2026 French Olympic Week, Day 2: Aimee Bright stars in iQFOiL as New Zealand sailors secure gold fleet places

Aimee Bright produced a statement performance to surge into medal contention in the iQFOiL fleet at the French Olympic Week, leading a strong day for New Zealand on the Bay of Hyères.

The 20-year-old Aucklander climbed to second overall after a composed and consistent set of results in testing Mediterranean conditions. Bright posted three top-three finishes and a fifth from her four races, leapfrogging several rivals, including compatriot Stella Bilger, to move firmly into the leading group.

Across the opening two days, the Kiwi windfoiling squad has shown notable depth - Bilger had set the early pace on day one, before Bright's standout display on day two.

Sailing in light easterly breezes of 8–12 knots that gradually shifted under thermal influence, the fleet faced what organisers described as a “game of inches”. The glare across the racecourse and subtle pressure changes made decision-making difficult, rewarding those able to read the course most effectively. Those who managed it best made significant gains, with Bright among the biggest movers.

Bilger slipped two places to sixth overall but remains well within reach of the front, while Veerle ten Have held steady in ninth to give New Zealand three sailors inside the top 10.

In the men’s iQFOiL fleet, Josh Armit edged up one place to seventh overall, securing his third top-three finish of the regatta in the process. Eli Liefting, now 11th, is closing on the top 10, while Blake Hinsley sits further back in 60th.

Francesco Kayrouz and Hamish McLaren will compete in the 49er silver fleet. Photos / Sailing Energy

New Zealand’s 49er crews also continued to build consistency in the lighter conditions. Sam Bacon and Blake McGlashan are placed third overall heading into the elimination series after another solid day, recording a three and an eight to remain in podium contention. Mattias Coutts and Oscar Gunn also progressed to the gold fleet in 13th, while Francesco Kayrouz and Hamish McLaren will contest the silver fleet from 21st.

Elsewhere, Greta Pilkington (41st) advanced to the gold fleet in the ILCA 6, while Lukas Walton-Keim (22nd) sits just outside the top 20 in the men’s kitefoil standings. Lochy Naismith is 34th in the same fleet, with Lucy Bilger 19th in the women’s kitefoil. Nicola and Rebecca Hume are 24th in the 49erFX.

Lukas Walton-Keim is 22nd in the men's kitefoil competition. Photos / Sailing Energy

Racing now shifts into the elimination phase for several fleets, with stronger easterly winds forecast to build beyond 20 knots. The format resets the standings, placing a premium on consistency across the remaining days before the medal races.

Latest results and standings here.

Click here for live tracking of Day 3's action.