Brazil’s Francisco “Kiko” Dal Ri, from Porto Alegre, has been crowned 2026 ILCA 6 Men’s World Champion in Portugal after a final day that kept the title open until the last races. Despite difficult conditions, the race committee completed two more races, closing the championship with 12 races across six consecutive days of competition.
Dal Ri entered Friday with a two-point advantage over fellow Brazilian Erik Scheidt after the pair had exchanged the overall lead throughout the week. The narrow margin set up a direct title contest on the final day, with every position carrying consequences in the fight for the championship.
The final day again demanded patience from sailors and race management. Challenging conditions made the programme difficult to deliver, but both scheduled races were completed, ensuring the 2026 world title was decided on the water after a full six-day racing series.
Dal Ri’s victory completes a strong international season for the Brazilian sailor and gives Porto Alegre a new world champion in the ILCA 6 class. Known as “Kiko” within the sailing community, Dal Ri remained among the leading boats throughout the championship and produced the consistency required to convert his final-day advantage into the world title.
Behind Dal Ri, fellow Brazilian Erik Scheidt secured the silver medal with 63 net points, completing a Brazilian one-two at the top of the World Championship standings.
Croatia’s Bepo Duplančić produced a strong final day to move into the bronze-medal position, finishing third overall with 98 net points. Italy’s Lorenzo Ghirotti concluded the championship in fourth place on 101 points, while Portugal’s Kuzey Karis completed the top five with 111.
The final day reshaped the standings behind the two Brazilians. Duplančić’s fourth place in the last race helped secure the final podium position, while Ghirotti added a sixth and a 10th to finish just three points behind the Croatian. Karis, who had entered the day in fourth overall, finished fifth after recording a ninth and a retirement in the final two races.
The championship brought 60 sailors from 18 countries to Vilamoura, with the international fleet facing a broad range of conditions during the week. From lighter and shifting breezes to stronger winds, the six-day series repeatedly tested speed, tactical decision-making and consistency.
The ILCA Class Association extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 ILCA 6 Men’s World Championship, including the organisers, local authorities, sponsors and partners, race committee, jury, officials, volunteers and all those who worked behind the scenes throughout the week.
We also congratulate all the sailors for their commitment, sportsmanship and performances across six days of racing. We look forward to welcoming the ILCA community back for the 2027 ILCA 6 Men’s World Championship in Volos, Greece, from 13–20 August 2027.
Source: Vilamoura Sailing / Prow Group.