Medal showdown
Blue skies and westerly breeze delivered the perfect finale as the 2025 iQFOiL International Games #2 wrapped in Spanish waters.
After four days of qualification battles, only the top athletes advanced to Sunday’s medal races – where champions emerged and contenders faltered across 17 rapid-fire contests.
Photos by iQFOiL Class / Sailing Energy.
Early morning conditions looked grim, but by 1300 hours, everything changed. The westerly kicked in at 10 knots, building to a solid 17 throughout the afternoon. Race committees on the double course setup maintained military precision, sending competitors flying around the track in quick succession.
Senior fleets deliver high drama
In the Women’s Senior division, Opening Series leader Tamar Steinberg (ISR 216) refused to back down despite a black flag in the Grand Final. The Israeli powerhouse overcame the five-second penalty rule to claim gold with calculating precision. Paris medallists Sharon Kantor (ISR 390) and Emma Wilson (GBR 7) rounded out the podium, confirming their pedigree on the international stage.
The Men’s Senior medal races served up proper carnage. Aussie front-runner Grae Morris (AUS 81) looked untouchable in the Grand Final, building a commanding lead before wiping out just after the top mark. Max Castelein (NED 36) capitalized, snatching the bullet, but Morris wasn’t done. In the decisive final race, Castelein returned the favor with his own crash during the upwind leg, allowing Morris to surge ahead for gold. Finn Hawkins (GBR 19) secured bronze after a rock-solid performance.
Dutch dominate youth fleets
The U19 Women’s fleet witnessed the perfect campaign as Yfke Van der Meer (NED 252) continued her winning streak straight through the medal series. The Dutch phenom had already won every race of the Opening Series, making her victory seem inevitable despite strong challenges from Jade Boyer-Gibaud (FRA 74) and Hanna Simon (HUN 70).
Poland swept the U17 Women’s podium, with Julia Przbil (POL 977) maintaining her week-long dominance. Compatriots Marta Gajdzinska (POL 429) and Kalina Szostek (POL 205) claimed silver and bronze, leaving Opening Series runner-up Anna Korevaar (NED 157) just off the box.
The Youth and Junior Men confirmed the strength of their Opening Series performances. In U19, Kilian Manhaval (FRA 1908) secured gold ahead of consistent performer Robin Zeley (SUI 5), while Maciej Dabek (POL 71) clawed his way from the Quarter-Finals to bronze. Dutch talent continued to shine in U17, with Finn Brull (NED 731) and Merlijn Boswijk (NED 244) going one-two, while Spain’s Enric Patiño Riutord (ESP 373) fought from the quarters to claim bronze.
FULL RESULTS
Senior Women:
- Tamar Steinberg (ISR 216)
- Sharon Kantor (ISR 390)
- Emma Wilson (GBR 7)
Senior Men:
- Grae Morris (AUS 81)
- Max Castelein (NED 36)
- Finn Hawkins (GBR 19)
U19 Women:
- Yfke Van der Meer (NED 252)
- Jade Boyer-Gibaud (FRA 74)
- Hanna Simon (HUN 70)
U17 Women:
- Julia Przbil (POL 977)
- Marta Gajdzinska (POL 429)
- Kalina Szostek (POL 205)
U19 Men:
- Kilian Manhaval (FRA 1908)
- Robin Zeley (SUI 5)
- Maciej Dabek (POL 71)
U17 Men:
- Finn Brull (NED 731)
- Merlijn Boswijk (NED 244)
- Enric Patiño Riutord (ESP 373)
The event wrapped with a prize-giving ceremony at the Federación Andaluza de Vela headquarters, bathed in afternoon sunshine.
Full results here: https://2025iqsryjgamescadiz.sailti.com/en/default/races/race-resultsall
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