underway.
Once conditions stabilized, all three championship fleets completed four long-distance races to open their respective world championship campaigns.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Formula Wing Youth Men: De Amicis and Gladiadis locked at the top
The largest fleet of the championships, with 61 competitors, produced an immediate battle for the overall lead.
Ernesto De Amicis (ITA) and Kosta Gladiadis (NZL) ended the opening series tied on six net points after four races, with De Amicis holding first place on countback. Banjo Nicholson (AUS) occupies third overall after the opening day of competition.
With four races completed, the Youth Men fleet has already established a closely contested leaderboard heading into the next stage of the championship.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Formula Wing Youth Women: Picot makes the early running
The Formula Wing Youth Women fleet also completed four races, with Vaina Picot (FRA) delivering a flawless start to her championship campaign.
Picot won all four races contested on Lake Silvaplana to move to the top of the standings. Klara Chalupnikova (CZE) occupies second place overall, while Yana Li (CHN) completes the provisional podium in third.
The opening day established the first championship order in the Women's fleet, with four races already completed.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
WingFoil Open Masters: Vimonsatiankit takes early advantage
The WingFoil Open Masters fleet completed four races, with Satchapong Vimonsatiankit (THA) finishing the opening series at the top of the standings.
Chi Ho Ho (HKG) sits second overall, while Chris Rashley (GBR) occupies third place after four races.
With the leading positions closely grouped, the Masters fleet remains wide open as the championship progresses.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Looking ahead
With four races completed across all fleets, the championship now moves into its next phase as competitors look to consolidate their positions on Lake Silvaplana.
