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Around 18 months ago, the WF1 team came to the realisation that windfoiling would be Olympic ready for 2024. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to define the equipment that should be used, the format that should be raced, and the courses that should be used. In doing so we have created the perfect blend of racing for all levels of ability from youth pathway and weekend warrior to elite and Olympic. We have worked on the belief that “if we can foil, we can race” and have proven that we in fact can race in 5 - 30 knots.

 

We know that windfoil racing is not possible on one course configuration in all conditions and so have created a format package to deliver engaging racing for all windsurfers as well as creating the ultimate test for athletes to perform on the Olympic stage. That package is this.

 

WF1 RACING FORMAT

• The WF1 Racing format consists of five different racing sub-formats. This concept is intended to be very malleable. Not every sub-format needs to be completed to constitute a regatta – but instead the format offers options for fair, challenging and attractive racing irrespective of what the weather produces.

• In an ideal five-day Championship with favourable circumstances/conditions, the format is based around a maximum 25-race series.  Each sub-format carries the same weighting, with the exception of the Marathon which is double weighted. The five racing sub-formats are: Course racing ; Marathon; Point to Point; Sprint Slalom and GPS Speed. They are described in detail further below. 

• The WF1 team have facilitated test events and regattas over the last 8 months to trial the suitability of the concept and to make refinements along the way. The testing was critical in understanding equipment limitations,  body size and range, competitor ability and racing conditions required to deliver fair and exciting competition.We can say with certainty that windfoil racing is Olympic ready. 

• This format is pitched at fleet sizes comparable to World Cup and Olympic Games Regattas. The versatility of the format means that other regattas, ones below elite level and all the way down to club level regattas, can pick and choose the disciplines as circumstances allow (whether that be conditions, staffing or sailor ability).

• Sub-formats can be removed, or some may be combined. Objective guidelines should be in place for an optimal and fair selection of sub-formats at a regatta, depending the conditions (wind, waves, etc.).
   

CLASSIC 

• The Classic racing sub-format is the current trapezoid or windward/leeward racing format. Under the WF1 concept, Classic races have a target time of 15 minutes to enable a greater number of races to be completed per day, up to a maximum of five. This classic component is a nod to tradition and yachting as we know it.
   

MARATHON

• The Marathon distance style races are long races up to 3 hours. The race starts in a given location, makes its way around given geographical features and out to particular well-known landmarks before returning to the original starting point.  

• Some such landmarks could be for example Statue of Liberty, New York; the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Sydney; the Burj Al Arab and the World, Dubai; the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Francisco; the Chateau D’If, Marseilles; the island of Venice; inner harbour Hong Kong; Downtown Miami, Rangitoto Island, Auckland etc.

• The Marathon sub-format incorporates some elements usually limited to offshore racing, but more importantly shows off our wonderful sport in fantastic venues. Inspired by the gripping images shown during cycling’s Tour de France, the media images generated from this style of racing are of immense benefit to both the sport and the regions which hold its events.
   

POINT TO POINT

• Point to Point consists of two separate medium length races (about 30 to 50 minutes each). This constitutes of first, an upwind race, out to a finish line some distance away. Then a following a rest period, the next race is the downwind return (or vice versa). The races are to be scored separately. This sub-format is easy to follow and rewards the more specific aspects of sailing on and off the wind. Much like the Marathon, this can also make use of the often beautiful surroundings found at regatta venues, and is very media/spectator friendly.
   

SPRINT SLALOM 

• Slalom Sprint races are short slalom style races with either one or  three gybes. The aim is for races to last around three minutes. High visual impact and high stakes, it is exciting to watch and easy to follow, it rewards perfect sailing and punishes small mistakes. In larger fleets, Sprint can be broken down into fleets for safety.
   

GPS SPEED.

• This sub-format incorporates SAP Sailing Analytics and the technology that we now use out sailing every day (GPS devices),  and what is a popular comparison tool between weekend sailors and professionals alike. During a half hour window, competitors have as many opportunities to attempt there top 10 second averages. SAP Sailing Analytics then produces the rankings and points for the day. Live leaderboard  keeps the audience and racers engaged. The concept with GPS speed is to have results from conditions where a race committee may struggle to set a fair race course, extreme shifty light winds and extreme strong winds.