Australians Ready for Formula Kite World Championships in Sardinia
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 30 Sep 18:55 NZDT
30 September - 5 October 2025
Breiana Whitehead © Robert Hajduk /
www.ShutterSail.com
The stage is set at Poetto Beach, Sardinia, Italy, for the start of the Formula Kite World Championships, where Queenslanders Breiana Whitehead and Oscar Timm will fly the Australian flag in the Women's and Men's fleets.
For Paris 2024 Olympian Breiana Whitehead, this season has been about rebalancing after a busy Olympic campaign. She has gradually built her program back up since May, finishing ninth at the European Championships and 10th at the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta on the LA2028 Olympic waters.
"I'm really looking forward to Worlds," Whitehead said. "We've had a few events in Cagliari over the years and always can expect a mix of conditions for racing. It makes it exciting, should be fun."
This year's event is expected to be highly competitive, with the defending Olympic and World Champion among the leading names in the women's fleet.
"I'm expecting a bit of everything," Whitehead explained. "The forecast isn't looking the best, so I think some tricky racing and a mix of conditions is on the cards."
AST Technical Director Michael Blackburn said Whitehead has proven she can perform at the top level and expects her to be competitive in Sardinia.
"Brei showed with her fifth at last year's Worlds combined with her top 10 finish at in the Paris 2024 Olympics that she's right in the mix with the best in the world," Blackburn said. "This year has been about rebuilding her program and regaining race sharpness, and Worlds will be a great opportunity to test herself against a strong fleet as she looks to ramp up her campaign towards LA2028."
In the Men's fleet, Oscar Timm continues to build valuable experience against one of the strongest and most competitive line-ups in international sailing, steadily developing his racing at the highest level.
Athletes have also been adjusting to new equipment developments this season, including updated kite designs and foil packages.
Racing takes place out of Poetto Beach from 30 September to 5 October, with three days of qualifying followed by two days of finals and the concluding medal race to determine the World Champion.
Follow along for results and updates here www.kiteclasses.org/2025worlds