IWSA WingFoil Racing - Rattotti and Picot surge ahead as European title race heats up in Naples

Day three of the Formula Wing European Championships in Naples played out under glorious sunshine, with a thermal breeze of 9–10 knots gradually fading through the afternoon. The dropping wind curtailed proceedings, but not before four races were completed in the men’s fleet and three in the women’s.

Overnight leader Julien Rattotti reinforced his authority early on, claiming victory in the opening two races. The Frenchman didn’t have it all his own way, however, posting a sixth-place finish in race three before being edged into second by compatriot Thomas Proust in the final contest of the day. Still, Rattotti remained all smiles ashore, with momentum clearly on his side heading into the decisive stages.

It was a markedly different story for defending European champion Mathis Ghio. The multiple world champion endured a frustrating day, failing to finish two of his four races. Now sitting tenth overall and three points off the cut for the medal series, Ghio cuts a subdued figure in the boat park. Balancing a demanding academic schedule alongside elite competition, he will need to refocus sharply on Saturday to keep his title defence alive.

Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi enjoyed a standout performance, dominating race three, which he won by a comfortable distance, and climbing to fifth overall.

Local supporters were briefly concerned when Naples rider Ernesto De Amicis opened with a 13th-place finish. The 19-year-old responded in style, posting three top-three results to end the day strongly. He now sits seven points behind Rattotti, with Proust and New Zealand’s Sean Herbert close behind in the battle for a direct place in the final, reserved for the top two.

Saturday sees the Gold Fleet resume its fight for qualification. The top nine will progress automatically to the medal series, while those ranked 10th to 20th must contest a last-chance “golden ticket” race on Sunday for the final berth.

In the women’s fleet, the 21-strong field continues to be dominated by France’s Vaina Picot, who delivered a flawless day with three race wins. Defending champion Maddalena Spanu found the lighter breeze more challenging but held firm in second overall. With only the top two advancing directly to the final, both riders will need to stay sharp, particularly with similar light-wind conditions forecast.

Kylie Belloeuvre sits third overall after another consistent showing, but the day’s standout story came from 13-year-old Lara Talarico. The young Italian impressed with fearless racing against more experienced competitors, securing two third-place finishes to end the day fourth overall. Her beaming smile on returning to shore said it all.

Racing is set to resume on Saturday from around 13:30, with six more races scheduled per fleet to determine the all-important top nine who will secure automatic progression to the medal series.