Crazy how fast everything is moving

The iQFOiL was created for the Olympic windsurfing event, making its debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The foiling equipment is a significant step up from the RS:X board used at Tokyo 2020, and it’s a step the USA is working hard to close.

At the 2026 iQFOiL World Championships on September 7-12 in Weymouth, Great Britain, Noah Lyons just missed out on the title, but his silver medal among the 108 athletes from 35 nations shows the progress being made within America One Racing (A1R).

Also benefiting from the hands-on organization, which provides financial support along with coaches and training plans, is nineteen-year-old Makani Andrews who offers this report after the 2026 Worlds:

It really feels like not that long ago we were all in Pensacola, sitting down with the whole team at A1R, including James Lyne, setting our squad goals and planning where we wanted to take this program. Initially, it seemed ambitious to me, but it feels great to look back and see that we surpassed those goals.

It’s crazy how fast everything is moving. Looking back at my campaign so far, I don’t think I’ve ever had more ups and downs in my life. At the end of the day, it’s easier when you take a step back and see your team growing faster than anyone else around you.

Finishing 18th at Worlds is something my squad and I are proud of. We’ve spent a long time with our heads down, doing the work, day in and day out. And it feels good to see that work actually showing up. More importantly, Worlds gave me the realization that the guys at the top are really not that far, and it’s exciting to think about.

I’m always going to want more, and it’s impossible for me to look at anyone in this fleet and not tell myself I can beat them. This isn’t something I could have said before, but now I do truly believe I have what it takes to dominate with Noah, and it’s just a matter of time.

I’m very proud of what my team and I built this year, from our mentality to our speed and everything else that has translated into our overall team success.

Going into this next season, I want to keep pushing the bar higher, by putting the pieces together to consistently stay at the top for a whole week and sail an event that demonstrates my potential. As I said before, it’s only a matter of time, and I don’t think I could want anything more.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with where we stand as Team America One Racing coming out of the 2026 season, and more importantly, where we’re headed.

From the people working behind the scenes to the athletes pushing alongside me, the commitment and ambition in the America One Racing organization is nothing but inspiring. Excited for what’s ahead.

MORE: A significant A1R fundraiser – Layline to LA28 – will be held on November 20 in San Diego, CA. For details,  click here.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program (July 16-28):
First Week – July 16-20
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA

Second Week – July 23-28
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7 – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470 – Los Angeles, CA
Men’s Skiff – 49er – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17 – Los Angeles, CA

For more details, click here.