X-15 Class : 2024 season highlights and Alaçatı Open Results

1st April 2025

Race

Alaçatı once again proved its status as a premier wingfoil racing destination, as Türkiye’s rising stars delivered high-speed action at the 2025 Wing Foil X-15 Alaçatı Open. Hosted by the Çağla Kubat Windsurf Yelken Spor Kulübü on March 22–23, the event brought together junior, youth, and senior athletes in a thrilling competition that showcased the growing strength of the X-15 Class.

With fierce battles in the Gold and Silver fleets, the event highlighted not only the talent emerging from Türkiye but also the continued development of the X-15 Class as a global pathway for young wingfoil racers. Following a milestone 2024 season marked by international expansion and increasing youth participation, the Alaçatı Open reinforced the class’s momentum heading into another exciting year of competition.

This event also marked a new chapter for the X-15 Class, as Antonio Cozzolino stepped in as the new Class Manager, succeeding Fiona Wylde. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment, building on the foundations set in 2024 to further elevate the class on the international stage.

Young Talent and Fierce Competition Define the 2025 Wing Foil X-15 Alaçatı Open

Alaçatı, Turkey – March 24, 2025 — The sun-soaked shores of Alaçatı hosted a spectacular showcase of wingfoil racing talent over the weekend, as the 2025 Wing Foil X-15 Alaçatı Open brought together some of Türkiye’s brightest rising stars. Organised by the Çağla Kubat Windsurf Yelken Spor Kulübü, the event took place on March 22–23 and marked a key stop for the development of the X-15 Class in the region.

With close racing in both the Blue and Yellow qualifying fleets, sailors progressed into Gold and Silver fleets for the final series, where overall rankings were determined. The event highlighted the X-15 Class’s ability to bring together junior, youth and senior athletes in a single competitive arena.

Top overall honours went to Devin Özsöz (Fenerbahçe Spor K. Doğuş Yelken Şubesi), who secured victory in the Gold fleet with consistent podium finishes. He was joined on the podium by Talha Nasuh Ünel (Çağla Kubat Windsurf Yelken Kulübü) in second and Tan Güneç (Pro Sailing Academy Spor Kulübü) in third. Just one point behind the podium was Dilara Uralp Palambo (Çeşmealtı Rüzgar Sörfü Kulübü), the top female competitor, who delivered an outstanding performance throughout the finals.

“The energy on the beach and on the water was electric,” said Svein Rasmussen – Starboard Chief Innovator. “Alaçatı delivered ideal conditions, and the level of racing speaks volumes about the future of wingfoiling in Türkiye.”

The event featured tight slalom racing on short courses that challenged the athletes’ tactical awareness and technical skill. Strong, consistent breeze and efficient race management allowed multiple races to be completed across both days.

The X-15 Class is establishing itself as the junior and youth pathway for wingfoil racing, blending high-performance foiling with accessible, one-design equipment. The Alaçatı Open highlighted not just competition, but community, with a strong emphasis on safety, inclusion, and the elite aspirations of this dynamic new class.

With successful events like this, Türkiye is quickly becoming a hotspot for wingfoil development in Europe, and Alaçatı—known for its perfect wind conditions—is cementing its place as a key X-15 venue.

Final Results – Gold Fleet (Overall)

Devin Özsöz – Fenerbahçe Spor K. Doğuş Yelken Şubesi – 10 points
Talha Nasuh Ünel – Çağla Kubat Windsurf Yelken Kulübü – 14 points
Tan Güneç – Pro Sailing Academy Spor Kulübü – 16 points
Dilara Uralp Palambo – Çeşmealtı Rüzgar Sörfü Kulübü – 17 points (Top Female Competitor)

Women’s Podium

Dilara Uralp Palambo – Çeşmealtı Rüzgar Sörfü Kulübü – 17 points
Ayşe Zeynep Türkoğlu – Çanakkale Ferdi – 31 points
Asya Anastaysa Varcıoğlu – Cygnus Yelken Spor Kulübü – 17 points

U19 Men’s Podium

Devin Özsöz – Fenerbahçe Spor K. Doğuş Yelken Şubesi – 10 points
Talha Nasuh Ünel – Çağla Kubat Windsurf Yelken Kulübü – 14 points
Tan Güneç – Pro Sailing Academy Spor Kulübü – 16 points

U17 Men’s Podium

Aksel Atınç – Pro Sailing Academy Spor Kulübü – 26 points
Kenan Ersoy – Pro Sailing Academy Spor Kulübü – 31 points
Ömer Can Demirbilek – Fenerbahçe Spor K. Doğuş Yelken Şubesi – 17 points

X-15 Class 2024 Season Recap: A Year of Growth and Global Engagement

The 2024 season marked a significant expansion for the X-15 Class, with events spanning Europe and Asia, fostering international competition and camaraderie among wingfoil enthusiasts.

X-15 Class One Design Wingfoil Training Camp in Dongo, Lake Como, Italy. Photo by Georgia Schofield.

European Highlights:

• Lake Como, Italy (July 2-5): The season commenced with the Italian Championships at Lake Como’s Marvelia Dongo club. Despite challenging weather, young sailors engaged in intensive training and competitive racing, showcasing resilience and enthusiasm.

• Kiel, Germany (June 22-30): Kiel Week, the world’s oldest sailing regatta, welcomed the X-15 Class for the first time. The event featured dedicated coaching sessions and demo races, emphasizing youth participation and skill development in wingfoil racing.

• Algeciras, Spain (November 15-16): The Algeciras Wingfoil X-15 Class Demo Race introduced the one-design class to Spain, attracting national and international competitors. This event highlighted the X-15’s potential as a future Olympic discipline and emphasized equitable competition through standardized equipment.

X-15 Class One Design Wingfoil Training Camp in Dongo, Lake Como, Italy. Photo by Georgia Schofield.

Asian Highlights:

• Pattaya, Thailand (December): The Pattaya International Windsurfing Championships featured the X-15 Class, drawing 25 competitors from across Asia and Europe. The event underscored the growing global appeal of wingfoiling and highlighted the class’s commitment to fostering youth talent.

• Singapore (February): The 44th Singapore Open Windsurfing Championships marked the X-15 Class’s debut in Singapore, with top talent from the region competing. Thai sailors dominated the event, showcasing exceptional skill and underscoring Thailand’s prominence in the wingfoiling arena.

Season Overview:

Throughout 2024, the X-15 Class solidified its presence in the wingfoiling community, emphasizing accessibility, standardized equipment, and youth development. The season’s events provided platforms for sailors to hone their skills, engage in fair competition, and foster international relationships. As the class looks ahead, the momentum gained in 2024 sets a strong foundation for future growth and the continued promotion of wingfoil racing worldwide.

X-15 Class : 2024 season highlights and Alaçatı Open Results