Britain’s dominance on the water reached new heights this weekend as Emma Wilson and Andy Brown were crowned 2025 iQFOiL World Champions at a thrilling finale in Aarhus, Denmark.
In a sensational display of grit, tactical brilliance, and unrelenting determination, Wilson and Brown stormed to victory in their respective fleets at the prestigious 2025 iQFOiL World Championships, leaving the competition trailing in their wake.
“What’s better than having one world champion? Having TWO!” boasted British Sailing on social media, as the Union Flag flew high over Aarhus.
EMMA WILSON: RISING TO THE TOP
After a week of intense competition, Emma Wilson saved her best for last in the women’s final showdown. It was a rollercoaster of a day in the Grand Final, where she faced fierce competition from Tamar Steinberg (Israel) and Theresa Steinlein (Germany).
Wilson, who had never before captured a world title, showed nerves of steel. After recovering from a crash to finish second in the opening race, she stayed in the hunt as Steinberg and Steinlein each notched wins of their own.
With all three women tied heading into the decisive third race, it was Wilson who made the boldest move — tacking early to the right side of the course, gaining clean wind and building a lead she never surrendered.
“She made the call of the day,” said one commentator, as Wilson surged ahead and sailed unchallenged to her first World Championship title.
Norway’s Maya Gysler briefly threatened to close the gap, but Wilson stayed composed and crossed the line first. Steinberg’s third-place finish in that final race secured her the silver, while Steinlein earned bronze.
ANDY BROWN: COMMANDING THE MEN’S FLEET
In the Men’s Grand Final, it was all on the line for Britain’s Andy Brown, who went head-to-head with France’s Tom Arnoux, Italy’s Nicolò Renna, and Brazil’s Mateus Isaac.
Race 1 saw Arnoux snatch victory on the right side of the course, just ahead of Brown, who managed to surge past Isaac in the closing stretch.
With both Brown and Arnoux on one win apiece, it all came down to Race 2.
Brown delivered a masterclass, controlling the race from start to finish and never allowing his rivals a sniff of the lead. Renna finished second in the race and secured bronze overall, with Arnoux’s third-place finish in Race 2 giving him silver.
A GOLDEN DAY FOR BRITISH SAILING
This historic double triumph in Denmark has cemented Team GB’s reputation as a global windsurfing powerhouse, with both Wilson and Brown now wearing the crowns of 2025 iQFOiL World Champions.
Their victories mark not just personal milestones, but a national triumph — showcasing the strength of British sailing talent in Olympic classes ahead of Paris 2024 and beyond.
As the Union Jack flew proudly above the podiums in Aarhus, Britain sent a clear message to the world: our champions ride the wind, and they ride it best.
