Aimee Bright wins iQFOiL under-23 world title in Poland
Sunday 4 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Barbara Kendall
Twenty-year-old Aimee Bright has been crowned the iQFOiL Under-23 World Champion in Puck, Poland. The Manly Sailing Club rider secured the victory after a late comeback in the grand final. Bright is the daughter of three-time Olympic medallist Barbara Kendall.
Key facts
5 facts
- Aimee Bright won the iQFOiL Under-23 World Championship in Puck, Poland.
- Bright won 11 out of 20 qualifying races.
- The athlete is 20 years old and sails from the Manly Sailing Club.
- Bright's mother is Olympic medallist Barbara Kendall.
- Bright's uncle is Olympic medallist Bruce Kendall.
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Aimee Bright has been crowned the iQFOiL Under-23 World Champion following a dramatic victory in the grand final at Puck, Poland. The 20-year-old windfoiler, who sails for the Manly Sailing Club, overcame a deficit to Norway's Maya Gysler to secure the title. Bright won 11 of the 20 qualifying course and slalom races to earn a direct spot in the winner-take-all final.
During the final race, Bright experienced a slow start because she came in early to the start. She trailed Gysler for most of the race in light conditions where competitors were pumping hard downwind. Bright managed to overtake Gysler at the final mark by deciding to gybe as tight to the layline as possible.
This victory follows a silver medal at last year's Under-23 World Championship. Bright's recent achievements also include a senior silver medal at the iQFOiL European Championship in Portugal and second place at the Olympic Classes Regatta. She is expected to compete in Sail Melbourne in December and potentially the 2027 World Sailing Combined World Championship in Brazil.
Bright comes from a significant sporting family; her mother, Barbara Kendall, is a three-time Olympic medallist, and her uncle, Bruce Kendall, won Olympic gold and bronze.
How it developed
- Mon 5 Oct, 7:33amThis report adds that Bright's victory follows a silver medal at last year's Under-23 World Championship and details her recent senior-level successes.
Compiled from reports by RNZ, Stuff and NZ Herald.