WINDSURF
Class Code
Status
Hull Type
Year of Status
No. of Crew
No. of Trapeze
Class Designer
Hull Length
iQFOiL
Olympic Windsurfing Class
Board
2021
1
Harness
Starboard (board) and Severne (sail)
2.30 m
VERSATILITY AND
FUN ON THE WATER
The Windsurf Class, a thrilling fusion of surfing and sailing, offers a versatile sailing experience suitable for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The sport requires a board and a sail, which are connected by a mast and a boom. The sail serves as an airfoil, generating lift and propelling the windsurfer forward.
Invented in the 1960s, today windsurfing incorporates various styles and disciplines, such as freestyle, wave riding, slalom racing, course racing, and speed sailing. Wind strength and direction play a crucial role in windsurfing, with winds between 10-25 knots being ideal for most skill levels. It is considered one of the fastest sailing sports, with the current speed record set at 53.27 knots (98.65 km/h or 61.30 mph) by Antoine Albeau in 2015.
Windsurfing caters to a broad demographic, from children as young as five to seniors seeking an active pastime. Beginners can use wider, more stable boards and smaller sails for easier balancing and learning, while advanced sailors can transition to high-performance boards as their skills develop. The sport's emphasis on technique and finesse makes it suitable for both men and women, leading to its popularity in mixed-gender competitions and recreational sailing.
Windsurfing has been an Olympic sport since 1984, with the RS:X class used for both men's and women's events in the Olympics in recent years, to be replaced by the iQFOiL at Paris 2024. While it may take some time to master the basics of windsurfing, most beginners can start gliding across the water after just a few lessons.