First Event of the 2026 X-15 racing season in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Langkawi, Malaysia, February 2026— Picture this, Sailors from 7 nations aged 13- 65, competing in 4 to 20 knots, showcasing the universal appeal of World Sailing’s new One Design Wingfoil Class. The X-15 class’s high speed, tactical racing and groundbreaking light wind performance turned heads with 11 races and loads of smiles. French rider, Romain Ghio, known from IQFoil, GWA and IWSA won the event, while the 14 year old Singaporean siblings Ryo and Kate En Hua Bateman closed the gap from the Optimist to wingfoiling within half a year’s focused training.

The 22nd Langkawi International Regatta Perdana, is the first official competition held since the X-15 class received World Sailing status. The event welcomed athletes to one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic wind and watersport destinations, setting a strong foundation for the future growth of competitive wingfoiling across the region. Importantly, the Langkawi race serves as a stepping stone towards the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, which Malaysia will host. The success of this competition showcased the readiness of the X-15 Class to support structured athlete development and deliver professional racing formats aligned with future multi-sport event ambitions.

Local organizers expressed strong enthusiasm following the event and confirmed their intention to continue building the X-15 presence in Malaysia. Plans are already underway to host another X-15 competition in December 2026, further strengthening the regional calendar and providing athletes with additional opportunities to train and compete ahead of the Southeast Asian Games cycle.

With growing international interest and expanding regional support, the X-15 Wingfoil Class continues to build momentum as a structured, accessible, and performance-driven platform for the future of wingfoiling competition.

Top 10 Race Results

The results from the X-15 Class include:

Romain Ghio, France
Itsarakul Boonchird Kyo, Thailand
Renz Angelo Amboy, Philippines
Geylord Coveta, Philippines
Ryo En Hua Bateman, Singapore
Kate En Rui Bateman, Singapore
Reneric Moreno, Philippines
Svein Rasmussen, Norway
Paul Dickey, USA
Muhammad Izzuddin Bin Abdul Rani, Malaysia
About the X-15 Class:

The X-15 Class is a one-design World Sailing wingfoil class. However, unlike traditional one-design sailing classes, the X-15 is built around a forward-thinking strategy: to evolve in sync with advancements in foiling technology. While maintaining standardized equipment to ensure fairness and accessibility, the Class will see gear updates approximately every two years in line with the updated Class Rules, allowing athletes to benefit from new developments.

Website: https://x-15class.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x15class/

Contact: [email protected]

About Starboard:

Since 1994, Starboard, founded by Svein Rasmussen, has been a leading innovator in windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wingfoiling, and the Olympic windsurf provider. Starboard has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and positive environmental impact through programs like its Plastic Offset Program.