Icom, Official Communications Partner for the iQFOiL World Championship 2026

Icom UK is proud to announce its appointment as the Official Communications Partner and Supplier to the Musto iQFOiL World Championship 2026, hosted by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Taking place from 4th – 12th September 2026 at the historic Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) the event marks the first time since 2009 that an Olympic windsurfing world championship has been held on UK waters. Up to 250 elite athletes from 40 nations will compete reaching speeds of up to 35 knots at the Olympic venue.

To support the complex, high-speed operational demands of this world-class regatta, Icom UK will provide a complete, high-performance 4G LTE/ POC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) radio system.

The supply package includes:

• IP503H / IP510 LTE Handheld Radios for race officials, safety crews and event staff.

• IP501MB LTE Mobile/Base Units installed across key command posts and bridge control.

• RMS-IP Radio Dispatcher operating systems for real-time fleet management and situational monitoring across all operational zones.

Managing a major world championship presents unique logistical challenges. Event operations will span two separate land sites and two distinct race courses stretching well beyond the reliable range of conventional handheld VHF or UHF line-of-sight radios.

By using Icom’s 4G LTE/ POC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) system, the RYA event team will benefit from encrypted, instantaneous and reliable communication. Whether race marshals are positioned deep in Portland Harbour, out in open sea course areas or managing shore duties at Weymouth Pavilion, every team member will remain seamlessly connected.

Additionally, the advanced Bluetooth® capabilities of the IP503H units will allow race marshals and coaches to seamlessly pair their personal wireless headsets (including bone-conduction headsets) keeping hands free to operate safety craft in demanding sea conditions.

Niall McLeod, Musto iQFOiL World Championship Event Director, commented:

"We’re thrilled to welcome Icom as a partner of the Musto iQFOiL World Championship and to have use of their LTE radios…a vital tool in event management.

Delivering a championship of this size and stature requires high levels of planning and efficiency. Having Icom’s LTE radios provides us with the peace of mind that our communications will be secure and robust, ensuring clear co-ordination for the attending officials, sailors and fans. Our event operations span across two sites and two different on-water course areas where handheld VHF or UHF radios would not have sufficient range to allow cross-event communication. By using Icom’s LTE radios we’re able to ensure we can stay connected to our teams regardless of which location they are in.

We’re set to welcome up to 250 sailors from 40 nations for the event and it will be a spectacle of Olympic windsurfing at the home venue of the London 2012 Olympic Games. This is the first time since 2009 that an Olympic windsurfing world championship has been hosted on UK waters which is exciting for the sport and will leave a lasting legacy.

Weymouth Pavilion will come alive on Saturday 12th September and we look forward to welcoming spectators, partners, friends and family to the fan zone to witness the conclusion of the championship up close and personal."

Sam Taylor Nobbs, Sales Director at Icom UK, added:

"Icom has a strong history of supporting leading maritime events and we are pleased to partner with the RYA for the 2026 iQFOiL World Championship. High-speed foil racing demands reliable, clear communication for safety and race management.

Our LTE/PoC system addresses the range and geographical challenges of coastal courses providing a comprehensive event management solution. It is quick to deploy, easy to set up and can be customised with features such as dedicated talkgroups and emergency functions to support event organisers. We look forward to supporting the RYA in delivering a successful world championship."

Spectators can catch all the action live in the Weymouth Pavilion Fan Zone or follow coverage online throughout the week at the 'Musto iQFOiL World Championship 2026 website'.

For more information on Icom's LTE radio solutions, visit our 'LTE radio product page'.

Icom UK Marketing - marketing@icomuk.co.uk