2026 Formula Wing European Championships: New Zealand wingfoilers Sean Herbert and Kosta Gladiadis make strong start in Naples
New Zealand’s Sean Herbert has made a strong start at the Formula Wing European Championships in Naples, sitting seventh overall after the opening day of racing in a fleet of more than 80 competitors.
Herbert, one of the leading non-European contenders at the regatta, produced a consistent start to the qualifying series, with a second and a fifth among his results across the first four long-distance races sailed on the Bay of Naples.
The Aucklander arrived in Italy in form following a standout 12 months on the international circuit. He was named Yachting New Zealand’s Male Sailor of the Year at the Barfoot & Thompson Excellence Awards last year after a season that included bronze medals at the Formula Wing World Championship in Sardinia and his World Cup debut in Switzerland. He also claimed titles at the US Wingfoil Championships, defended his national crown, and secured both the national Triple Crown and Hawaii State titles.
Sean Herbert is seventh overall after Day 1 of the Formula Wing European Championships in Naples. Photos / IWSA Media
Herbert’s early position places him firmly in contention, with France's Julien Rattori leading after three wins from four races on Day 1. Local Italian hope Ernesto De Amicis sits third overall after a consistent series, while defending European champion Mathis Ghio opened his campaign with three top-10 finishes.
Fellow New Zealander Kosta Gladiadis also impressed in the opening exchanges, sitting 15th overall and not far behind Herbert in the standings. Competing in a stacked international fleet, Gladiadis will take confidence from posting two top-10 finishes, a promising return at this level.
The championships, being held on the same stretch of water that will host the America’s Cup in 2027, have attracted athletes from 16 nations. The fleet includes top riders from around the world, including Herbert and Australia’s Grae Morris, although only European competitors are eligible for the continental title.
Full results and standings here.
Follow live tracking of Day 2 here.
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