QINGDAO - The dense fog in Qingdao was finally cleared by strong winds after four days of stillness, allowing more than 230 athletes to set sail on Friday for the 2025 Women's ILCA 6 and Men's ILCA 7 World Championships.

Poland's Agata Barwinska leads the ILCA 6 standings with six points after three rounds, followed by France's Louise Cervera with nine points. Fellow Polish sailor Wiktoria Golebiowska is currently in third place.

The ILCA 7 class has completed two rounds. British sailor Finley Dickinson and Germany's Ole Schweckendiek are tied for first with five points, while Olympic silver medalist Pavlos Kontides of Cyprus is third.

The prolonged calm had nearly drained the athletes' morale. Paris Olympics ILCA 7 bronze medalist Stefano Peschiera, who currently ranks 23rd, remarked, "This has been a challenge for all the athletes and judges. However, I don't want to leave empty-handed. I always focus on my mindset and adjust my thoughts under pressure."

According to the latest weather forecast, a 20-knot northern wind is expected on Saturday, when the final race takes place - promising a true test of the sailors' skill and determination.