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The arrival of Hybrid designs, and the ISAF decision to appoint a Hybrid design as the new Olympic Windsurfing class has triggered numerous discussions and rocked the windsurfing world with uncertainty and unanswered questions. Is it good or bad, and most important; What is WS course racing actually all about.?
Looking back at the history of this sport is not that difficult at all, and a clean fast cut through the past 30 years should be a good wake up call, as it clearly tell us when and why things went wrong or tracked off;
1. One Design formats did (unfortunately) prove to be self-destructive, due to the fast |
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development of shapes/foils/rigs and building technologies.
2. Extreme (non planning) low wind tactical boards such as the Lechners were short lived for obvious reasons.
3. Multi board classes with their extreme complex format e.g. the Funboard Class died due to transport problems, high cost and wind limitations.
4. The current, but extreme high wind and technical FW class has its distinct limitations due to wind limit, narrow weight span, high cost and reduced tactical aspect.
So much for the past, but if we accept these facts, the blueprint for the ultimate future course race board will give itself:
1. A development class with box rules and controlled development periods, (E.g. 4 year cycles as in the FW and FE classes) in contrast to the OD format.
2. A "tailor made" hull shape allowing excellent high and low wind performance.
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The International Raceboard Class (IRC) is undergoing a transformation - the introduction of revised Class Rules in the New Year and with it a new logo. Modern "hybrid" raceboards and increased maximum sail size (9.5 men, 8.5 women) will ensure that the IRC enters a period of expansion and further development. Already 3 of the hybrid models tested at the Olympic Evaluation Trials are in production; and of course the new Olympic equipment, Neil Pryde RS:X is class legal.
