Wingfoil pathways

Australian Sailing is strengthening its high-performance Wingfoil pathway with a pre-Nationals training camp in Queensland this December, ahead of a potential decision on the sport’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Photography by Stallion Studios / Down Under Sail

23 October 2026

The Australian Sailing High Performance Pathway program will host the three-day Wingfoil camp at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) from 6 to 8 December, providing athletes with an opportunity to refine their racing skills ahead of the National Championships, which begin on 10 December.

Led by Australian Sailing Performance Pathways Coach (Queensland) Mitch Pearson, with support from RQYS foiling coaches, the camp is open to sailors entered in the Formula, Open or Youth classes at the Nationals.

Training will focus on racing techniques, confidence and competition preparation, with particular attention to the Wingfoil class rabbit start, which will be used in the marathon qualification races at the championships.

A wingfoil competitor races around a course marker at Queensland Youth Sail 2026.

Young wingfoil athletes develop their racing skills at Queensland Youth Sail 2026.

Wingfoil sailor airborne above the water.

Emma Webb in action at Queensland Youth Sail 2026. (Credit: Down Under Sail.

Wingfoil and windsurfing competitors take to the water at Queensland Youth Sail 2026.

The camp forms part of Australian Sailing’s broader commitment to developing a structured high-performance pathway for Wingfoil athletes as the discipline continues to grow.

In a significant development, Australian Sailing will introduce athlete categorisation for Wingfoil in 2027, using its Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) approved Athlete Assessment and Categorisation Guidelines.

The initiative will allow Wingfoil athletes to be categorised up to the ‘Developing’ level, providing greater structure and recognition within Australia’s high-performance sailing pathway.

The announcement comes as Wingfoil moves closer to a potential Olympic debut, with a decision on its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games expected at the World Sailing Annual Conference in November 2026.

Athletes interested in attending the pre-Nationals camp must submit an Expression of Interest by close of business on 27 November 2026.

Camp registration: Submit an Expression of Interest

australiansailingteam.com.au