Watch high speed drama on the water as the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships comes to Portsmouth

World-class, high-velocity water sport action is coming to Portsmouth – watch the potential Olympians inspire the next generation
Ad Feature by Royal Yachting Association
Published 11th Sep 2023, 07:00 GMT
Kite foiling – the high-speed drama on the water coming to Portsmouth. Picture – supplied.Kite foiling – the high-speed drama on the water coming to Portsmouth. Picture – supplied.
Kite foiling – the high-speed drama on the water coming to Portsmouth. Picture – supplied.

It is one of the newest and fastest growing sports around, and it is coming to Portsmouth.

Kite foiling sees riders ‘fly’ above the water on hydrofoils attached to boards and powered by huge kites. They can reach incredible speeds of up to 45 knots (51mph).

You can see the amazing spectacle for yourself at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships which taking place off Eastney Beach from September 19 to 24.

Great family day out at the Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.Great family day out at the Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.
Great family day out at the Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.

This is not just an adrenaline feast, the event – which will see the British Sailing Team taking part – is part of the qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the sport is appearing for the first time.

Social impact

The event is also a way to connect local young people with watersports opportunities and potential water-based careers. The ‘Beach Club’ – involving local schools and youth groups – will bring around 400 youngsters to the event during the week, providing watersports tasters, STEM and sustainability activities to help inspire and connect them to their waterfront environment.

Sustainability

Strap yourselves in for high speed sporting drama on the water. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.Strap yourselves in for high speed sporting drama on the water. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.
Strap yourselves in for high speed sporting drama on the water. Picture – supplied - Mark Lloyd/World Sailing.

Protecting the marine environment and helping educate others to do the same is core to the organisers’ efforts. The venue at Eastney Beach is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and they want to keep it that way with measures including beach cleans, encouraging active travel, eliminating single-use plastic wherever possible, using renewable energy to power some of the facilities and investment in a local seagrass restoration project.

Watch the action

For the finals weekend (September 23 and 24) there is an Event Village with Fan Zone activities for all the family. It is free of charge to attend and come and watch all the action off Eastney Beach.

Go to the website to find out more

Related topics:PortsmouthSustainability