The 13th edition of Foiling Week is scheduled to take place from June 27th to July 5th, 2026, in Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda. This world-renowned event serves as a premier hub for the international foiling community, bringing together professional athletes, designers, and enthusiasts.
Hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine, the 2026 edition emphasizes technical innovation and community interaction, featuring a new event village in the Paina area of central Malcesine designed to bring the public closer to the action and the athletes. It is the world’s first event fully dedicated to foiling boats, as well as the designers and builders behind them. Born in Malcesine in 2014, it has grown into a global hub for the foiling community — where innovation meets speed.
More than just a regatta, Foiling Week offers a full program of conferences, boat tests, foil classes, and special side events. At its 13th edition, a full week of high-speed competition promises sailors and spectators from around the world an unforgettable show!
Key Event Details
- Registration: Entries officially open on April 22nd at 14:00 CEST for major classes including Moth, WASZP, Switch One Design, ETF26, Birdyfish, and IODA.
- Racing Schedule:
- Phase 1 (June 27–30): Features WASZP, Switch One Design, Birdyfish, and IODA classes.
- Phase 2 (July 2–5): Includes Moth, ETF26, Birdyfish, IODA, and Nikki classes.
- Board Disciplines: Wingfoil racing runs from July 2nd to 5th, while pump foil and e-foil activities occur from June 27th to 30th.
- Professional Engagement: The second Foiling Sport Congress will be held on July 1st and 2nd, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the sport.
- Training Clinics: Expert-led clinics by Giulia Conti will be held for WASZP and Switch One Design (June 24–26) and the Moth class (June 29 – July 1).
- Major Partnerships: Harken has signed a three-year sponsorship deal, reinforcing the event’s role as a laboratory for high-performance sailing technology.
- Public Access: The event continues its tradition of public trials and “free try” programs, allowing newcomers to experience foiling firsthand.
The Foiling Week evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle and technology festival beyond just high-speed hydrofoil racing. It emphasizes the “Special Event” status awarded by World Sailing, positioning the week as the “Wimbledon of Foiling.” The 2026 edition specifically aims to bridge the gap between elite competition and the general public through the new central village at Paina, making the “flying boats” accessible to spectators who can watch the action and interact with the athletes directly from the Malcesine shoreline.
Event Insights & Features
- Virtual Competition: The event features the Foiling Week Cup, a virtual regatta utilizing the AC40 Simulator. Teams of four compete in time trials, with specific requirements for female or youth (U24) participation to promote diversity in high-tech sailing.
- Diverse “Flight” Disciplines:
- Board Sports: Includes Pump Foil (human-powered), eFoil (electric battery-powered), and Wingfoil racing.
- Downwind Race: A dedicated long-distance race for foiling boards (no motors allowed) that utilizes Lake Garda’s famous “Ora” and “Peler” winds.
- Educational Outreach: Beyond racing, the landing page outlines a robust program of conferencing and workshops, focusing on sustainability and the “Garda Outdoors” lifestyle, often involving the Biodesign Foundation.
- Trials and Experiences: A defining feature is the “Free Try” program, which offers the public the chance to test various foiling crafts, such as the Birdyfish (designed for neophytes) and the Nikki class (aimed at younger sailors).
- Technical Hub: The event serves as a live laboratory for partners like Harken, who use the high-load, high-speed environment to test and showcase the next generation of deck hardware and hydraulic systems.
- Elite Coaching: The presence of Giulia Conti (We Are Foiling Head of Performance) ensures that even the competitive phases include high-level pedagogical support for participants in the Moth and WASZP classes.
Visit Foiling Week website for more information
