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The 2026 Portimão X-15 Wingfoil Series gets underway today, with a record-breaking fleet of 115 riders set to race in Portugal as the rapidly growing X-15 Class continues its global expansion. Hosted by Clube Naval de Portimão, the event runs from May 24–26 and marks the biggest X-15 gathering to date.
With competitors representing more than 15 nations, the event brings together everyone from Under 13 riders through to senior racers in a format designed to make wingfoil racing more accessible and competitive across all levels. Qualifying rounds will separate riders into divisions based on ability, while top racers will compete on more advanced race courses tailored for high-performance racing.
At the centre of the X-15 format is true one-design racing, with all athletes competing on the same equipment. The aim is to put the focus on skill, tactics, and decision making on the water rather than equipment advantages — something that continues to attract growing numbers of riders worldwide.
The Portimão stop is part of a major growth phase for the X-15 Class. Following the season opener in Langkawi, Malaysia, the class has expanded rapidly through new racing programmes and development pathways across Europe, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Singapore and beyond.
One of the key initiatives running alongside the event this week is the first “Women into Wing” camp, led by Alice Read, aimed at increasing female participation through dedicated coaching and progression support.
With racing beginning today in Portimão, the event is expected to showcase not only the depth of emerging talent within wingfoiling, but also the continued momentum behind one-design racing as the sport pushes toward broader international growth and future championship pathways.