Finn Hawkins: Chasing Control at Home – Inside the Mind of a British iQFOiL Contender Ahead of the 2026 Worlds in Weymouth

Finn Hawkins – iQFOiL World Championships 2026 | Interview Feature

Finn Hawkins describes competing at the 2026 iQFOiL World Championships at The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy as something deeply meaningful, especially with the event taking place on home waters.

“It means a lot to me to be racing at the iQFOiL World Championships in Weymouth. It’s our home waters, and I’m very excited to compete there. It feels like a special opportunity.”

He explains that his familiarity with Weymouth could offer an advantage, but remains realistic about the unpredictability of racecourse locations and conditions.

By Emma Maguire.

Finn-tastic!

“I’m very familiar with the waters in Weymouth, which should mean I have an advantage. But you never know where they will set the course areas, so we’ll have to prepare for everything.”

Looking ahead to September, Hawkins expects a wide range of conditions — something that will reward versatility rather than specialists.

“In September it’s likely to be a mixed bag of conditions, which will favour well-rounded iQFOiL athletes that are good in all conditions.”

Racing in the UK, he admits, brings a unique emotional dynamic.

“There will definitely be some added pressure and noise with it being a home Worlds, but it’s also a big motivation.”

Feeling motivated!

Life at extreme speed

iQFOiL racing pushes athletes to the edge of control, with board speeds reaching around 30–35 knots. Hawkins highlights how critical precision becomes at that level.

“The hardest part is timing slalom starts at around 30 knots board speed. The margin for error is so small, yet so devastating if you get it wrong.”

He also describes the sensation of foiling itself as something almost beyond traditional sporting comparison.

“The sensation is nothing like any other sport. The sail, board, and yourself are so connected, all interacting to create a smooth but very fast experience.”

The right time!

What defines the top level

For Hawkins, the difference between good and world-class lies in decision-making under pressure.

“A world-class iQFOiL athlete can execute split-second good decisions on the race course, no matter where they are in the fleet or the conditions.”

He believes performance is split evenly between physical ability and tactical intelligence.

“In my opinion, it’s about 50/50 physical output versus tactical decision-making, which is what makes it one of the hardest classes to master.”

In such a fast-moving fleet, individual match-racing is almost impossible.

“On iQFOiL you always race the fleet, as it’s too fast and chaotic to race specific sailors unless you’re put in very specific circumstances later in the week.”

While equipment matters, Hawkins is clear that the athlete remains the deciding factor.

“Performance is mainly down to the athlete, but being able to tune the equipment properly and precisely can give you that small edge at the highest level.”

This season, his focus is on consistency across all areas rather than fixing weaknesses.

“This season I’m focusing on every aspect equally. I don’t have too many weaknesses, so the plan is to keep pushing in all areas to become a more well-rounded iQFOiL athlete.”

Staying focussed!

The hardest challenges

One of the most demanding manoeuvres for Hawkins is the foil tack — a technically and physically punishing move.

“The foil tack is the hardest manoeuvre. It’s essentially a freestyle move you have to pull off upwind, even when you’re exhausted from pumping and under pressure from all the boards around you.”

He also stresses how much mindset influences performance at elite level.

“At that level, mindset is equally as important as being fit and talented. The fast, split-second decision-making means you need to be in the right headspace to make the correct decision.”

Recovering from setbacks is part of the championship reality.

“Resetting after a bad day is not easy. I try to keep doing my same routines while staying focused on what’s going to give me the best chance of good results the next day.”

Evolution of an athlete!

Path into foiling

Hawkins traces his introduction to foiling back to an early experience in Weymouth with coach Sam Ross.

“I first got drawn into foiling when Sam Ross took me out on one of the first wind foils in Weymouth. A few years later it went Olympic, and everyone was foiling.”

Since then, the rapid evolution of the class has shaped his career.

“My biggest learning is to keep trying and pushing forward. Every event is different, and just because the last one didn’t go your way, it’s not always an accurate depiction of your level.”

Motivation is key!

Defining moments and motivation

A key moment in his development came during a recent event in Palma, where illness tested the fleet.

“A defining moment was our most recent event in Palma. I came down with a virus the night before racing, as did some others, and we were all struggling. But those of us who pushed through and competed not at our best but still gave it everything, were proud of that at the end, despite the result.”

Through all the training blocks, travel, and pressure, motivation remains constant.

“The thought of winning iQFOiL events is constant motivation at all points of the season.”

Focused and prepared!

Home Worlds mindset

Looking to the start line in Weymouth, Hawkins keeps things simple.

“I’m hoping I feel prepared and focused on what’s in front of me.”

He acknowledges the emotional weight of competing in the UK but sees it as fuel rather than pressure.

“Racing in the UK means there will definitely be some added pressure and noise with it being a home Worlds, but it’s also a big motivation.”

Ultimately, his definition of success goes beyond medals.

“Success is turning up fit, prepared, and racing to the best of my abilities all week. Hopefully that’s good enough for a medal, but ultimately it’s about performing at my best.”