The global foiling industry is set to converge in Genoa, Italy, for the World Foiling Congress on May 20, 2025, marking a significant event for the future of waterborne mobility. Following a successful debut, this second congress, hosted by The Foiling Organization, will dedicate a full day to insight, strategic vision, and collaborative exchange among professionals from leisure, sport, commercial, and naval foiling sectors. A central theme for the 2025 gathering is the critical area of regulation and the definition of upcoming international guidelines for foiling vessel certification.
A pivotal moment of the congress will be the official launch of The Foiling Organisation’s Certification Work Groups (CWGs). These specialized task forces are tasked with defining objectives, scope, timelines, and resource strategies for a comprehensive four-year roadmap aimed at establishing standardized foiling certification worldwide. This initiative underscores the industry’s maturation and the growing need for recognized safety, quality, and environmental standards. Key discussions will revolve around the evolution of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) to better accommodate hydrofoil vessels, the potential for national flag states and EU-level decrees to formally recognize hydrofoils as a distinct vessel category, and adapting the IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code to reflect the unique operational profiles of foiling craft.
Further enriching the agenda, the congress will delve into the creation of design and safety standards for e-foil boards and emerging personal hydrofoils to support market growth while managing operational risks. The application of foiling technology in manned and unmanned vessels for Search and Rescue (SAR) and naval operations will also be a key focus, highlighting the diverse potential of foiling beyond recreational use. The day will also address market and sales challenges for foiling yachts, considering consumer perception and regulatory complexities to foster broader adoption. Concluding the intensive day of discussions and presentations, delegates will attend the prestigious Foiling Awards VIII Ceremony, celebrating the individuals and innovations that continue to shape and advance the dynamic world of foiling. The World Foiling Congress is supported by influential bodies including Confindustria Nautica, European Boating Industry, and ICOMIA, signaling strong industry backing for this crucial event.
MAIN TOPICS
RCD & Foiling Organization Certification – TFO is collaborating with European Boating Industry (EBI) on the upcoming revision of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and developing a global Foiling Organization Certification to establish safety, quality, and environmental standards.
Flag States & Legislative Opportunities – Exploring how national flag recognition could define hydrofoils as a distinct vessel category — unlocking regulatory paths for innovation at EU and national levels.
Commercial & High-Speed Craft – Assessing how the IMO High-Speed Craft Code (HSC) could adapt to foiling, overcoming technical and regulatory barriers for large-scale commercial applications.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) – Creating design and safety standards for e-foil boards and emerging personal hydrofoils to support market growth while managing operational risk.
Manned & Unmanned Vessels for SAR/Naval Ops – Discussing the potential of autonomous and crewed foiling vessels in Search And Rescue and Naval applications — with input from emergency and defense stakeholders.
SPEAKERS
Aakash Dua, Regional Business Development Director – DNV
Alberto Carmagnani, Head of CE Marketing and Small Units compliance – RINA SERVICES
Andrew Baglin, Design & CFD Project Coordinator – Caponnetto Hueber
Corrado Musso, Yacht Centre of Expertise Lead Specialist – Lloyd’s Register
Daniela Dingli, Head of Yachting – AG Advisory
Eloy Rodriguez, Director – Foilchemy
Godert van Hardenbroeck, Founder and CEO – Edorado
Katja Berkhout, Managing Director – Fliteboard EMEA
Laura Marimon Giovannetti, Senior Researcher – RISE
Kristoffer Uulas, Director of Quality and Compliance – Candela
Luca Rizzotti, President – The Foiling Organization
Luigi Francesco Minerva, Senior Project Manager – MARIN
Patrick Hemp, Technical Consultant – ICOMIA
Paolo Mazzucchelli, Technical Director – Navigazione Laghi
Richard Forest, Owner and CEO Seair
Romain Ingouf, Technical Director – Artemis Technologies
Rowan Gyde, Project Manager – TFO and Co Founder – Aotearoa Ocean Racing
Stefano Pagani Isnardi, Head of Research – Confindustria Nautica
Ulrich Heinemann, Owner – Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment
Visit https://foiling.org/world-foiling-congress-2025/ for more information
