Sean Herbert was named the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Male Sailor of the Year after a breakthrough season that firmly established him as one of the world’s leading wingfoilers. At just 23, the Manly Sailing Club athlete delivered a remarkable run of results across the international circuit, proving his ability to perform under pressure against the very best in the sport.
Herbert’s standout achievement of the season was winning the bronze medal at the inaugural Formula Wing World Championship in Cagliari, Sardinia. The event gathered the world’s top foiling athletes, and Herbert’s consistency and tactical discipline saw him secure New Zealand’s first podium in the new global format.
His rise continued at the Wingfoil Racing World Cup in Silvaplana, Switzerland, where he stunned the fleet in his debut appearance. Herbert won the first two races of the event and went on to claim the bronze medal overall, signalling his arrival as a genuine contender on the world stage.
How kiwi debutant Sean Herbert stunned the Wingfoil Racing World Cup
He followed this with a commanding performance at the U.S. Wingfoil Championships in San Francisco, where he won 13 of 15 races to secure the national title. Back home, he also defended his New Zealand wingfoil crown, becoming the first person to win the national title twice in succession. That domestic success capped a season that also included both the New Zealand Triple Crown and the Hawaii State titles.
Herbert’s pathway into the sport reflects deep roots in dinghy sailing. He is a former O’pen Skiff world champion and three-time Starling national champion, achievements he credits for sharpening his race craft and tactical understanding. His progression into foiling was quick and natural, supported by coaching guidance from the America One Racing programme and a strong technical foundation gained through his professional work as a composite laminator for Rocket Lab.
Sean Herbert: wind foiling’s fast-rising force from Manly to the world stage
The Barfoot & Thompson Male Sailor of the Year award recognises Herbert’s rapid ascent, his disciplined approach to training, and his ability to deliver world-class results across multiple continents. With his sights now set on future world titles, Herbert’s 2025 campaign marks only the beginning of a promising international foiling career.
