POOLE’S Ellie Aldridge said her international rivals have “something to watch out for” as she was crowned European kitefoil champion on home waters.

The British Sailing Team’s Aldridge rounded off a stellar season with victory at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth, a key result with the Paris 2024 Olympics less than a year away.

The win came off the back of silver medals at the Paris 2024 test event in July and the Sailing World Championships in August.

Aldridge dominated the 41-strong women’s fleet over four days of high-octane racing off Eastney Beach, sealing victory despite an unforced crash just metres from the finish line.

“Winning the European Championships in the UK is an absolute dream,” said Aldridge.

“I didn’t make it easy for myself with the crash right at the end of the first race of the finals, but I got back up, got back into it and won the next race to take the title.

“When I crossed the line I was just so relieved. I’ve never actually won an event in this format before so I’m super happy.”

World champion Lauriane Nolot of France was among a number of athletes who chose to sit out the European Championships after a long, tiring season.

However Aldridge said her win should serve as a warning to Nolot that she is more than capable of usurping her as the queen of the kitefoil circuit.

Aldridge continued: “Lauriane might not have been here, but she’s got something to watch out for next year.”