The WingFoil Racing World Cup China is back—and this time, Daishan promises wind, strong tidal current, and world-class competition. After last year’s windless showdown in Pingtan ended with medallists celebrating on a giant inflatable Pikachu, the 2025 edition is set to deliver the most intense racing of the season.
With €60,000 in prize money and 500 ranking points on the line, Daishan marks the penultimate stop on the global circuit before the grand finale in Brazil. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk: The Pikachu ride was the highlight of the 2024 edition
Global Talent Meets Local Power
This year’s fleet features 50 international sailors alongside 40 Chinese athletes, reflecting the sport’s explosive growth in China. French and Italian riders may still dominate the top 10 in the men's world ranking, but the rapid rise of Chinese competitors is turning heads—and tightening margins.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk: Tsz Hei Chow aka Hugo from Hong Kong shone in Istanbul
Who Will Shine in Daishan?
The last World Cup in Turkiye saw fresh faces on the podium. With the Formula Wing Worlds in Sardinia and the Youth & Masters Worlds in the Azores still to come, Daishan is the ultimate proving ground.
🇮🇹 Alessandro Tomasi stunned the fleet in Turkiye with a tactical masterclass, snatching gold from reigning champion Mathis Ghio in a dramatic final. The Italian is riding high and hungry for more.
🇫🇷 Mathis Ghio, three-time World Cup champion, remains a force to be reckoned with. Known for his explosive speed and precision in Marathon Races, Ghio will be looking to bounce back and reassert his dominance.
🇮🇹 Maddalena Spanu has been unstoppable this season, winning every World Cup she’s entered. With three titles already under her belt in 2025, she’s the clear favorite in the women’s fleet.
🇬🇷 Emilia Kosti has quietly built a reputation for consistency and grit. She’s finished second in every major event this year—Morocco, Europeans, and Turkiye—and is poised for a breakthrough.
With Nia Suardiaz absent this year, the women’s podium is wide open. Will Spanu continue her reign, or will Kosti finally clinch gold?
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
The Rivalries That Define the Season
Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki, runner-up in China last year and again in Turkiye, continues to push the elite to their limits. His Olympic aspirations and relentless training make him a dangerous contender.
As Manowiecki puts it: “You can win by being smart, or by being fit. That’s what I love about this sport—it’s a battle of brains and brawn.” .
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Daishan: Racing in the Heart of Maritime Heritage
As wingfoilers sail on the mouth of the Yangtze River, Daishan’s waters shimmer not in turquoise, but in rich, earthen tones—a signature of the island’s connection to the land. The brown hue, caused by sediment flowing from China’s longest river, is a reminder that this is a place where nature and history converge.
Known as the “Penglai Fairyland on the Sea”, Daishan is steeped in maritime tradition. From Neolithic relics to ancient salt-making practices, the island has long been shaped by the rhythm of tides and trade. The Daishan Salt Fields, still active today, preserve techniques passed down through generations and recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
As a representative of the local organizing authority, who has worked to promote Daishan’s heritage through sport and tourism, shared: “Our waters may not be crystal blue, but they carry the soul of Daishan. Every wave tells a story, from fishermen to foilers. Hosting the World Cup here is a way to honor our past while embracing the future.”
As wingfoilers skim across these storied waters, they’re not just racing for glory, they’re gliding over centuries of history, powered by wind and legacy alike. 
The 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China is more than a race—it's a celebration of speed, strategy, and the spirit of competition.
Follow the action, cheer your favorites, and witness the evolution of wingfoil racing.
3 September: Up to four long-distance races kick off the action
4–6 September: Opening series heats up the leaderboard
7 September – Super Sunday: Golden Ticket and Medal Series races decide the champions
Fans can follow every tack, jibe, and foil glide live with real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage. For live updates, results, and exclusive content, follow @wingfoilracing on social media.
