The IFCA Class wishes all riders, teams, organisers and partners a wonderful, exciting and action-packed season ahead. With strong momentum coming out of a successful Annual General Meeting and an inspiring season opener on the horizon, IFCA looks forward to another year of events, development and collaboration across the international windsurfing community.
The 2025 IFCA AGM concluded smoothly, with no major changes adopted, reaffirming stability and continuity within the class. The meeting also marked the successful achievements of the newly crowned IFCA World Champions: AGM MINUTES
Challenging wind conditions during the 2025 season prevented the completion of a valid Fin Slalom World Championship. Consequently, no IFCA Fin Slalom World Champions were crowned in 2025, with the focus firmly shifting toward an exciting new season ahead.
Foil Slalom Youth Women
🥉 Rüya Uğurlu (TUR)
🥈 Ece Melis Baş (TUR) – Vice World Champion
🥇 Damla Kurtdemir (TUR) – World Champion
Foil Slalom Youth Men
🥉 Brendan Lorho (FRA)
🥈 Kasper Nielsen (DEN) – Vice World Champion
🥇 Sacha Fortune (FRA) – World Champion
Foil Slalom Open
🥉 Benoit Merceur (FRA)
🥈 Sem Stroosma (NED) – Vice World Champion
🥇 Johan Soe (DEN) – World Champion
Congratulations to all riders for their outstanding performances and commitment throughout the season.
IFCA and PWA: A Collaborative Future
Looking ahead to 2026, the International Funboard Association IFCA and the Professional Windsurfers Association PWA have entered a collaboration framework focused on alignment and cooperation. Without going into technical details, both parties have agreed on key principles that include open and constructive dialogue, transparency, good faith collaboration, and alignment where possible on matters affecting athletes, events and the international calendar. This cooperation aims to reduce overlaps, and explore opportunities that benefit athletes, organisers, manufacturers and partners alike. IFCA is currently in the development phase of a new and comprehensive Ranking System application, designed to integrate rankings across National series, IFCA events and the PWA World Tour. A full update will be shared once development is complete.
Season Highlight: Mondial du Vent, Leucate
One of the major highlights of this season will be the return of an IFCA Class Championship to France, hosted within the legendary Mondial du Vent. It has been several years since France last welcomed an IFCA class championship, and the class is thrilled to return to one of the strongest nations in funboard windsurfing and home to generations of exceptional talents and champions.
The Organisers and a Legendary Event
The event is organised by the Cercle de Voile du Cap Leucate (CVCL), a sailing and water sports association founded in 1996 and affiliated with the French Sailing Federation (FFV). Known for its dynamism, sporting values and strong youth development programme, CVCL has guided numerous young sailors toward national and international competition across AFF, IFCA and PWA World tour.
The Mondial du Vent itself boasts a remarkable 29-year history and has played a key role in the evolution of international board sports:
- 1997: First international windsurfing speed competition in extreme conditions
- 1998: Introduction of kitesurfing to the event
- 2003: First officially recognised kiteboarding world speed records
- 2010: Unique windsurfing vs kitesurfing speed showdown
- 2019: Pioneering foil competition in windsurfing and kitesurfing
- 2021: First Wingfoil World Cup with the GWA
More Than Just Racing
Beyond windsurfing and wingfoil, the event will feature the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, the Parawing SFT World Cup, kiteboarding competitions and freestyle demonstrations, making Leucate a true board sports capital during the event period.
For CVCL, the 2026 season represents the perfect moment to return to hosting a major IFCA championship. After years of experience organising AFF French Championships and other major events, the club felt ready to take the next step.
Linking the IFCA Class Championship with Mondial du Vent was a natural choice, returning windsurfing to its roots at an event born from the discipline itself.
Leucate will showcase an exceptional field of riders. Local heroes Pierre Mortefon and his sister Marion Mortefon will race on home waters, while the senior fleet promises intense competition with names such as Jordy Vonk, Benoît Merceur, Johan Jules, Pierre Macquert, Matteo Iachino and many other PWA athletes.
The next generation is equally impressive, with rising talents including Colin Lermitant, Sacha Fortune and Elliot Joly and Brendan Lorho stepping into senior competition. On the women’s side, fans can look forward to performances by Justine Lemeteyer, Maé Davico, Marion Mortefon, alongside international stars Blanca Alabau, Jenna Gibson and Femke Van Der Veen.
Younger riders will also shine, including reigning French junior champion Gaëtan Obin, Espoir standout Jean-Loup Francis, and CVCL sports school sailors Marius Loglisci and Ethan Gely, competing in their first IFCA event.
A Complete Experience for Visitors
The Mondial du Vent village places the public at the heart of the action. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, including pump tracks, mini ramps, skimboarding, balance courses, kids workshops and more. A vibrant event village with catering, specialist shops and partner stands ensures a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
The CVCL and IFCA would like to warmly thank the Municipality of Leucate, the Mondial du Vent organisation, and all partners supporting the event, including Sandaya campsite, Région Occitanie, Département de l’Aude, Côte du Midi, BRL, Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion, and local surf shops; Chinook Leucate and Surfone.
April conditions in Leucate can range from light southerlies to powerful Tramontane winds, making it one of Europe’s most iconic and demanding racing venues.
Fans worldwide will be able to follow the event through dedicated IFCA and CVCL social media channels, with live updates, photo and video coverage, and bilingual commentary in French and English by a dedicated presenter Greta Marchegger. Results will also be shared via collaborative IFCA World Championships platforms.
IFCA EVENT PAGE
IFCA FCBK
IFCA INSTA
IFCA YOUTUBE
Cercle de Voile du Cap Leucate
CVCL INSTA
CVCL YOUTUBE
MONDIAL DU VENT
images: @photosportnormandy
