Stella Bilger
Photo: Supplied – Sailing Energy
New Zealand windfoiler Stella Bilger has held her nerve to achieve a career highlight, racing to victory at the under-23 world championships in Portimao, Portugal.
The 20-year-old left the fleet in her wake in the second of two medal races, splitting from her rivals and holding on over the final to secure gold.
It rounded out a New Zealand one-two, with teammate Aimee Bright taking silver.
The four-rider final featured Bilger, Bright, and Norwegian duo Mina Mobekk – who went on to win bronze – and Maya Gysler.
Stella Bilger
© SAILING ENERGY
Photo: Supplied – Sailing Energy
In the opening medal race, Bilger finished second to Bright, leaving her needing victory in the decider to claim the world title.
The Aucklander is part of a windfoiling programme led by Paris Olympians Josh Armit and Veerle ten Have.
“Things seemed to get better every day of the regatta. I had so many calls with Mum, Dad and my sister, just talking through different mindsets and ways of approaching races,” Bilger said.
“A lot of credit goes to Snowy (coach Paul Snow-Hansen), Amy, and Veerle back home – the whole squad is just amazing,” she said.
Bilger’s grandfather Jock represented New Zealand in the Flying Dutchman class at the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, while dad Jon sailed the 470 at the 1992 Games and was later heavily involved in the America’s Cup.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.