The championship, which was an Olympic qualifying event, took place in September 2023 and involved 112 riders coming from 28 nations across the world,  culminating in 4 days of racing at Eastney Beach in Portsmouth. As the event was taking place in the Solent, the team wanted to support a charity local to the event, that had the protection of the marine environment at its core, describing the Trust’s Solent Seagrass Restoration Project as ‘a perfect fit’.  

Formula Kite is a high-performance class of kite surfing, which features a foil kite and a board with a hydrofoil. As well showcasing world class racing in this new Olympic discipline, which has been added to the roster of Olympic Sports ahead of Paris 2024, the RYA and event partners are focused on promoting environmental responsibility through the event, as well as inspiring local communities around the marine environment and water-based opportunities.  

As the national governing body for sailing, boating and water sports, the RYA is passionate about helping to preserve the marine environment and recognises their responsibility to help raise awareness around vulnerable marine environments – such as seagrass meadows – and educate the boating community on how they can help protect our seabed habitats in the Solent.  

Niall McLeod, RYA Racing Services Manager, and Formula Kite European Championships Event Director, said: “Before the Formula Kite European Championships took place, we agreed to add an ‘environment donation’ within the event budget to every litre of fuel used in the event operation boats. We are now delighted to be able to donate the funds collected to support the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s seagrass restoration project.” 

The RYA is also a partner in the project in the EU LIFE ReMEDIES Seagrass Project, which is a four-year project working to reduce and mitigate the impacts that erosion is having on the seabed at five locations across the South of ern England. Their choice to support the Trust’s seagrass restoration work tied in perfectly with their ongoing work with a project that has aligning objectives – especially at Trust restoration site Farlington Marshes, which lies adjacent to the event location.  

“Seagrass is a unique and valuable habitat that plays a significant role in providing for our underwater ecosystems. It’s been great to be able to show our support for a local project such as this in The Solent.” 

The event was a huge success, providing a great atmosphere for spectators and overall, a really exciting few days of racing.  

If you are interested in fundraising for the Trust, please get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@hiwwt.org.uk