The 2026 U.S. Wingfoil Championships brought three days of racing to San Francisco Bay, with 41 athletes competing at St. Francis Yacht Club during the F4 Foils Summer Wingding.
The event also featured the first parawing competition held in the United States. With 15 athletes on the start line and 20–25 knots of wind, the opening races delivered challenging conditions, exciting downwind racing, and close competition.
Over the three days of racing, athletes faced changing conditions, from strong breeze and technical courses to tight battles across the fleet.
The final day brought sunshine and 15–20 knots across the bay. The Gold Fleet completed four races before moving into the medal series with quarterfinals, semifinals, and a winner-takes-all final.
Sean Herbert and Kai Mirel battled at the front of the fleet throughout the championship, pushing each other race after race.
Sean Herbert claimed the overall victory, while Kai Mirel became the 2026 U.S. National Champion.
Thank you to all athletes who took part in this year’s championship, and to US Sailing, St. Francis Yacht Club, and everyone involved in making the event happen.
📸 Simone Staff
