F16 World Championship 2026: Medemblik's New Champions
Alexandra
F16 Worlds 2025 in Medemblik
The recent F16 Worlds held in Medemblik showcased exhilarating competition against a backdrop of challenging weather conditions. Over four days, a total of twelve races unfolded, captivating both sailors and spectators alike.
Throughout the event, competitors faced varied weather, including strong winds between 18 and 22 knots, coupled with unpredictable wind shifts. Each race presented unique challenges, often requiring course adjustments during the second lap. Some boats were not as fortunate, with two experiencing dismasting incidents—one including the notable GBR2010, a contender aiming to retain a title. Thanks to a supportive fleet, both damaged boats received quick repairs, allowing the races to continue. Ultimately, GBR2010 still managed to secure the single-handed title!
The event also saw increased participation from youth teams, with young sailors from Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands stepping up to compete against more seasoned participants.
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Leading Competitors
Returning champions Emma Rankin and Beau White (AUS800) began with a promising start but soon encountered stiff competition. At the forefront of the leaderboard were Michel Keremarec and Fanny Merelle (FRA31), along with Emmanuel Le Chapelier and Eric Le Bouëdec (FRA1).
Emmanuel Le Chapelier and Eric Le Bouëdec ultimately claimed the overall title, demonstrating exceptional skill with their BeFoil catamaran. Finishing second were Keremarec and Merelle, while Rankin and White settled for third place.
Results Overview
Following are the key results from the championship:
| Position | Competitors |
|---|---|
| 1st | Emmanuel Le Chapelier and Eric Le Bouëdec |
| 2nd | Michel Kermarec and Fanny Merelle |
| 3rd | Emma Rankin and Beau White |
Additional awards included mixed team winners Jan van Maercke and An van Maercke, first female team Teuntje van Es and Manon Hartel, first youth team Mathieu Verdier and Malo le Marie, and first solo sailor Brian Hillesdon.
The camaraderie among competitors resulted in enjoyable social events, including country dinners featuring regional cuisines, fostering a community spirit synonymous with cat sailing.
Befoil Triumphs as F16 World Champion
From July 27 to August 1, 2025, the Befoil F16 Carbon catamaran, led by Emmanuel Le Chapelier and Éric Le Bouëdec, attained victory at the F16 World Championship in Medemblik, establishing itself as a significant player in the sport.
Gathering 34 crews from across eight nationalities, the event proved to be both competitive and demanding. Team Befoil clinched the championship with a total of 14 points, outperforming team FRA31 and the defending champions AUS800 by six and fifteen points, respectively. Their dominance was marked by six wins out of eleven races, showcasing remarkable tactical skill and consistency.
The Winning Duo's Track Record
Le Chapelier and Bouëdec are renowned figures in French multihull sailing, holding a commendable collective record:
Emmanuel Le Chapelier: World champion in SL16 (2006) and Viper (2014), with multiple vice-champion titles in F16 (2016, 2022, 2024) and European champion (2017, 2018).
Éric Le Bouëdec: A loyal and tactical companion with numerous national victories and international podium finishes, including vice-championships in F16.
Following their triumph, Befoil announced the limited launch of the “Befoil F16 World Champion” series priced at €35,000 excluding tax, also planning an upcoming fiber version to broaden accessibility.
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Conclusion
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