New Zealand’s wingfoiling talent delivered a commanding performance on the international stage at the Formula Wing European Championships in Naples, signaling the nation’s rising influence in a sport currently dominated by European powerhouses. While the podium remained elusive for the visiting Kiwis, Sean Herbert and Kosta Gladiadis secured results that underscore their trajectory as elite competitors in the global circuit.
Sean Herbert finished fifth overall in the men’s fleet, narrowly missing a medal by a margin of just nine points. Throughout the regatta, Herbert demonstrated a level of consistency that placed him among the top tier of athletes, recording five top-three finishes over the course of the week. His campaign began with significant momentum, including two race wins during the qualifying stages that established him as a primary threat to the leaders from the outset.
Despite this strong showing, Herbert was unable to bridge the gap to the eventual champion, France’s Julien Rattotti. Rattotti maintained a commanding lead from the start of the competition, proving untouchable at the summit of the standings and cementing his status as the benchmark for the discipline.
Sean Herbert finished nine points shy of the medal podium in Naples. Photos / IWSA Media
French dominance and Italian resilience in Naples
The 2024 Formula Wing European Championships were defined by a sweeping performance from France, which captured both the men’s and women’s European titles and secured four medals in total. In the women’s fleet, Vaina Picot produced a historic run, winning nine of 12 races to develop into the youngest European champion in the sport’s history.
The host nation also found success in the challenging conditions of the Bay of Naples. Italy’s Maddalena Spanu claimed the silver medal in the women’s division, while Ernesto de Amicis secured silver in the men’s fleet, providing a significant boost to the local crowds gathered to watch the regatta.
The final day of competition added a layer of frustration for those chasing the podium. Racing was officially abandoned due to unstable wind conditions across the bay, meaning the standings from earlier races remained final. For Herbert, the abandonment meant no opportunity to make up the nine-point deficit required for a bronze medal, though his overall pace remained a highlight of the event.
The emergence of Kosta Gladiadis
Complementing Herbert’s performance was an encouraging showing from Kosta Gladiadis. Finishing 11th Gladiadis proved he is one of the most promising young athletes in the sport, placing third in the highly competitive under-19 division.
Gladiadis displayed flashes of top-tier speed during the qualifying rounds, where he recorded a best finish of fourth. He ultimately finished just one point shy of a top-10 overall result, a narrow margin that reflects the fierce level of competition present in the Naples fleet.
Kosta Gladiadis was 11th overall and the third under-19 competitor. Photos / IWSA Media
Championship Standings Summary
The following table provides a breakdown of the top performers and the New Zealand results from the regatta.
| Category | Gold | Silver | NZ Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Overall | Julien Rattotti (FRA) | Ernesto de Amicis (ITA) | Sean Herbert (5th) |
| Women’s Overall | Vaina Picot (FRA) | Maddalena Spanu (ITA) | N/A |
| Under-19 Men | N/A | N/A | Kosta Gladiadis (3rd) |
What these results mean for New Zealand wingfoiling
The ability of New Zealand athletes to compete head-to-head with the French and Italian specialists suggests a narrowing gap in technical execution and tactical racing. The official standings from the FIR highlight a sport that is increasingly professionalized, where margins of victory are measured in single points and fractional seconds.
For Herbert and Gladiadis, the Naples regatta serves as a critical benchmark. The consistency shown by Herbert—specifically his ability to maintain top-three finishes across multiple races—indicates that he possesses the stability required to challenge for gold in future championships. Similarly, Gladiadis’s success in the U19 category provides a clear pipeline for New Zealand’s future international prospects.
The sport continues to evolve rapidly, with gear advancements and tactical shifts occurring between every major event. The dominance of the French team, particularly the youth and precision of Vaina Picot, sets a high bar for the rest of the world as they prepare for the next cycle of international competition.
The wingfoiling community now looks toward the next series of global qualifiers and regional championships to notice if the momentum gained in Naples can be converted into podium finishes. Official updates on the upcoming calendar and athlete rankings are typically managed through the International Wing Sailing Association.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the growth of wingfoiling in the comments below or share this story with other sailing enthusiasts.
