In Italy, the Switch Class brought the fireworks to Foiling Week 2025 — and it came down to the wire. After four days of sun, speed, and suspense on Lake Garda, the newest class on the foiling scene delivered a debut to remember, with razor-tight battles and world-class competition across a truly international fleet.
Finley Dickinson (GBR) was crowned overall champion by a single point, sealing victory only in the final race of the regatta. Sailing for the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Dickinson’s composed consistency held off a ferocious final-day charge from Sam Whaley (GBR), who finished just one point behind. Switzerland’s Matteo Paulon, Denmark’s Magnus Overbeck, and Italy’s Francesco Bertone Fresia completed a top five representing four different nations.
In the women’s fleet, Antonia Schultheis (MLT) claimed the title, with Vilma Bobeck (SWE) and Alessandra Dubbini (ITA) finishing second and third respectively — separated by just a single point in a hard-fought contest. Twenty-five per cent of the 32-boat fleet were women, underlining the class’s inclusivity and cross-disciplinary appeal.
With sailors from 13 nations on the start line, the Switch Class showed true global reach — drawing talent from Olympic circuits, SailGP, and youth foiling scenes alike. It was high-speed, high-stakes one-design racing that kept the outcome uncertain until the final beat.
Yet the atmosphere off the water was just as defining. From morning coffees to post-race debriefs, the boat park buzzed with energy, shared learning, and healthy ego-checking. Top Olympic women exchanged good-natured jabs with their male counterparts as they often found themselves racing side-by-side in the middle of the fleet — the Switch proving a fresh reset button, where everyone started from scratch and nobody was safe from the scoreboard.
Lake Garda was at its finest, with the Ora breeze delivering every day. Day two brought sharp northern chop, while days three and four returned to the classic flat-water foiling lanes of the southern course — the perfect testing ground for boat handling and tactical nerve.
Foiling Week also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the class, as Ronstan joined as official technical sponsor, supporting the Switch’s rapid growth and innovation with a legacy of performance-driven gear.
The focus now shifts to the Switch Global Championships, to be held 11–14 September, where the world’s best will return to contest the most prestigious title in the class’s young history.
Visit www.theswitchclass.com more information.
