Cornish windsurfer Max Beaman wants to focus on racing not results after a strong first day at the Musto iQFOiL World Championships 2026 in Weymouth & Portland.
Beaman ended the opening day of racing in 22nd place, a fifth-place result supported by two finishes in ninth place and one more in seventh place – one of his ninth placed finishes currently discarded after the Falmouth racer’s first four outings.
That ninth-place finish may come back into his record by the end of Tuesday, when his worst two races are discarded from a planned eight preliminary heats.
The men’s fleet raced four upwind slalom sprint races in Weymouth Bay in shifty conditions, with officials ruling out any opportunity of longer course races, which will now take place on Tuesday 8 September.
Beaman has set himself well to make the gold fleet ahead of the final day of the preliminary series, with the top 55 sailors making the top group which will have the opportunity to qualify for the medal finals.
With competitors due to face rain showers on the second day of the preliminary series, Beaman left the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy feeling positive.
“I had a really consistent day which I’m super happy about,” Beaman said, “it’s a really strong start and hopefully we can keep it up throughout the week.
“It was actually alright managing the conditions, we’ve got extra coaches’ boats with the British Sailing Squad pathway, so we can chill out and relax.
“I managed to go on the right side of the beats each time and had good starts. I don’t want to go into results too much, I just want to keep racing consistently.
“And it’s amazing racing here in Portland, I can just stroll down here – it’s the best.”
All the action is building towards the finale on Saturday, with a Fan Zone at Weymouth Pavilion bringing windsurfing to locals, who will be able to watch the medal races for free.
The elimination series groups will be decided by Tuesday evening, with gold fleet sailors eligible to qualify for the medal finals on Saturday through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The Musto iQFOiL World Championships 2026 are taking place from 7-12 September. Get closer to the action on the final day by visiting the Fan Zone on Weymouth Pavilion to enjoy a full day of live racing, big-screen coverage, music, family activities, food and opportunities to get out on the water. Find out more at rya.org.uk
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