Today marks the final day of the 2025 ILCA World Championships. While the champions have yet to be crowned, Qingdao's signature northern wind has already unfurled the curtain on the ultimate showdown.
According to the latest weather forecast, wind speeds were expected to exceed 20 knots. At 7:18 a.m., Qingdao saw its highest tide of the day (3.9 meters), followed by a low tide at 1:57 p.m. (1.5 meters), and a return to a high of 3.8 meters at 6:54 p.m.
The morning began with a southeast breeze before dramatically shifting to the north around 10:00 a.m. Conditions were cloudy with no rainfall and good visibility.
Stormfront Riding the Real Waves of Challenge
At 8:30 a.m., AP flags were hoisted on both courses, signaling a postponement. Forecasts warned of a wind shift at 10:00—and right on cue, a dark wall of northern wind surged over the sea from the direction of May Fourth Square. Radios crackled: Mark 1 was registering 13 knots with gusts reaching 23.
As the D flag went up, racing commenced in earnest. The black squall barreled across the course. Waves built quickly, boats capsized one after another, and radios at Mark 2 reported gusts as high as 38 knots. The sea sprayed like needles against sailors' faces—a brutal and honest battlefield.
On the ILCA 6 course, the women sailors truly embodied the phrase "riding the wind and breaking the waves." Again and again, they capsized and righted their boats, refusing to quit until every race was sailed and finished. They were not just racing against each other—but against the storm itself.
Six Days, Four Seasons|All That Qingdao Offers
Six days of scheduled racing brought four windless days, one light wind day, and one day of raging gusts. In essence, the championship compressed the entire meteorological spirit of Qingdao into a single regatta: fog, calm, insects, ocean debris, shifting currents, and today's howling 40-knot squall.
A total of 237 athletes from 49 nations faced immense physical and mental challenges on these waters. The long waits, sudden wind changes, tactical pressure, and the constant negotiation with nature—this week will be etched in their memories.
As the writer covering this regatta, it's been a unique challenge to document. Four days without racing meant four difficult days of writing. But perhaps that is what this event teaches us—to find movement in stillness, and heartbeat in silence. The beauty of sailing lies not only in the start but in the journey through calm and chaos alike.
Final Results ILCA 7
Willem Wiersema (NED) : The 23-year-old from the Netherlands claimed the championship with just 11 points. "I'm really happy today," he said. "Yesterday I didn't have a great first race, but I opened myself up to a new day, new pressure, and just went for it.
"Qingdao is a big and surprising city—it feels fresh and exciting. I'm really proud to be the World Champion here."
Pavlos Kontides (CYP) : The Olympic veteran from Cyprus secured silver with 12 points. A former Beijing Olympian and four-time World Cup winner, Kontides used his deep experience and familiarity with Qingdao to navigate the tricky conditions like a local.
Zac Littlewood (AUS) : The Australian sailor secured the bronze medal with a consistent performance, earning a proud podium finish for his team.
Final Results ILCA 6
Louise Cervera (FRA) : Fresh off a win at the European Cup, the French sailor claimed the World Championship title. "I honestly can't believe this happened," Louise said. "I was just trying to do my best. My first race wasn't great, but I pushed myself harder after that.
"I felt really in tune with the wind shifts, and my downwind was especially strong. This gives me so much confidence for the Los Angeles Olympics in three years."
Agata Barwinska (POL) : The Polish sailor led the fleet after three races yesterday and showed tenacity under pressure. "I was really happy to be leading after yesterday's racing," she said. "But today's northern wind—it was really tough."
Eve McMahon (IRL) : Tied in points with Barwinska at 24, the Irish sailor took third place based on tie-break.
Ceremony Night A Celebration of Champions
Tonight, the 2025 Qingdao ILCA World Championship Award Ceremony was held at the Qingdao International Conference Center. On the waters that once held stillness, storms, and triumphs—honor now comes to rest. Congratulations to all the winners!
Photos: live.photoplus.cn/live/pc/31473322/#/live
Event website: 2025ilcaolympic.ilca-worlds.org
ILCA Facebook: www.facebook.com/intlaserclass
Written by: Frankie Zheng, photos: International Laser Class Association - ILCA