Veerle ten Have has surged back into the top 10 at the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship after producing her best day of the regatta in Weymouth and Portland.
The Tauranga sailor climbed to seventh overall after a dramatic day of sprint slalom races.
Ten Have was black-flagged in the first race, but responded emphatically, posting finishes of fifth, ninth and third in the remaining three races to make a significant move up the standings.
The result puts Ten Have in a strong position heading into the business end of the championship, with the top 10 advancing to the medal series. The elimination format will see the sailors progress through quarter-finals and semi-finals before the medal showdown.
Veerle ten Have is on course for a place in the medal series at the iQFOiL World Championship. Photos / Sailing Energy
Aimee Bright also bounced back from a difficult second day, climbing to 18th overall. The Manly Sailing Club sailor remains 34 points outside the top 10, while she sits an impressive sixth in the under-23 standings.
In the men’s fleet, Josh Armit continued his upward trajectory on the first day of gold-fleet racing.
Armit produced two top-five results, finishing seventh and fifth, to move into 16th overall. He is 31 points off the current top-10 cut-off, with further racing to come in the final series.
Teammate Eli Liefting is also competing in the gold fleet and sits 43rd overall after a difficult day that included a disqualification and a DNC.
Blake Hinsley is racing in the silver fleet and is currently 87th overall.
Josh Armit is the leading male Kiwi in the competition. Photos / Sailing Energy
Day 3 brought another change in conditions, with a lighter and more unpredictable breeze producing four demanding slalom races. The fleet raced in winds ranging from seven to 12 knots, with shifting pressure and direction placing a premium on acceleration, positioning and clean manoeuvres.
Latest results and standings here.
Originally published by Yachting New Zealand.
