2026 iQFOiL European Championship, Day 2: Aimee Bright, Eli Liefting lead New Zealand charge as gold fleet looms in Portugal

Early setbacks did not affect the Kiwi contingent on day two of the 2026 2026 iQFOiL Open European Championships in Portimão, with all four sailors remaining in contention for podium positions as the regatta moves toward the finals series.

For the second day running, the New Zealand challenge has been led by Aimee Bright, who remains among the overall frontrunners despite an early DNC in the opening race of the day.

With the women completing four upwind sprint races after four course races on day one, Bright adapted to the change in format and conditions, recording a race win and two third-place finishes in the lighter, more unstable westerly thermal breeze.

She dropped one place to fourth overall but remains only eight points behind the early leader, Israel’s Tamar Steinberg.

Aimee Bright secured her first race win of the regatta. Photos / Sailing Energy

Veerle ten Have also recovered from a DNC in race one, posting a third-place finish and a race win before a discarded ninth completed her scoreline across the upwind sprint format. She is eighth overall, inside the top 10 and well-positioned for the upcoming gold fleet.

Kiwi teammate Stella Bilger remained 12th overall after another consistent series, with two seventh places and a best result of third, keeping her within the chasing group.

Veerle ten Have has moved into the top 10. Photos / Sailing Energy

In the men’s fleet, sole New Zealand representative Eli Liefting (pictured top right) climbed 21 places across five course races. After an opening 16th that he was able to discard, Liefting posted 6th, 5th, 9th and 8th in the afternoon’s lighter and more technical conditions, moving up to 15th overall and within reach of the top 10.

Click here for the latest results and standings.