Türkiye will host the 2026 Formula Kite European Championships from 7–12 September, with Australia’s Breiana Whitehead prepared to make a significant impact on the European fleet.
The Paris 2024 Olympian arrives in Akyaka following a seventh-place finish at the Sailing Grand Slam in Long Beach and an 11th-place result at the Formula Kite World Championships, narrowly missing the top 10 earlier this year.
After a robust training block in Weymouth, United Kingdom, alongside a competitive international squad, Whitehead is eager to return to the start line. “I’m really looking forward to racing here in Akyaka, Türkiye,” she expressed. “It’s proving to be a really nice venue with good conditions, warm and sunny! I think we’re going to be in for a big week of fast racing.”
The European Championships present another chance for Whitehead to build on her experiences from the World Championships and advance her campaign for the 2028 Olympic cycle.
Australian Sailing Team Technical Director Michael Blackburn believes the training period in Weymouth has been crucial for Whitehead, enhancing her racing skills and intensifying her preparation.
“Brei has been training with a lot more purpose since the Worlds, spending more time in Weymouth alongside competitive training partners and putting herself in a strong position to excel at the Europeans,” Blackburn stated.
The forecast indicates a mix of strong thermal winds and rising temperatures. Blackburn noted, “In the lead-up, coach Tom Squires reports they’ve been seeing a thermal breeze arrive with a punch around 11am at 10–12 knots, building to 14–16 knots.”
“Temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees on day one and remain in the mid-30s for the rest of the week – conditions Brei should feel right at home in, having grown up in Townsville.”
These conditions are anticipated to foster the fast, physical racing that Formula Kite is known for, shifting Whitehead’s focus from preparation to execution as she prepares for the competition.
The event can be followed here and across Australian Sailing Team channels.
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Lisa Darmanin – Australian Sailing Team Communications & Brand Lead
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