Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Australians Ready for Formula Kite World Championships in Sardinia

by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 30 Sep 05:55 UTC 30 September - 5 October 2025
Breiana Whitehead © Robert Hajduk / www.ShutterSail.com

The stage is set at Poetto Beach, Sardinia, Italy, for the start of the Formula Kite World Championships, where Queenslanders Breiana Whitehead and Oscar Timm will fly the Australian flag in the Women's and Men's fleets.

For Paris 2024 Olympian Breiana Whitehead, this season has been about rebalancing after a busy Olympic campaign. She has gradually built her program back up since May, finishing ninth at the European Championships and 10th at the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta on the LA2028 Olympic waters.

"I'm really looking forward to Worlds," Whitehead said. "We've had a few events in Cagliari over the years and always can expect a mix of conditions for racing. It makes it exciting, should be fun."

This year's event is expected to be highly competitive, with the defending Olympic and World Champion among the leading names in the women's fleet.

"I'm expecting a bit of everything," Whitehead explained. "The forecast isn't looking the best, so I think some tricky racing and a mix of conditions is on the cards."

AST Technical Director Michael Blackburn said Whitehead has proven she can perform at the top level and expects her to be competitive in Sardinia.

"Brei showed with her fifth at last year's Worlds combined with her top 10 finish at in the Paris 2024 Olympics that she's right in the mix with the best in the world," Blackburn said. "This year has been about rebuilding her program and regaining race sharpness, and Worlds will be a great opportunity to test herself against a strong fleet as she looks to ramp up her campaign towards LA2028."

In the Men's fleet, Oscar Timm continues to build valuable experience against one of the strongest and most competitive line-ups in international sailing, steadily developing his racing at the highest level.

Athletes have also been adjusting to new equipment developments this season, including updated kite designs and foil packages.

Racing takes place out of Poetto Beach from 30 September to 5 October, with three days of qualifying followed by two days of finals and the concluding medal race to determine the World Champion.

Follow along for results and updates here www.kiteclasses.org/2025worlds

Related Articles

ASA Summit heads to Key West next week
2025 Sportfishing Summit powered by the American Sportfishing Association Leaders from across the sportfishing industry will head to Key West next week for the 2025 Sportfishing Summit powered by the American Sportfishing Association. Posted on 30 Sep
US Debut for Barton Marine Bulkhead Pipe Glands
Exhibited in the US for the first time in booth 3-1717 at IBEX 2025 Bulkhead watertight integrity is essential in modern boat building. Pipes moving through the vessel and bulkheads always present a challenge. Posted on 30 Sep
Road map to Red Snapper management
Unveiled by the South Atlantic States The directors of the state marine fisheries agencies from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have released the outline for state-based recreational data gathering and management of South Atlantic red snapper. Posted on 24 Sep
The latest in fleet monitoring and tracking
Join us on October 22nd for an in-depth exploration of the latest in tracking technology Fleet monitoring and tracking are essential for efficiency, safety, and compliance with real-time visibility into fleet movements critical. Posted on 24 Sep
Lund Boats launches all-new explorer
A rugged, fish-first workhorse for the next generation of anglers Lund Boats, a leading manufacturer of premium aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, today announced the launch of the all-new 1700 and 1800 Explorer models, purpose-built for anglers who demand rugged performance, low maintenance, and exceptional value. Posted on 23 Sep
New seasonal closures for Striped Bass proposed
By the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has proposed a 12% reduction for the recreational sector, which is likely to take the form of "no targeting" closures, which prohibit anglers from fishing for striped bass altogether Posted on 23 Sep
Understanding Boat Plumbing and Water Systems
This Second Edition has been fully revised throughout, and covers all the major topics This Second Edition has been fully revised throughout, and offers a comprehensive coverage of all the major topics Posted on 18 Sep
Boat Buying Basics
Melanie earned her US Coast Guard 100 Ton Master Captain's License before her car license Melanie Sunshine Neale earned her US Coast Guard 100 Ton Master Captain's License before she got her driver's license. She grew up living aboard her family's 47-foot GulfStar sailboat, cruising up and down the East Coast and the Bahamas for 20 years. Posted on 13 Sep
Sailing roles available in Dubai
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is recruiting! Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), one of the Middle East's most established and internationally recognised Sailing Clubs, is inviting applications for the role of Racing and Events Manager, and RYA Cruising Instructor. Posted on 13 Sep
Bulwarks and Bulldust – Show 7 Season 2
Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from Five Blade Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from FiveBlade talks boat shows, greenwashing. Lots to learn, so strap in for a great time. Posted on 13 Sep
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo M50