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Kiwi wingfoiler Sean Herbert has stunned the competition on the opening day of the Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Switzerland, taking the overall lead in the men's fleet in his debut at the event.
Herbert, the current New Zealand national champion, arrived at the high-altitude venue fresh from an intensive training block in the United States. Facing a world-class fleet of more than 50 riders - including reigning European champion and Round One winner Mathis Ghio of France - the Manly Sailing Club standout announced his arrival in spectacular fashion, winning the first two races and ending the day atop the standings.
The second round of the 2025 Wingfoil World Cup Series is being staged on Lake Silvaplana, 1,800 metres above sea level. The icy 12°C lake, framed by snow-capped peaks, is notorious for its tricky wind shadows and shifting breezes, which present a stern test for even the most experienced riders.
But Herbert was undaunted. He opened the day with a commanding 46-second win over Ghio, before holding off the Frenchman in a photo finish in race two.
Herbert leads a fleet of over 50 riders after the opening day in Silvaplana. Photos / IWSA Media, Robert Hajduk
The 23-year-old started sailing at age nine and quickly made his mark in the (then) O’pen BIC class, winning the under-12 division at his first Australian nationals in 2011. He claimed O’pen BIC world titles in 2012 and 2017, making New Zealand sailing history by becoming the first sailor to win three consecutive Starling national championships.
Herbert also claimed Waszp titles at the SailGP Inspire event in Sydney (2020), the New Zealand nationals (2021), and the SailGP Grand Final in San Francisco (2022), and has been part of several national champion teams in open teams racing.
"I’ve also spent a bunch of time sailing other boats — like the RS Feva, 29er, 420, Zephyr and keelboats — as well as windsurfing and windfoiling," he told Yachting New Zealand last year.
Switzerland is Herbert's debut in the World Cup series. Photos / IWSA Media, Robert Hajduk
Day one in Silvaplana featured four long-distance races, each around 6.5 miles. Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi and Poland’s Kamil Manowiecki claimed wins in the third and fourth races, respectively, but it was Herbert’s breakout that stole the spotlight.
In the women’s fleet, series leader Maddalena Spanu of Italy recovered from a cut hand and a shaky start to take the overnight lead, while Czech rider Kristyna Chalupnikova impressed with one win and three second-place finishes.
With stronger winds forecast in the coming days, the intensity is expected to rise as the regatta builds towards Saturday’s medal series, where overall round champions will be crowned.
Click here for the latest results and standings.
