Ghio, Spanu and Manowiecki seal titles on Finals Day in Jeri -
Mathis Ghio and Maddalena Spanu have been crowned 2025 World Cup champions. It’s the fourth successive title for the Frenchman who has been the fleet’s dominant figure since the competition’s inception. For the 19 year old Italian, it tops off a year of remarkable success that’s also seen her become Formula Wing European and World Champion. She also won the Women’s title here in Jeri.
The Men’s title was won by Kamil Manowieski who celebrates his second successive win of the season-ending event in Brazil. The Pole can be proud of a dominating performance in tough conditions.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Medal Series drama
The men’s repechage quickly produced its own drama. France’s Oscar Leclair led from the front to progress, but the real story came in the battle for second. New Zealand’s Sean Herbert charged towards the line at more than 30 knots, locked alongside Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi, before seaweed on his foil sent him crashing into the water.
Men’s Semi-Final
The men’s semi-final featured three Italians and France’s Mathis Ghio, who arrived in Brazil with the 2025 season title already secured but still intent on reversing defeat here last year. Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo took the win, though Ghio’s second place was enough to see him through to the final.
Manowiecki dominant once more
Attention then shifted to Kamil Manowiecki, the Pole who has been the standout performer all week. As overall leader he required just one race victory in the final to claim the event title, and he duly delivered.
A fast, clean start in 18 knots of breeze set the tone as the fleet attempted to chase him down. France’s Bastien Escofet, in excellent form throughout the regatta, appeared secure in the silver-medal position, but Manowiecki was never threatened. Maintaining his blistering pace, he secured the Brazil title for a second successive year.
Behind him, the contest for bronze produced a photo finish. Mathis Ghio edged out Cappuzzo by the slimmest of margins, completing a superb season with yet another podium.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Ghio was understandbly excited by his position: “Finishing the year with a podium is an amazing end to an amazing year and what a wonderful place to celebrate with my friends and supporters.”
Reflecting on his win, Manowiecki said: “I destroyed this event. I didn’t give anyone any space. I put it in my mind that I wanted to win it in one race and I did. I’m so happy! This is for all my supporters.”
Spanu completes glorious triple crown
The women’s competition centred on Italy’s Maddalena Spanu, unbeaten all season and already in possession of the World Cup title. The Brazil crown, however, had long eluded her.
In the early rounds, Brazil’s Paloma Guttierez progressed from the repechage with an impressive second place. Germany’s Jette Koep then emerged strongest in the quarter-final, finishing ahead of France’s Oriane Ceris, who had earlier won the repechage.
The semi-final saw Greece’s Aimilia Kosti, back to form after a difficult week caused by a damaged wing, secure her place in the final alongside the consistent Koep.
Women’s final
In the title decider, Spanu reaffirmed her dominance. A sharp start put her immediately in control, with Kosti chasing and 16-year-old Vaina Picot continuing her remarkable rise by moving into second. Yet Spanu was never seriously challenged, crossing the line to claim gold in Brazil at last. The Sardinian was emotional afterwards: “I’m so stoked for this title. It’s amazing, I’m without words. 2025 was like living a dream. I never thought I'd end a year of events undefeated. Everything was incredibly perfect.”
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk
Jeri once again delivered a vibrant and unmistakably Brazilian backdrop to the climax of the season, its sun-soaked shores and strong winds setting the stage for a spectacular finale. The Wingfoil racing fleet closed the year in style, bringing the curtain down on an unforgettable season.
