An International Sailing Event
Pensacola has been a summer bucket list vacation spot for decades. The endless supply of white sands and emerald-green waters makes our city an irresistible stop for all things beach-related. Whether it’s seafood, sand art or surfing, Pensacola has a niche for everyone— even off-season months are no exception. From February 24 to March 2, Pensacola will host Foiling Week Pensacola, a first of its kind global event dedicated to the sport of hydrofoiling boats and boards, their sailors, designers, manufacturers and faithful followers.
Making its way across the pond to its new home in the U.S., Foiling Week will bring the excitement of cutting-edge foiling technology and thrilling watersports to the shores of the Gulf Coast. For this seven-day celebration, Pensacola will be transformed into the ultimate playground for water enthusiasts.
Foiling is an extreme water sport that utilizes hydrofoils, or long fins that protrude from the bottom of the vessel into the water. The hydrofoils work similarly to an airplane wing, forcing the water pressure downward and propelling the board or boat above the water, effectively reducing drag and increasing speed.
After its 2024 Olympic debut, the sport of foiling has gained traction and attracted many new athletes and fans. At Foiling Week, both experienced sailors and beginners will have the opportunity to sail the latest foiling boats and boards. Spectators can also purchase tickets to ride foiling sailboats. The main event, however, will be the foiling races.
“Fourteen classes have been confirmed with many more to be announced soon,” founder and president of ‘We Are Foiling’ Luca Rizzotti said. “In just under 100 days, Pensacola will host the North American foiling community for a landmark event.”
For the past 10 years, Foiling Week has been hosted annually in Malcesine, Italy on Lake Garda. Nestled in the northern portion of the country, Lake Garda’s calm surface and Mediterranean breeze made it an ideal spot for hosting the annual sailing competition. This year, Foiling Week will be taking advantage of Pensacola’s strong winds and temperate waters, a combination perfect for foiling.
“Pensacola is a foiler’s paradise and the city has graciously opened their doors to sailors flocking to the flat water and strong breeze. We’ve got a community in the U.S. that’s hungry for more foiling events, and US Sailing is proud to support the extension of Foiling Week into the western hemisphere.” U.S. Sailing Team High Performance Director Marcus Lynch said.
The boat races will be held on Pensacola Bay, benefitting from its depth and consistent conditions. The foiling boards will take on the waves of the Gulf of Mexico in front of the Hilton Hotel on Pensacola Beach and in the Santa Rosa Sound. The event will also showcase a line-up of racing classes including WASZP, Moth, A-Class Catamaran, BirdyFish, Nacra 15 FCS and more
Some well-known foiling board companies have also announced that they will participate in this year’s U.S.-based event, including the X-15 and iQFOiL. These companies bring boards with the latest foiling technology to the event for athletes, sailors and the public to watch live-in-action.
“X-15 Class is very excited to be representing Wingfoiling at the first Foiling Week in Pensacola, USA,” X-15 Class Manager Fiona Wilde said. “The X-15 Class North American Cup will give young wingfoilers the opportunity to race against one another with fair one-design equipment.”
A longstanding ‘We Are Foiling’ tradition during each Foiling Week event is to dedicate each edition to a pressing cause in society. Foiling Week Pensacola 2025 will be inspired by #regeneration, a global approach to the climate crisis, weaving biodiversity, human dignity, justice and climate into a mosaic of transformative actions that can end the climate crisis in one generation.
At Foiling Week 2025, attendees can learn about foiling, visit food and merchandise vendors, listen to live music and watch the races. This event offers both foiling enthusiasts and curious Pensacola natives alike an opportunity to experience sailing in a whole new way.
Throughout the week, visitors and locals will also be able to explore the Race Village at the Community Maritime Park in downtown Pensacola, featuring local vendors, merchandise, food and drink, music and live race commentary. Attendees will also have a chance to meet the event’s sailing stars, try out various foiling boards and boats (under the supervision of experienced instructors) and engage in the local Mardi Gras festivities
Organized by We Are Foiling in partnership with Sail Pensacola, this event not only champions competitive sailing but also highlights technology, sustainability, inclusivity, clinics, youth and women’s coaching and economic prosperity to Pensacola Bay. The Pensacola Yacht Club will serve as the home base for sailing, ensuring great sailing for racers and fans alike.
The festival is open to the public, including non-sailors, and will deliver entertaining and engaging opportunities to visit Pensacola and enjoy the natural wonder of the Pensacola Bay along with the unique dining and entertainment culture of Pensacola, America’s first sailing city.
Those looking to get close to the action can secure a seat on the VIP Cruise on March 1 and 2. Hosted on a city ferry, the VIP Cruise features live race commentary, a welcome drink and snacks, a cash bar and an up-close view of some of the world’s fastest sailboats as they fly high above the waters of Pensacola Bay. Cruises will depart at 2 pm from the Ferry Terminal located at 750 Commendencia St. in downtown Pensacola. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at tickettailor.com/ events/foilingweek/1486399.
Whether you purchase tickets for the VIP Cruise or simply are looking to try your hand at the sport of foiling under the supervision of a seasoned professional, you’re sure to be captivated by this unique sport.
For complete event details and view the complete lineup of Foiling Week events, visit foilingweek.com.