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The Formula Kite European Championships will be coming to Portsmouth in 2023! This exciting discipline of kiteboarding, which will make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, will be hosted on Eastney Beach from 19 – 24 September 2023, with the finals taking place on 23 and 24 September.

Europe’s best riders are expected to be in attendance as they vie not just for the title of European Champion but also as they aim to qualify their nations for the Olympic Games. Crucially, the regatta will continue the legacy of London 2012, offering world-class racing in a city centre location easily watched by spectators.

Portsmouth was chosen to showcase this super-fast kite foil racing in the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics after the RYA won the right to host the 2023 Formula Kite European Championship.

Kite foiling sees riders ‘fly’ above the water on hydrofoils attached to boards, powered by huge kites which can propel them to incredible speeds of more than 35 knots.

Eastney beach will provide the perfect viewpoint to watch the high-octane racing, which will take place just a few hundred metres from the shore.

The qualifiers take place during the week, with spectators then welcomed 10am to 7pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday for the grand finals. There will also be a big screen to watch the action up close.