CIRCULAR SAILING IN ACTION AT iQFOiL YOUTH & JUNIOR WORLDS COSTA BRAVA

Wetsuit downcycling initiative turns old gear into new opportunities while promoting sustainability across the fleet

Costa Brava, Spain – At the iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championship Costa Brava 2026, sustainability takes center stage once again, with a new initiative that transforms technical equipment into a powerful tool for environmental impact. Hosted by Club de Vela La Ballena Alegre, the event introduces a Wetsuit Downcycling & Reutilization Initiative, inviting sailors from around the world to actively contribute to reducing waste in water sports.

Giving Technical Gear a Second Life

Neoprene wetsuits are essential for performance in windsurfing and wingfoil, yet their disposal remains a significant environmental challenge. Through this initiative, athletes are encouraged to bring old or damaged wetsuits to dedicated collection points at the venue.

Wetsuits that are still usable will be reused or donated to support youth sailing programs and emerging sailing communities. Meanwhile, non-reusable neoprene will be downcycled into new circular products, preventing landfill waste and promoting innovative material reuse within the nautical industry.

Rewarding Early Climate Action

To recognize the commitment of sailors, the first 50 participants who donate a wetsuit will receive an exclusive circular wallet, crafted from neoprene collected during previous World Championships held at Club de Vela La Ballena Alegre between 2023 and 2025.

This symbolic item reflects a tangible approach to circularity, connecting past events with future sustainable practices and demonstrating how materials can be kept in use rather than discarded.

A Collaborative Sustainability Effort

The initiative is developed in collaboration with leading sustainability partners:

• Turtl Project, specializing in neoprene collection and downcycling innovation

• IndigoLife.org, focused on ocean awareness and environmental storytelling

• ROPE Program, supporting the reuse and redistribution of sailing equipment worldwide

Together, these organizations reinforce a shared vision of transforming major sailing events into platforms for climate action, circular economy and social impact.

Building a Lasting Legacy

More than a sporting competition, the iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championship Costa Brava 2026 aims to leave a meaningful and measurable sustainability legacy. By engaging sailors directly, the initiative helps foster a global community of responsible athletes committed to protecting the oceans and driving innovation in water sports.

In this context, even small actions—like donating a wetsuit—can contribute to a much larger collective effort, proving that circular sailing is not just an idea, but a practice already in motion.