Francisco “Kiko” Dal Ri Crowned 2026 ILCA 6 Men’s World Champion
Brazilian sailor holds off Erik Scheidt to claim the title in Vilamoura after a six-day championship
VILAMOURA, Portugal — October 2, 2026
Brazil’s Francisco “Kiko” Dal Ri has been crowned the 2026 ILCA 6 Men’s World Champion in Vilamoura, Portugal, after a tightly contested final day brought the championship down to the final races.
Dal Ri began the final day with a two-point advantage over fellow Brazilian Erik Scheidt after the pair had exchanged the overall lead throughout the week. Despite challenging conditions, the race committee completed both scheduled races, bringing the championship to a total of 12 races over six consecutive days.
Dal Ri kept his advantage when it mattered most to secure the world title.
Scheidt finished second overall with 63 net points, completing a Brazilian one-two at the top of the championship standings.
Croatia’s Bepo Duplančić claimed the bronze medal after a strong final day. His fourth-place finish in the final race helped him move onto the podium, ending the championship with 98 net points.
Italy’s Lorenzo Ghirotti finished fourth on 101 points, just three points behind Duplančić, while Portugal’s Kuzey Karis completed the top five with 111 points.
The final day proved decisive throughout the fleet. Ghirotti recorded a sixth and a 10th, while Karis, who started the day fourth overall, slipped to fifth after a ninth-place finish followed by a retirement.
The championship brought together 60 sailors from 18 countries in Vilamoura, with the fleet facing a wide range of conditions during the six-day series.
From lighter and shifting breezes to stronger winds, the championship tested the sailors’ speed, tactical decisions and consistency from the opening race through to the final finish.
For Dal Ri, the victory marks another significant achievement on the international stage and adds the ILCA 6 world title to a strong season for the Porto Alegre sailor.
The ILCA 6 Men’s World Championship will return in 2027, with the next edition scheduled to take place in Volos, Greece, from 13–20 August 2027.
