Wingfoiling is one of sailing’s fastest-growing disciplines. Powered by a handheld wing and lifted above the water by a hydrofoil, riders combine balance, athleticism and an understanding of the wind to experience flight.
That appeal has attracted Olympic sailors, experienced windsurfers and a new generation discovering wingfoiling. This week in Ibiza, those different journeys have come together at the inaugural X-15 World Championship, where 107 riders from 24 nations are competing for the class’s first world titles.
X-15 brings a one-design approach to wingfoiling. Competitors race using standardised, class-approved equipment, creating a level playing field where rider ability outweighs technical advancement. How riders start, handle equipment and respond to the race course is what brings success.
An X-15 basic package comprises a board, a hydrofoil and a handheld wing. An 82-litre board provides the platform, while approved foil options and wing sizes accommodate under 13s to seniors. The equipment framework gives riders a shared starting point, giving clubs, schools and coaches a common basis for athlete development.
Within the one-design rules, riders can fine-tune their setup using shims. These are small angled spacers that adjust the foil’s trim and the pressure felt through their feet on the board. These subtle changes help sailors find a balance of lift, stability and control to suit their style of riding and the racing conditions.
For a growing sport, that structure matters. It connects the enjoyment of learning to fly above the water with the opportunity to train, race and progress towards international competition.
World Sailing recognised X-15 as its first one-design wingfoil class in November 2025. A year later, the Ibiza X-15 World Championship marks the next step. It is the only opportunity for riders to become the first X-15 world champion, and establish a benchmark for those who follow in future years.
Hosted by Club Mare Nostrum at Port Nàutic Ibiza, with support from De Antonio Yachts, the championship brings that ambition into focus. Although a day of little to no wind prevented racing on Thursday 5 November, the opening day had already demonstrated the close competition that the class aims to deliver.
Six-time Olympian, Maksim Oberemko, racing for Spain commented, “I think it [X-15] has great potential, and it’s exciting to see how athletes are already exploring its capabilities. Of course, there is still room to learn, experiment and find the best setups, but that’s also part of what makes new equipment exciting.
“What makes this class unique is the one-design concept. Everyone is provided with exactly the same equipment, which means everyone has equal opportunities to compete and win. At the end of the day, the difference is made by the sailors themselves – their skills, technique, experience and ability to make the most of the equipment.”
Switzerland’s Cindy Robert added, “My impression is very positive. It’s really interesting to compete with the same equipment. We still have to make some choices, for example, whether to use a bigger or smaller foil. It also brings us closer together because we’re all competing with the same board, foil and wing.”
And her trick to going fast? “Try different shims,” expressed Robert, “especially to adjust the rake angle to more than 2.5 degrees.”
France’s Romain Ghio commented, “The fact it’s one-design is a completely new dimension for wingfoil and it makes it really unique and fun. You can play with the shim to adjust the foil and I’m using full power shim and then it’s being at 100% of your cardio rate!
“It’s very easy to use, everybody can race and be fast from the first session. I really like this idea about this equipment and having everyone on the race course together.”
Bence Sinthavong from Hungary concluded, “It’s a good way to see raw performance to others in a head-to-head. My impression so far is positive and it’s great to see the interest in it.”
Racing continues on Friday 6 November and runs through to Sunday 8 November where the first X-15 World Champions will be crowned.
