Light Winds, Big Changes at SOF in Hyeres: New Champions Emerge at Sailing Grand Slam Medal Series

For the first time this week, the Medal Series Finals for iQFoil unfolded in a light but crucially stable south-easterly breeze of 6–7 knots. The lighter conditions provided a golden opportunity for several challengers to upset the standings, dramatically reshaping the leaderboard after days of stronger winds.

In the men’s competition China’s Kun Bi seized victory in the men’s iQFoil windsurfing. On the women’s side Israel’s Tamar Steinberg held her nerve to win the women’s iQFoil event.

Women’s iQFoil

Tamar Steinberg (ISR), dominant all week in a powerful Israeli women’s team, secured gold after an intense final. After a difficult start—falling off the foil during the first race—Steinberg regrouped and came back strong, winning the second Grand Final race to clinch the top spot. Zheng Yang (CHN) earned silver, and Israel’s Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Sharon Kantor took bronze, highlighting Israel’s dominance.

Tamar Steinberg (ISR):"Today we had light wind, so it was really hard physically. You need to pump a lot in these conditions, which is good because you can really see the level of the fleet and push to be better. After the first race, I relaxed, got the lactate out of my blood, and came back focused for the second. I’m really proud of our team, and it’s clear that our hard work is paying off."

Men’s iQFoil

In the men's division, China's Kun Bi capitalized on the lighter conditions to dethrone Australia’s Grae Morris, who had been the standout performer in stronger winds throughout the week. Morris, the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist, started strong but Bi showcased relentless pumping strength and tactical patience to win both final races. France’s Louis Pignolet finished consistently to claim the bronze medal.

Kun Bi (CHN):"It was a lot of pressure, but I turned it into motivation. Today’s light wind was an advantage for me. I just kept pumping and stayed focused on myself. In the first race I led from the start, but in the second I needed more patience and overtook during the second mark rounding. Our whole team works closely together, and that teamwork shows in the results."