Gianluigi Ugolini / Maria Giubilei

Gianluigi Ugolini and Maria Giubilei capped one of the longest partnerships in the fleet by winning the 2026 Nacra 17 World Championship in Quiberon, their first world title after twelve years sailing and campaigning together.

Ugolini, who steers the foiling catamaran, controlled the regatta with an eight-point lead going into the medal race.

The Italian pair, who came up together through the junior ranks, are now world champions and leading contenders for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Maria Giubilei has sailed alongside Gianluigi Ugolini for twelve years, a partnership that finally reached the summit with victory at the 2026 Nacra 17 World Championship in Quiberon.

Crewing the high-speed foiling catamaran, Giubilei was instrumental in the consistency that built Italy's commanding lead before the medal race.

The long road from junior sailing to a maiden world title marks her out, with Ugolini, as a genuine medal threat for LA 2028.