In 100 days’ time, the world’s best iQFOiL windsurfers will hit the waters of Weymouth & Portland for the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship, taking place from 7-12 September.

Expect high-speed, high-adrenaline racing, Olympic medallists, World Champions and rising stars, all battling it out at speeds of up to 35kts.

And it’s happening here, against the backdrop of Dorset’s iconic Jurassic Coast.

For the British Sailing Team, it’s a rare chance to race a major World Championship on home waters. For UK sailing, windsurfing and watersports fans, it’s an opportunity to witness one of the most exciting events in the 2026 calendar.

Among the home favourites will be Emma Wilson and Andy Brown, who return to Weymouth & Portland as reigning iQFOiL World Champions.

For Emma, winning the 2025 world title was a career highlight after a busy Olympic cycle and a bronze medal at Paris 2024.

“I went into [the 2025 Worlds] probably without any expectation, just trying to love my windsurfing,” she says. “And the Worlds win was probably the best moment of my career so far.”

Andy’s title came after missing out on selection for Paris — a moment that sharpened his focus for the next Olympic cycle.

“I realised that I couldn’t do that again,” he says. “I knew this was the [cycle] where I had to make it happen.”

When the Worlds win came, it changed what felt possible.

“It was quite a surreal feeling,” he says. “It was definitely a dream that seemed just on the verge of being realistic.”

It made ambition feel concrete.

Inspirational athletes

Now both athletes have the chance to take on the world again at a venue they know well, with a strong British squad battling for honours alongside them and – with your help – home support on the shore.

But this iQFOiL Worlds will about much more than the lure of medals.

Weymouth & Portland is where many of the British Sailing Team train, live and launch from week in, week out. That means young sailors and windsurfers won’t just be watching elite athletes from afar — they’ll be able to see them up close.

For British iQFOiL rider Islay Watson, a Youth World Champion in 2018 and now racing in the senior fleet, that visibility can make a huge difference.

“Everyone should try and take advantage of [the Worlds] being in Weymouth if they can,” she says.

“Just seeing the athletes with your own eyes, and being able to have something to aspire to that’s on your doorstep is super cool.

“I guess 12-year-old me would’ve been very inspired seeing it and just wanting to be there for myself.”

Emma remembers that feeling too. As a young windsurfer, she looked up to British Olympic medallists Bryony Shaw and Nick Dempsey — and she wants the next generation to feel just as welcome.

“When I was young, I looked up to Bryony and Nick,” she says. “They were friendly to me and I guess I just always thought if I ever get to that level, I want to be approachable and friendly too.”

“The sport helped me so much. I was shy, and I still am a bit shy, but it gave me that way of expressing myself,” she adds. “If they come down to watch, I’m not scary. So come and chat to me. Come and say hi!”

That is what makes this championship so special. It’s world-class racing, but it’s also a chance to bring people closer to the sport — to show what’s possible, open doors and inspire more people to get on the water.

Elevating the sport

That ambition sits at the heart of ELEVATE:iQFOiL, the official social impact programme for the event, which will use the momentum of the Worlds to support participation, mentoring, environmental education and clear pathways into watersports.

It’s been shaped by listening carefully to local voices, understanding real needs, and working hand in hand with partners including Active Dorset, local colleges, community groups, delivery partners such as the OTC and Andrew Simpson Foundation, and clubs.

Well in advance of the event, activity is already up and running to create a lasting legacy from the Worlds, with the ELEVATE:Movement programme on track to deliver 2900 hours of contact time and 1156 sessions to new groups of local young people and families who don’t currently participate in watersports.  

Also as part of the ELEVATE programme, volunteer training is being organised for young people with the aim of them becoming volunteers of the future and role models within their local clubs or organisations. Over the weekend of 4-5 July, the RYA will be running a Race Management Taster Day, covering mark-laying and race officer skills with all the essentials needed to run fun racing at your club, with friends or for training. You can also help bring sustainability to life at your club or centre and train to be a Marine CSI Instructor.

Find out more and sign up today.

World class, up close – how you can get involved

From welcoming visitors and supporting the final day Fan Zone, to helping on shore and keeping the event running smoothly, volunteers will be the heartbeat of the championship. You don’t need to be an iQFOiL expert to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a boardsports enthusiast, a club volunteer or completely new to the watersports world, there could be a role for you.

It’s a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, spend time by the water and be part of an unforgettable event experience. Register your interest today.

For spectators, the date to save is Saturday 12 September, when the final knockout Medal Series will determine this year’s champions.

A free-to-attend Fan Zone in front of Weymouth Pavilion will bring the action ashore, with big screens, entertainment, opportunities to try sailing and windsurfing, and the chance to cheer on the British Sailing Team as the world titles are decided.

Fast, tactical and spectacular, iQFOiL is made to be watched up close. With British athletes taking on the world at home, this is a moment for the whole watersports community to get behind.

Come and watch. Join the crew. Bring your club. Try something new. Help us make Weymouth & Portland 2026 a championship to remember.

Visit our iQFOiL Worlds pages to find out more and sign up as a supporter to be kept up to date with all the build-up and updates on the Fan Zone, the racing, athletes, schedules and everything happening on and off the water.