FOILING SPORT CONGRESS 2025
PROGRAMME
Malcesine, Lake Garda – Italy
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND EVENT ORGANIZATION
DAY ONE – June, 30th
Participant check-in and informal networking
Ben Williams – Divisional Director, Marine Hull & Yacht Division, Ropner
Luca Rizzotti – President, The Foiling Organization
Luca Rizzotti – President, The Foiling Organization
Events Cooperation: avoiding calendar conflicts, share resources (infrastructure, education and training), grassroot to pro coordination
Luca Rizzotti – President, The Foiling Organization
Dylan Fletcher Scott – Professional sailor
Peter Rusch – Communications Director, The Ocean Race
Tom Hartman – SFT Surf Foil World Tour, GWA Wingfoil World Tour
Rodi Basso – CEO, E1
Foiling unified promotion: how to reach a broader and more global audience. Is there support from other non sailing governing bodies?
Scott Over – Board member, The Foiling Organization
Martin Evans – Class Manager, Waszp
Jorgen Vogt – Founder of SFT Surf Foil World Tour, GWA Wingfoil World Tour
Robotic Marks, Racesense, AI and data driven performance analysis Spectator engagement through digital race management, VR, onboard data streaming.
Tim Hancock – Principal Race Officer, The Foiling Organization
Nicolai Jacobsen – Professional sailor
Diego Botin – Professional sailor
Drew Follet – Vakaros
Advancements in foil materials and design
Cost-effective solutions for broader participation
Safety innovation, injury prevention, and ergonomics research
Laura Marimon Giovannetti – Senior researcher, RISE Maritime
Mark Somerville – General Manager and Director, Persico Marine
Iordanis Paschalidis – Member of the Board, Hellenic Sailing Federation
Mario Caponnetto – Cofounder, Caponnetto Hueber
Olympic foiling class developments
High-performance coaching strategies and pathways
Jaime Navarro – Director of Technical and Offshore, World Sailing
Nick Scott – Director of Racing, Royal Yachting Association
Arnaud Psarophaghis – Professional sailor
Micah Wilkinson – Professional sailor & E1 pilot
Michele Marchesini – Technical director, FIV
COACHING, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
DAY TWO – July, 1st
Standardization of coaching certifications
Digital coaching platforms and virtual training
Cross-discipline collaborative training (sailing, boards, motorsports)
Luca Rizzotti – President, The Foiling Organization
Simone Salvà – Professional Sailing Coach
Fiona Kidd – Head of International Development, World Sailing
Evan Haras – Professional Sailing Coach
Emergency protocols and real-time response
Safety standards across disciplines (America’s Cup, SailGP, offshore, motorsports)
Insurance and liability management for multi-discipline events
Tim Hancock – Principal Race Officer, The Foiling Organization
Simon Nuding – Rescue Coordinator, Sailgp
Ben Williams – Divisional Director Marine Trades & Yacht Division, Ropner
Remi Finiel – Forward Wip
Simulation-based training for athletes and coaches
E-gaming competitions as fan-engagement tools
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for enhancing both athlete preparation and spectator experiences
Scott Over – Board member, The Foiling Organization
Joseph Ozannes – Team principal, Simulator in Motion
Christian Harding – Esailing organiser, Swedish Sailing Federation
Lowering entry barriers to foiling
Inclusive pathways from beginner to elite levelsIncreasing participation among youth, women, adaptive equipment, and underrepresented groups
Funding strategies and sustainable global programs
Vicky Low – The Magenta Project
David French – Skeeta Watersports
Giulia Conti – Professional sailor
Ole Sartori – Team director, America's Cup Youth and Women Team Germany
Andrian Peet – General Manager, Amaala Yacht Club
Summary of key congress discussions and agreements
Participant-driven actionable ideas and initiatives
Luca Rizzotti – President, The Foiling Organization
Tim Hancock – Principal Race Officer, The Foiling Organization
Scott Over – Board Member, The Foiling Organization