Grae Morris faced a challenging conclusion to a strong European Championships campaign in Portugal, hindered by a post-race technical penalty and a demanding finals format that affected his chance for a podium finish.
Having performed exceptionally well throughout the week, Morris aimed to leverage his momentum into the final day. However, the penalty resulted in crucial added points, leading to a tie for second place overall. Countback rules relegated him to third and a subsequent sudden-death Semi Final.
In the knockout race, Morris’ aspirations for a medal ended with a seventh-place finish overall, despite being one of the standout competitors throughout the regatta.
Although the final result was disappointing for the Olympic silver medallist, the event marked significant progress for the young Australian iQFoil Squad. National Squad Coach Arthur Brett noted that this was the first occasion where three team members qualified for the Gold Fleet, highlighting the team’s growth. With the oldest member just 22 years old, Brett expressed optimism about the team’s future.
Alongside Morris, Rory Meehan and Philip Cripsey both qualified for the Gold Fleet, finishing 27th and 54th respectively. The regatta presented athletes with diverse conditions, ranging from light winds to stronger gusts, and various water states, testing their adaptability and focus.
The Championships concluded a rigorous start to the international sailing season, following competitions and training in Spain, France, and Portugal. Brett remarked on the rapid progression of the season, expressing excitement for future events.
The squad will return home for a brief respite before reconvening in Mooloolaba in June for an intensive training block, followed by a month-long campaign in Los Angeles aimed at gaining experience on the LA2028 Olympic race course.
Despite the disappointment in Portugal, the experience will undoubtedly motivate the team moving forward. With a youthful and rapidly improving squad, Australia’s iQFoil programme is gaining momentum as it prepares for the 2026 World Championships set to take place in Weymouth this September.
Full results can be found here.
**iQFoil – Men** (119 entries)
7th – Grae Morris (AST)
27th – Rory Meehan (AS Squad)
54th – Phillip Crispey (ASF)
76th – Jarrod Jones (ASF)
**iQFoil – Women** (79 entries)
57th – Sammie Costin (AUS)
65th – Anna Crispey (ASF)
@aussailingteam #iQFoil
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