Drums, dancers and a perfect start for Wu as sailing opens at Dakar 2026

The opening day began to the sound of drums, as performers dressed in Senegal’s green, yellow and red welcomed sailors and spectators to the beach. In the afternoon, a local group performed the Kumpo, a sacred traditional ritual and mythological figure of the Diola (Jola) people from Senegal’s southern Casamance region. Dressed in full-length raffia costumes, the dancers performed in front of a packed grandstand while the fleets raced offshore.

On the water, 47 windsurfers from 38 nations began their 15-race Techno 293 series after a short delay, in light winds and fierce heat.

Wu was flawless in the Youth Female fleet, winning all three races. Italy’s Laura Grasso Castagnetta finished second in every race and sits two points back. “It was a very emotional day… I had a lot of fun,” she said. Spain’s Olivia Sanchez is third, one point ahead of India’s Priyanshi Patil. “It was too hot but anyway it’s the same for all, so I need to manage it,” said Sanchez.

The men’s fleet is much closer. Greece’s Evangelos Kyriazakos leads on three points, level with Hong Kong’s Ng Hoi Tik. “It’s a new experience, first time being in Africa,” said Kyriazakos, whose goal for the week is “to be first in the overall.” Ng wants more after a first, a second and a fourth: “I think I can improve a bit and not make those silly mistakes again.” Jade Justin Justiniane of the Philippines is third, ahead of Hungary’s Flórián Kátai.

African sailors also made their mark. Egypt’s Essam Elwy is sixth in the men’s fleet, Tunisia’s Rayen Briki seventh and Algeria’s Youcef Guebli eighth, all from nations in World Sailing’s year-long African training programme, funded by Olympic Solidarity. Tunisia’s Frida Sethom, who trained at the final camp in Algiers, is 18th in the women’s fleet, and host nation Senegal is represented by Ousmane Thioune.

Racing continues on Monday 9 November, with the medals decided on Thursday 12 November.

Full results at dakar2026.sailing.org/results.