News

Porto Cervo, 24th May 2025. The WingFoil Racing European Championship taking place in in Urla, Turkey, came to a close today with victory going to Maddalena Spanu, an athlete from the Young Azzurra programme. Second place went to Greek athlete Emilia Kosti, ahead of Poland's Karolina Kluszczynska in third.

The event began on 20^th May with a challenging first day, where Maddalena was unable to complete the scheduled races due to very light winds. Day two then saw the participating athletes wait in vain for a breeze that never materialised. Racing resumed on 22^nd May, and a determined Maddalena racked up three wins and two third-place finishes to climb to the top of the classification. A penultimate day of racing, which once again brought light airs, saw the Young Azzurra athlete slip out of pole position. In today's final day of racing, Maddalena returned to the water more determined than ever to hold onto the title of European Champion which she won last year in Switzerland. Maddalena employed her focus and tactical skill in closely-contested battles at sea and an exciting race to the finish line, claiming two straights wins in the final two races to beat Emilia Kosti, her closest rival. With these decisive victories, Maddalena clinched the win once again, successfully defending her title as WingFoil Racing European Champion.

“I'm really happy with this result because I fought so hard for it and never gave up. These have been intense days, especially psychologically, and winning this title again makes me immensely happy. I want to congratulate my opponents, they pushed hard in terms of performance. I thank my family for the support, my Club with the Young Azzurra programme, the Italian Sailing Federation, my sponsors, and everyone who reminds me to always keep believing, especially at difficult times." commented Maddalena on today's achievement. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda congratulates Maddalena on this excellent result.

For further information, please visit the Young Azzurra website.