Pavlos Kontides returns to world number one ranking in ILCA7

Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides has reclaimed the number one spot in the ILCA7 world rankings for the sixth time in his career. This achievement comes less than a year after his previous stint at the top. The ranking improvement follows his recent gold medal victory at the European Championship in Kastela, Croatia, held in late May. Kontides surpassed British sailor Michael Beckett, who has moved down to the second position. The two-time Olympic silver medallist has previously held the top spot on five separate occasions between 2018 and 2025. Currently, Kontides is based in Ireland to prepare for the World Championships in Dun Laoghaire scheduled for August. His upcoming competitive schedule includes events in Los Angeles, such as the North American Championship and the Los Angeles Grand Slam, as part of his training for the 2028 Olympic Games.