Scottish Fin and Foil Championships 2025 to arrive in Stranraer

Scotland's premier wind sports championship returns to Loch Ryan with 80-100 windsurfers and wing foilers competing in Stranraer, following the successful conclusion of SkiffieWorlds 2025
80-100 competitors from across the UK will compete in three-day championships (8-10 August)
The event features IQFOIL, Wing Foil, WASZP hydrofoil sailboats, and traditional windsurfing classes
Taster sessions are available for the local community to try out the sport

Stranraer's continuing journey to become one of Scotland's leading water sports destinations gathers momentum as the Scottish Fin & Foil Championships take place on Loch Ryan from 8-10 August 2025. The wind sports event takes place just weeks after the town successfully hosted the record-breaking coastal rowing world championships, SkiffieWorlds 2025.

Fin & Foil, now in its third year, will see 80-100 of the UK's finest windsurfers, wing foilers, hydrofoil sailors, and their coaches, converge on Stranraer. Competitors will take part in four days of training, followed by three days of spectacular high-speed racing across multiple classes, including IQFOIL Olympic-class hydrofoils, Wing Foil, Race Boards, and the new addition of the WASZP class, a fast single-handed hydrofoil sailboat.

The event is being supported by Stranraer Water Sports Association. Kevin 'Pax' Packer, Trustee of SWSA, said:

"We are thrilled to welcome another world-class water sports event to Loch Ryan. The Scottish Fin & Foil Championships offer spectators a completely different experience to SkiffieWorlds, but an equally enjoyable one. The sight of these colourful sails and lightning-fast hydrofoils racing across our beautiful loch is spectacular.

"The Scottish Fin & Foil Championships showcase the cutting-edge technology and athleticism of modern wind sports. We encourage everyone who enjoyed the festival atmosphere of SkiffieWorlds to come and experience something completely different, and to even have a go themselves!"

Inspired by the continued success of Olympic medal winner, Emma Wilson on IQFOIL, Fin and Foil is this year sandwiched between the youth IQFOIL World Championships in Brest and the Techno293World Championships being hosted in Wales at Pwllheli, in which many Scottish Fin and Foil enthusiasts are competing.

The championship event is unique in the UK and is supported by RYA Scotland and the UKWA (UK Windsurfing Association). At least 4-6 races will take place each day, which will be able to be viewed from the shore or on water by spectators.

Danny Hawthorn, Chair of Scottish Fin & Foil, commented:

"Loch Ryan offers the perfect combination of reliable wind conditions, sheltered waters, and excellent shore access that makes it ideal for championship-level competition. The eight-mile sea loch provides consistent conditions while remaining spectator-friendly, and the support we receive from Stranraer Water Sports Association and the local community is exceptional."

An estimated 50-60 volunteers are expected to be involved, supporting both land and water-based operations. Anyone interested in volunteering can register at: https://www.scottishfinandfoil.org/event

As well as the racing, Scottish Fin & Foil are organising windsurfing and wing taster sessions, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people. These sessions, run by qualified instructors from the Windsurf Club, will provide local residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience windsurfing and wing foiling firsthand.

Taster sessions are available for children aged 12 and above, as well as adults, with all equipment provided, at a cost from £20 per session. Participants must be able to swim and should bring wetsuits and appropriate footwear.

More information and booking for all taster sessions can be found at: https://www.windsurfsup.club/windsurf-club-activities-at-scottish-fin-and-foil-championships-stranraer/

Full Event Details