Israeli Sailing Championships Conclude with Kitefoil and 49er Victories
Zohar Haruvi, Maya Ashkenazi, and the duo Tal Sade and Maor Abo claimed national titles at the Israeli Sailing Championships in Sdot Yam, marking key milestones in kitefoil and 49er racing.
The Israeli Sailing Championships concluded at the Sdot Yam Sailing Club, featuring intense competitions in the kitefoil and 49er classes.
In the men's kitefoil division, Zohar Haruvi of Hapoel Sdot Yam claimed the Israeli national title after dominating the competition, winning 7 out of 10 races. Carmel Avishar, also representing Hapoel Sdot Yam, secured second place with 3 race wins, finishing 7 points behind Haruvi. Yuval Botzer of Hapoel Tel Aviv Maritime Club rounded out the podium in third place.
In the women's kitefoil category, Maya Ashkenazi of Hapoel Sdot Yam secured the championship by winning every single race. Gal Zuckerman, who previously announced her retirement from Olympic and international competitions, returned to compete locally and finished second. Romy Kaminer of Hapoel Tel Aviv Maritime Club took third place.
The simultaneous 49er skiff championship saw Tal Sade and Maor Abo of Hapoel Sdot Yam crowned champions after a fiercely contested battle against Eyal Wright and Yuval Barnon of Bnei Herzliya and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Sade and Abo finished with 13 net points, edging out their rivals by a 2-point margin. Ido Truim and Lidor Toledo took third place.
For Abo, this marked his triumphant return to competitive sailing following a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him for most of the season. Sade and Abo, pioneers of the 49er class in Israel, captured a historic bronze medal at the European Championships in Thessaloniki last year.
Meanwhile, runners-up Wright and Barnon continue to show immense promise following strong international showings, setting the stage for an intense rivalry ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.
