Johnny Flynn is the best-placed Irish sailor after the opening phase of racing at Foiling Week 2026 in Malcesine, Italy. The Howth Yacht Club sailor sits 31st in the highly competitive WASZP fleet after the opening series on Lake Garda, leading the Irish contingent at one of the world's premier foiling events.
Hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine, the 13th edition of Foiling Week continues until 5 July and brings together international sailors, designers, manufacturers and classes to celebrate the latest developments in foiling technology and competition.
Flynn heads the Irish trio with 249 points after nine races. Alexander Trickett (Royal St George YC/National YC) is 71st overall on 508 points, while Eoghan Duffy (Lough Ree YC) is 74th on 523 points after a series that included a retirement and three non-finishes.
French sailor Matteo Chaboud claimed overall victory in the WASZP fleet, finishing ahead of Italy's Mosè Bellomi and Francesco Carrieri. Olivia Castaldi of Italy topped the women's standings.
The opening phase of Foiling Week also concluded for the Switch One Design, BirdyFish and IODA fleets.
Away from the racecourse, competitors took part in a WASZP and Switch One Design Racing Clinic led by Head of Performance Giulia Conti in partnership with KTOOL, while solar-powered foiling craft and SeatFoil demonstrations drew strong public interest on Lake Garda.
Foiling Week now moves into its second sporting phase with the arrival of the Moth, ETF26 and additional BirdyFish fleets, alongside the Foiling Grand Prix Youth Cup and a programme of foiling board disciplines.
Ireland is also being represented in the Moth fleet by Charles Cullen, with racing now underway. Results from the class had not been published at the time of writing.
