Andy Brown Targets Home World Title at 2026 iQFOiL World Championship in Weymouth

By Emma Maguire

British Sailing Team athlete Andy Brown

Reigning world champion Andy Brown will lead Great Britain’s challenge on home waters this September when the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship comes to Weymouth & Portland.

The British Sailing Team windsurfer will defend his men’s world title at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) from 4–12 September 2026, as up to 250 of the world’s best Olympic windsurfers compete in the sport’s premier event.

Brown claimed world championship gold at the 2025 iQFOiL Worlds in Aarhus, Denmark, and now faces the added pressure — and motivation — of defending the title in front of a home crowd.

“I am really looking forward to defending the title on home waters,” said Brown. “The pressure is on, but I’m training hard for it and I’m confident I can represent well. Winning a second world championship at home would be a dream and would show a very real trajectory towards a gold medal in 2028 — so it’s hugely motivating.”

Andy Brown will be defending his world champ gold!

The iQFOiL class, which made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, delivers high-speed hydrofoil racing with athletes reaching speeds of up to 35 knots (65km/h). Weymouth’s mix of flat-water harbour conditions and more challenging open-sea racing is expected to provide a demanding test worthy of a world championship.

Great Britain will defend both the men’s and women’s world titles, with double Olympic medallist Emma Wilson also racing on home waters following her 2025 world championship victory.

RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe said hosting the championship at the home of the British Sailing Team was a major milestone as the sport looks ahead to LA 2028.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the iQFOiL World Championship in Weymouth & Portland,” she said. “For athletes like Andy Brown, it’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against the very best on home waters and continue building momentum towards the next Olympic Games.”

The 2026 championship marks the first time the UK has hosted a World Championship in the iQFOiL class, and the first Olympic windsurfing world title event on British waters since 2009.

Beyond elite competition, the event aims to leave a lasting legacy through youth engagement, participation opportunities and environmental initiatives, working in partnership with UK Sport, Dorset Council, WPNSA and the iQFOiL Class.

Racing is scheduled to begin on Monday 7 September, building to a knockout medal finale on Saturday 12 September, staged in front of spectators at a harbourside Race Village and streamed live online.

Andy sets his sights on gold!

For Brown, the stakes are clear — a chance to defend his crown, inspire the next generation, and underline his credentials as a leading contender on the road to Olympic gold in 2028.

If you would like to learn how to windsurf at the same location as the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship's then our centre, The Official Test Centre is located at the venue for this competition. You can step on board with us and enjoy the stunning surroundings of the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy and Portland Harbour, call the centre on 07817 717904.