Genoa, a city steeped in maritime history, once again played host to the sailing world’s avant-garde as the ninth annual Foiling Awards illuminated the Ligurian coast on March 17, 2026. This prestigious event, a veritable who's who of competitive sailing, gathered the brightest minds and most daring athletes who have propelled the sport into its current high-flying era.

From the audacious designs of Emirates Team New Zealand's AC75s, pushing the boundaries of hydrodynamics and wing-sail integration, to the relentless pursuit of speed by SailGP's F50 crews, the awards served as a powerful reminder of how far foiling has come. It wasn't just about the household names like Peter Burling or Tom Slingsby, though their contributions are undeniable; the evening also shone a light on the unsung heroes of naval architecture, composite engineering, and sail design from outfits like North Sails and Southern Spars, whose innovations underpin every record-breaking run and dramatic America's Cup maneuver.

The Foiling Awards are more than just a trophy ceremony; they are a barometer of the sport's health and its future direction. The recognition of groundbreaking projects and products hints at the next generation of Harken hardware or the evolution of control systems that will dictate success in The Ocean Race's IMOCA 60s. As the grand prix circuit continues to embrace foiling, and Olympic classes like the Nacra 17 inspire a new generation, Genoa's celebration reaffirmed that the era of flying boats is not just here to stay – it's accelerating.