Australian Breiana Whitehead has once again proven herself among the world’s best, finishing fifth overall at the 2025 Formula Kite World Championships in Sardinia, Italy, matching her personal best from 2024.
The week delivered a full spectrum of challenges, with Sardinia serving up dramatic shifts in wind strength and direction. “This week was pretty intense, there were a lot of changes in conditions, lots happening. It was about making the most of each day and getting out there and doing my best,” explained Whitehead.
“There were so many wind direction changes, sometimes 180 degrees in a single day, which we don’t get that often, so there was a lot to get your head around out there.”
Whitehead showed composure and consistency throughout the series, securing her place in the medal series against the world’s elite and finishing fifth just ahead of 2024 Olympic Champion Ellie Aldridge. Her performance was all the more impressive given she was racing on new equipment this season.
“I’m pretty happy with another fifth. Of course, I’d always like to climb a little higher, but I haven’t had much time on the new foil. It’s been great to race with the best in the world, and I’m really happy to make it through to the finals,” she said.
Australian Sailing Team Technical Director Michael Blackburn was on-site for the final days and praised Whitehead’s performance. “I was honestly very impressed with how Brei performed this week,” Blackburn said.
“She often showed really good speed and height, and her starting was improving as the regatta went on. It was always her intention to have a less intense year, so this result is really encouraging early in the LA 2028 quad.”
As the Australian summer heats up, Whitehead is looking forward to more time on home waters. “Up next, I’m heading back to Australia, and I think Sail Melbourne might be on the cards,” she shared.
In the men’s division, Oscar Timm finished 39th overall, gaining valuable international experience against top competition.
Next up, the Australian Sailing Team is gearing up for another World Championships in Sardinia, with the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 fleets set to begin later this week.
Full kite results can be found here: https://www.kiteclasses.org/2025worlds
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