iQFOiL
A very hot, windless day marked Day Three of the iQFOiL Youth and Junior World Championship in Sa Ràpita, Mallorca, Spain, preventing any racing for the U19 and U17 sailors vying for the 2024 title. The two Race Commitee teams spent hours on the water, patiently waiting for the forecasted breeze, while young sailors took to beach activities and pump-foiling in the marina. Despite the wait, the wind never arrived, and eventually, the Principal Race Officer Ewa Jodlowska was forced to raise the AP over A flag, officially ending the day’s hopes for racing.
The good news is that the forecast is promising for tomorrow, with about 10 knots expected from east/north east. The schedule includes two more days of qualifying races, leading up to the Medal Series for the top 10 athletes in each category on Saturday, November 2nd.
The long hours of waiting provided an opportunity to chat with local Olympic sailor Nacho Baltasar Summers, who, at only 20 years old, is now coaching some of his fellow Mallorcan sailors competing in the event.
“This is my village; I’ve lived here since I was born. I’m thrilled we’re hosting a World Championship, though it’s a shame I’m over the age limit and can’t race… so I’m coaching!” said Summers. “It’s a unique experience; I get up, have breakfast at home, and walk to the venue — something that doesn’t usually happen!”
Reflecting on his journey, Summers added, “Just two years ago, I was in the Youth category, and now I’m a Senior. Transitioning was smooth, and I loved racing in the junior classes with the eight-meter sails. Now, being in a RIB, looking for wind and giving advice to the new generation, feels surreal. They’re so fast! I’m a bit nervous for the years ahead; they’re incredibly skilled.”
Speaking about his Olympic experience, Summers shared, “The Olympics were intense, with tricky, gusty conditions and a lot of emotions. Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined representing my country at the Games. I’ve had two months of rest, and I’m enjoying watching things from a different perspective here. But soon, I’ll be back on my board, training hard because I want to compete in Los Angeles. Before that, I aim to do well at the 2025 Worlds and Europeans, and of course, at the Princesa Sofia — always a fantastic event. Once you go to the Olympics, you’re driven to return and push even harder.”
