Langkawi Launches 2026 X-15 One-Design Wingfoil Season After World Sailing Recognition

Langkawi hosted the X‑15 One‑Design wingfoil fleet during the 22nd Langkawi International Regatta Perdana as the class opened its 2026 regional season following World Sailing recognition, and French rider Romain Ghio emerged as the event winner. The X‑15 class reported 11 races run in winds between 4 and 20 knots, and described the regatta as the first official competition since the class received World Sailing status.

Event timing carries conflicting reports: an Instagram caption tied to the regatta lists the dates as 8–12 February 2026 and credits drone and video to Langkawi Channel and @romainghio, while a separate fragmentary report states the Langkawi stop “began on February 20, 2026.” The X‑15 class web copy limits the timing to “February 2026,” so the class messaging and social media point to early February activity at Langkawi.

Competitors came from a broad age range and international field: the X‑15 class text says “Sailors from 7 nations aged 13-65” contested the series, bringing both junior and adult competitors to the racecourse. The release singled out 14 year old Singaporean siblings Ryo and Kate En Hua Bateman, noting they “closed the gap from the Optimist to wingfoiling within half a year’s focused training,” and highlighted Ghio’s background in IQFoil, GWA and IWSA as context for his victory.

Organisers and class promoters framed the on-water action around the X‑15’s performance envelope, saying “the X‑15 class’s high speed, tactical racing and groundbreaking light wind performance turned heads with 11 races and loads of smiles.” Racing format details beyond the 11-race count were not included in the class summary; race-by-race scores, full podium placings and an official entry list were not published in the X‑15 class release distributed with the event copy.

Langkawi’s venue was cast as strategic for regional development: the X‑15 class statement called the island “one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic wind and watersport destinations” and positioned the regatta as “a stepping stone towards the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, which Malaysia will host.” The class argued the event demonstrated readiness to “support structured athlete development and deliver professional racing formats aligned with future multi‑sport event ambitions.”

Media coverage tied to the stop included the Instagram caption “X-15 Class Wing Foil shows off at Langkawi International Regatta Perdana 2026. 8-12 February Drone & video: Langkawi Channel @romainghio @” and the X‑15 class web footer carrying “© Starboard X-15 Class 2026.” With Ghio named as winner, seven nations reported, competitors aged 13–65, 11 races run and winds of 4–20 knots, the Langkawi stop frames the X‑15 class as a growing regional racing platform ahead of the 2027 Games.