2026 Formula Wing European Championships, Day 2: New Zealand's Sean Herbert moves up to fourth overall as Kosta Gladiadis holds firm in 15th

New Zealand’s Sean Herbert has surged into podium contention after a strong Day 2 at the Formula Wing European Championships in Naples, Italy, while countryman Kosta Gladiadis continues to impress inside the top 15 of a highly competitive fleet.

Racing on day two was held in light, shifty thermal conditions that tested decision-making across the racecourse, with riders forced to constantly adapt as pressure built for places in the gold fleet and the championship’s medal series.

Herbert was one of the standout performers of the day, winning two of the three qualifying races to climb three places into fourth overall. The Kiwi is now just under four points off French leader Julien Rattotti, setting up a tightly poised battle heading into the next stage of the regatta.

More than 80 riders are competing in Naples. Photos / IWSA Media

Gladiadis, meanwhile, has continued his consistent form against a fleet of more than 80 competitors, holding steady in 15th overall after a composed series of results — 5, 4 and 5 — to remain well within striking distance of the top 10.

At the front of the fleet, Rattotti retains the overall lead despite a far more testing day in the unpredictable breeze, with French teenager Thomas Proust also emerging as a major threat after a flawless set of race wins.

Racing in the men’s fleet was cut short as the wind faded in the afternoon, while the women’s fleet briefly launched before conditions ultimately collapsed and racing was abandoned.

Click here for full results, standings and live tracking of Day 3.