British windsurfer Will Ziegler is hoping to kick on in the opening stages of the elimination series at the Musto iQFOiL World Championships 2026 in Weymouth & Portland.
The Wimbledon sailor ensured he remains in medal contention at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, after making the gold fleet on the second day of racing, finishing in 53rd place after the preliminary series - with four longer course races, lasting 15 minutes, on the second day of competition.
Ziegler was met with a strong 20-knot wind in Portland Harbour, and a ninth-place finish was the highlight of the Brit’s day with a discard and two finishes outside the top 30 the rest of his results on Tuesday.
He made the top-half cutoff, by one point, and will race in the elimination series from Wednesday to Friday to make the top 10 of the gold fleet and give himself the right to race against the best windsurfers at the world championships.
“It was quite a hard day,” Ziegler said, “very shifty, very gusty. The last race was windy and to be honest, I struggled a little bit, because in my first race I was black-flagged for being over the start line.
“That was a bit of a knock on my day, but I recovered in the second race before the third and fourth heats didn’t go to plan.
“It was tricky because the wind had quite a lot of variation, with different sides paying off. It was pretty blustery.
“The course races are exciting. At the end of the course races, you’re quite physically drained but it’s good to race with a full fleet on the start line.”
The British Sailing Squad pathway member will have the chance to test himself against the best in the world at the British Sailing Team base at the windsurfing and sailing venue for the London 2012 Olympics.
All the action is building towards the finale on Saturday, with a Fan Zone at Weymouth Pavilion bringing windsurfing to spectators and families by the Jurassic Coast seaside.
The elimination series start on Wednesday 9 September in both men’s and women’s competitions, with 10 British Sailing Team and British Sailing Squad athletes in the running.
The Musto iQFOiL World Championships 2026 are taking place from 7-12 September. Get closer to the action on the final day by visiting the Fan Zone on Weymouth Pavilion to enjoy a full day of live racing, big-screen coverage, music, family activities, food and opportunities to get out on the water. Find out more at rya.org.uk
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