A world-class fleet of 92 sailors has gathered at Akyaka Kite Beach on Türkiye's south coast for the 2026 Türk Telekom Formula Kite European Championships, an important test on the road towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The championship, running 7–12 September, has drawn 56 men and 36 women from 28 nations across four continents. Both Open and European titles are at stake in the high-speed foiling discipline.
Monday's opening day saw no racing after the wind failed to settle into suitable conditions, but organisers expect Akyaka's reliable thermal breeze to return for the remainder of the week. The venue is renowned for its side-onshore thermal wind and flat turquoise water beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Reigning European champion Lauriane Nolot of France leads a strong women's fleet, with immediate pressure from Dutch sailor Jessie Kampman. The pair last clashed at the World Championships in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where Kampman dominated the Opening Series before a final-day crash allowed Nolot to claim gold.
Switzerland's Elena Lengwiler arrives as a serious contender after climbing from 10th to bronze at those same World Championships. Local hope Derin Atakan, fresh from silver at the Youth Worlds, will leverage her deep knowledge of Akyaka's conditions. "I've been coming here to train since I was six years old," Atakan said. "The thermal wind builds up reliably around midday and stays stable all day long."
In the men's division, reigning European champion Riccardo Pianosi of Italy faces Austria's Valentin Bontus, the Olympic gold medallist returning from injury. "The Europeans is my peak event this season," Bontus said. "The goal is to fight with everyone at the top."
Singapore's Max Maeder, multiple World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist, returns to full-fleet competition after skipping the Youth Worlds. He will challenge for Open honours.
A new generation is pressing hard. Switzerland's Gian Stragiotti, who led for much of the recent Youth Worlds, has set his sights on the European title. "I showed I could lead the fleet," Stragiotti said. "My goal this week is to win."
China has fielded 11 athletes, including seven women, as part of a long-term Olympic campaign. "Racing against the Europeans is the ultimate test," said Jingyue Chen. "Everything we do here is about training for the Olympics."
Racing continues through to Saturday's Medal Series, with daily updates available at kiteclasses.org.
