The first day of the 2026 IFCA Fin Slalom European Championships is in the books, with 59 athletes from 13 countries finally getting some solid racing underway here in Hvide Sande.
The day started with sunshine and a promising breeze, but shifting winds and seaweed forced the fleet into a long wait. After lunch, the wind finally settled in, building to 12–17 knots and bringing the race course to life.
By mid-afternoon, the waiting was over and the sailors hit the start line for some fast and exciting Fin Slalom action. The Men completed two eliminations, while the Women managed four races, giving us the first results of the championship.
Current leaders are Jenna Gibson GBR-96 in the Women’s fleet and Brendan Lorho FRA-113 in the Men’s fleet, with plenty of racing still ahead and the leaderboard certain to see some changes.
A positive opening day, great atmosphere and some proper slalom racing to finish it off.
images: Lukas K Stiller
video: Diogo Cardoso
Women’s Top 5 After 4 races
1 JENNA GIBSON GBR-96
2 JUSTINE LEMETEYER FRA-171
3 MAE DAVICO FRA-203
4 FEMKE VD VEEN NED-2251
5 CHARLOTTE PHILIP FRA-1194
Men’s Top 5 After 2 Eliminations
1 BRENDAN LORHO FRA-113
2 ANTON RICHTER GER-6
3 TATY FRANS NB-9
4 THIJS HANEMAAIJER NED-107
5 NICOLAS PRIEN GER-7
