New venue announced for the 9th Sardinia Grand Slam, sailing event scheduled next September 28th to October 5th: the ninth edition will crown queens and kings of the foil that made its five-circle debut in Paris Games
A different beach, but the same sea—and the same adrenaline-fueled spectacle of sails, wind, and speed. That “V Factor” (for Vento, or wind) that each year, between September and October, brings the world’s top kiteboarding athletes to Sardinia.
This is the Sardinia Grand Slam, now returning for its ninth edition, set to take place in Quartu Sant’Elena (Cagliari) from September 28th to October 5th. On the line: the 2025 Formula Kite World Championship titles, for the Olympic foil that debuted last year at the Paris Games. 180 athletes from five continents are expected to compete.
This marks a moment of international spotlight for the town of Quartu Sant’Elena and its stunning coastline. The event’s headquarters will be set up on the stretch of beach of the Blue Sky beach club.
The Sardinia Grand Slam is organized by GLEsport in collaboration with Chia Wind Club, under the technical-sporting direction of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) and the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV).
«The Kite World Championship is truly an international showcase and an opportunity to bring many top-level athletes to Quartu and to make our city known in their respective countries. After all, the competition venue itself – the Poetto of Quartu – where sea and lagoon meet, with the Molentargius Park as a backdrop and the mountains in the distance, is like a postcard offering breathtaking views. The presence of so many leading figures from the global scene will in itself be a boost for our local businesses, and will also serve as an attraction for enthusiasts, who may choose to come and discover our cultural and natural beauty, either during the event or in the near future» comments Graziano Milia, mayor of Quartu Sant’Elena.
Among the top names expected are the reigning world champions: Maximilian Maeder from Singapore and Lauriane Nolot from France, Men’s bronze medal and Women’s silver medal at Paris 2024 respectively. Their main contenders will be the Olympic king Valentin Bontus and queen Elly Aldridge respectively, who took win last year in Marseille’s waters. Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi is also one to watch: he claimed the European Formula Kite title in Urla, Turkey, in May and followed up with the Youth European Championship win just weeks later in Gizzeria, Calabria—where he took revenge on Maeder after a fierce battle in the Medal Series in the Gulf of Izmir earlier this spring.
Also in strong form at the European Championships: Greece’s Cameron Maramenides. Fellow Italian Lorenzo Boschetti is looking for redemption on a course he knows well—he’s no stranger to the winds of the Gulf of Angels. Switzerland’s Gian Stragiotti and Argentina’s Maria Catalina Turienzo, current U21 titleholders will take in without any fear of the big guns. In the women’s field, keep an eye on Youth European Champion Derin Atakan, as well as European finalists Lily Young (UK) and Lysa Caval (France).
National teams from around the world will arrive in Quartu Sant’Elena two weeks ahead of the event to train on what is considered one of the most prestigious and technically respected regatta fields worldwide.
The race village will open on September 28th with the athletes registration. Equipment checks are scheduled for the following day, and the official Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM. Racing begins Tuesday, September 30th, with the first start scheduled for 11:00 AM—weather permitting. The final races are set for Sunday, October 5th, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by the awards and Closing Ceremony at 6:00 PM.
The event is promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Handicrafts and Commerce, and supported by the Municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena.
Quartu Sant’Elena (Cagliari), 9 agosto 2025
Photos: 1) Speed and adrenaline cutting through the sea: the eighth edition of the Sardinia Trail will take place in Quartu Sant’Elena (Credits: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk); 2) A show of sails and waves in the Gulf of Angels (Credits: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk); 3) From left, Martin Dolenc and Riccardo Pianosi side by side at the Sardinia Grand Slam 2024 (Credits: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk); 4) Lauriane Nolot and Max Maeder, reigning world champions (Credits: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk); 5) Italian Lorenzo Boschetti, feeling home in Cagliari (Credits: IKA Media / Robert Hajduk); 6) The location of next Sardinia Grand Slam (Credits: Sardinia Grand Slam); 7) Mari Pintau beach in Quartu Sant’Elena (Credits: Sardinia Grand Slam). Free usage granted with credits.