Share this page with friends ...

Local people are invited to be part of a major international sporting event as Weymouth and Portland host the 2026 Musto iQFOiL World Championships.

As well as world-class racing, local people have an opportunity to get involved through a range of free activities, community events and taster sessions.

From 7 to 12 September, up to 250 of the world’s leading windsurfers from more than 40 nations will compete off the Dorset coast, bringing international attention to Weymouth and Portland and showcasing the area to a global audience.

The highlight for residents will be a free Fan Zone outside Weymouth Pavilion, on Saturday 12 September from 10am to 6pm. Visitors to the Fan Zone will be able to watch the decisive Medal Series live on a giant screen, enjoy expert commentary, athlete interviews, music, family activities and celebrations as the new world champions are crowned.

The Fan Zone will run alongside Weymouth Town Council’s Waterfest on the beach opposite the beach office, with opportunities to try kayaking, paddleboarding, beach yoga, sea swimming and a range of children’s activities.

Free pre-bookable taster sessions will give people the chance to experience sailing and windsurfing for themselves, with equipment and instruction provided by qualified Royal Yachting Association (RYA) coaches.

The event is expected to bring economic, tourism and community benefits to the area while further cementing Weymouth and Portland’s reputation as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council said:

“Hosting a World Championship of this scale is fantastic for Dorset. Events like this don’t come around very often, but it gives us the chance to show off our stunning coastline to an international audience while bringing people into Weymouth to support local businesses. We very much hope it will inspire young people to get involved in water sports which are available right on their doorstep.

“We are really pleased that local people can be part of the event and even try a new water sport while celebrating Dorset’s unique connection with sailing.”

Cllr David Civil, Leader of Weymouth Town Council said:

“We are looking forward to welcoming athletes, support teams and visitors from around the world to Weymouth. Events like this help to showcase everything that makes our town so special, and we are proud to see an international event of this magnitude come to our shores. It will be great to see the community come together to enjoy what promises to be a fantastic celebration of sport on the waterfront, and we are looking forward to giving visitors a very warm welcome.

“The Fan Zone outside Weymouth Pavilion will generate a fantastic atmosphere and falls on the same day as our flagship Water Fest event, which takes place on Weymouth Beach on Saturday 12th September from 10am – 3pm. This free event gives people the chance to try out various water sports and activities, including paddleboarding, gig rowing and beach sauna sessions. There will also be the chance to have a dip in the sea with some local groups, visit a range of information stalls, and learn about the exciting Beach Access Project that is coming to Weymouth Beach.”

Niall McLeod, Musto iQFOiL World Championship Event Director, said:

“The championship will bring together the very best iQFOiL athletes in the world, but its success will also be measured by the connection it creates with Weymouth, Portland and the wider Dorset community.”

“The free Fan Zone is designed to make the final day welcoming and accessible, whether you follow sailing closely or simply want a memorable day out. We would love to see Weymouth Pavilion and the harbourside full of local support as the world titles are decided.”

The championship marks the first major iQFOiL championship to be held in the UK and the first World Championship in an Olympic windsurfing class on British waters since 2009.

Home interest will be led by British Sailing Team athletes Emma Wilson and Andy Brown, who will defend the women’s and men’s world titles they won in 2025. Wilson is also a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, having won medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Beyond the racing, the championship’s ELEVATE:iQFOiL social impact programme is working with local community groups to create opportunities in watersports, volunteering, education and employment. The programme aims to leave a lasting legacy for local young people, communities and the environment.

Full Fan Zone information and free taster-session bookings are available at www.rya.org.uk/iqfoil-worlds-2026.