BALANGER DOMINATES QUALIFYING, STORM CUTS GOLD FLEET RACING SHORT

Malcesine, July 11, 2025 – Day four of the 2025 Moth World Championship opened at dawn with another early start for the 137 athletes from 25 nations competing on Lake Garda. The first warning signal was scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and the early morning brought a solid northerly breeze, ideal for completing the final two qualifying races before the split into Gold and Silver fleets.

The yellow fleet was the first on the water. The opening race was sailed in lighter conditions compared to the previous day, but still with steady winds of 15–16 knots and gusts up to 18. Ideal conditions that delivered another spectacular show, particularly on the downwinds. The second race saw a gradual decrease in pressure, with the wind settling around 12–13 knots.

The standout performer in both races was France’s Enzo Balanger, who claimed back-to-back victories. A strong showing also came from Australia’s Ryan Littlechild, who finished third in both races. Olympic medalist Iain Jensensecured second place in race one, while fellow Australian and Olympic champion Tom Slingsby took second in race two.

Once the yellow fleet concluded its session, it was the blue fleet’s turn. However, by 10:30 a.m. the northerly had already begun to drop off significantly, allowing only one race to be completed in the morning. It was a tricky race, with several sailors falling off their foils—especially near the windward marks, where the breeze was patchy. The win went to American Riley Gibbs, ahead of compatriot Brad Funk and Australian Jack Ferguson.

After returning to shore, the blue fleet launched again at 12:15 p.m. as the Ora—Lake Garda’s famous southerly—arrived on schedule. With stable winds between 10 and 12 knots, the fleet completed its final qualifying race. This time, it was Germany’s Richard Schultheis who crossed the line first, followed by Funk and Spain’s Botin.

With four races completed for each fleet, the provisional standings were finalized, and the competitors were split into Gold and Silver fleets. After changing the colored streamers on their booms, the Gold fleet returned to the racecourse around 3:00 p.m. for the first race of the Final Series.

The race took place under increasingly unstable conditions, as clouds thickened and a weather system approached from the north. The win went to the USA’s Ben Rosenberg, ahead of Australia’s Jack Ferguson and, once again, France’s Enzo Balanger, who continued to show remarkable consistency.

Shortly after, due to safety concerns related to the incoming storm, the Race Committee interrupted proceedings by displaying AP over H for the Gold fleet, while AP over A was hoisted for the Silver fleet, officially ending their day. Soon after, AP over A was also displayed for the Gold fleet, confirming a full halt to racing for the day.

In the overall standings, Enzo Balanger now leads the fleet, followed by Germany’s Richard Schultheis and the USA’s Brad Funk.
In the women’s division, Malta’s Victoria Schultheis is the top-ranked female sailor, currently sitting in 36th place overall.

“Today was a very long day,” said Enzo Balanger, three-time Foiling Week winner and helm of the Orient Express Racing Team Youth squad.
“I raced two good races this morning with the yellow fleet in a northerly that wasn’t as strong as yesterday, but still good enough for tight racing and solid speed. I won both races. Then this afternoon we had the first race of the Gold fleet, which was very tough, and I’m happy to have finished third. The wind this week has been really unpredictable and tricky, but so far things are going well. I was a bit lucky today—let’s hope it keeps going this way.”

Tomorrow Four races are scheduled for both the Gold and Silver fleets, depending on weather conditions. As the forecast does not predict a northerly breeze, the first warning signal is set for 11:00 a.m., aiming to take advantage of the afternoon southerly Ora.

After racing, at 6:00 p.m., sailors and teams gathered at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for a relaxing Happy Hour, featuring wine offered by Cantine Tinazzi, an official partner of the event.

The 2025 Moth World Championship is made possible thanks to the essential support of sponsors and partners who believe in this sporting and territorial project. Special thanks go to UniCredit, title sponsor of the event, and to Falconeri, Zhik, Funivie Malcesine–Monte Baldo, Frantoi Redoro, Birrerie Stiegl, Distilleria Marzadro, Cantine Tinazzi, and Speck Stube.
The event is held under the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Malcesine.

Francesca Frazza, July 11th 2025