International Raceboard Class

Sailed with 7.5m, 5 races in three days. First race wind was 12-25 knots, dropping to 4-13 knots for second to fourth races. The last race was only one upwind leg (high factor of luck).

The 2008 AGM of the Raceboard Class will be held on Thursday 14th August during the Worlds in Sopot, Poland. ......( more )

Ten complete board and rig packages from Bic Sport have been made available for charter by competitors entering the Raceboard Youth World Championship in Sopot.

The Bic One Design Hybrid board will be supplied with the Bic One Design 8.5 rig

Application for charter should be made to the Secretary as soon as possible, at the latest by 23rd July.

An "open" division, for sailors aged between youth and masters categories, has been included in the schedule of events for the forthcoming Sopot Junior Youth and Masters Festival.

The Notice of Race has been amended to incude the Raceboard Europeans; and the deadline for online entry extended.

Last April the Open Championship of Argentina 2008 took place here in Mendoza. It was the first date of The National Shedule. There were 83 participants - we were visited by sailors from Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

Results

New rule, valid from January 1st 2009 till December 31st 2012, as approved in ISAF Submission: 228-07

For video and photo gallery from the event go to

http://www.albaria.com/1pagina/1pagina08/windsurf_europei_giovanili_civitavecchia_2.htm

Many thanks to Vincenzo Baglione from the Albaria Club in Mondelo,Sicily, who has once again generously let us use his photos. He more than deserves a plug for www.albaria.com and this year’s World Festival on the Beach

You will also find a report and more photos via the host club (the Lega Navale Civitavecchia) website or via the following link: http://www.lnicivitavecchia.it/Quadri_Int/Camp_EU08.htm

Congratulations also to French duo and regular competitors at class championships - Bernard Buren (FRA 1881) leading grand master and Jean Asia (FRA 171) as first placed in veteran division.

With perennial men's and women's champs Dennis Winstanley and Karen Constable taking this year off, the 2008 Windsurfer One Design championship on the Gippsland Lakes was always going to be hotly contested. The only problem was the Victorian government, which put up "no windsurfing" signs and warned of dangerous algae.

Arguably the Exocet produced "Kona One" started the longboard revival which has seen a number of other manufacturers follow. The Kona has quickly gained popularity and momentum as an all weather cruising board and as a One Design Class in its own right. LBWS thought that it was timely to investigate the board . . .

Sadly that's it, no more racing at Civitavecchia, so Sunday's three races constitute the Championship. Marco Baglione and Paco Wirz are therefore Youth and Masters Champions.

Final Results

Italian Marco Baglione has established a clear lead in the Youth Fleet with three bullets as storms have now subsided to allow three races on Day 2 of the Raceboard Youth and Masters Europeans at Civitavecchia.......( more )

Notice of Race - CAMPEONATO ABIERTO DE LA REPUBLICA 2008, 1ra Fecha, Ranking Argentino de Windsurf 2008, Potrerillos, Mendoza, Del 27 al 30 de Marzo de 2008

Competitors were warmly welcomed by the city of Civitavecchia during the opening ceremony following a colourful parade through the town. 7 countries are represented in the Raceboard fleets: ESP, FRA, GBR, GER, ITA, SUI and SVK but the overall competitor list, including techno sailors, numbers some 163 so it is a fantastic turnout. Click here to view full entry list.......( more )

Raceboard masters arrive in Civitavecchia, near Rome, this week for the eagerly awaited 2008 European Championships. This early season event gives the opportunity for rivals for this year's world titles to test the strength of the opposition!......( more )

The Notice of Race for the SOPOT Junior, Youth and Masters Festival of Windsurfing has now been published. This event includes the World Championships for Techno 6.8 and 7.8, Raceboard Youth and Raceboard Masters.......( more )

A limited number of Bic One Design Hybrid boards, complete with the new OD 8.5 rig, are available for charter to raceboard youths wishing to attend the forthcoming European Championships in Civitavecchia from 20 to 24 March.......( more )

Patrik Pollak SVK1 has recently posted this video of the Raceboard Worlds held in Argentina 2007 on YouTube. Sit back and enjoy!

Part One
Part Two

It will be available in higher resolution on his website at a later date.

The XXVII Argentinian Windsurfing Championship was held from December 5th to 9th in the Rio de la Plata waters. The organization of the Event was headed by the Metropolitan Windsurfing Association (MWA), Peru Beach Board Store and the Argentinian Association of Sailing Boards (AASB). Audit was performed by the Argentinian Yachting Federation (AYF).

These are the 2007 Argentine Champions: Fernando Consorte, Guillermo Zerga, Gustavo Idoyaga and Jose Bandoel.......( more )

The event web site www.trecc2008.it is now live! Go visit for all the information you need for the Civitavecchia Festival of Windsurfing in March.

The Notice of Race for the 2008 Junior, Youth and Masters European Championships taking place at Lega Navale, Civitavecchia, Italy from 20 to 24 March 2008 has now been published. Event information and links can be found on the competition page.

Congratulations to James Grunfelder on winning the 2007-08 Aussie Raceboard nationals. Great to see so many people, especially the next generation of racers enjoying such a great event. Results, report and photos on the Windsurfing NSW website or view the post event newsletter here.

Lega Navale, Civitavecchia will host the 2008 European Championship for Techno 293 (junior racers) and Raceboard Youth and Masters.

IWA Executive Secretary, Ceri Williams, has just returned from a visit to Italy to conclude the contract and discuss arrangements for the event with Marco Corti, Club President, and members of his organising committee.

A couple of enthusiasts in Australia have recently launched a website called LBWS - longboard windsurfing. The site aims to provide a forum for longboard enthusiasts from around the world to come together to discuss longboard windsurfing. Check it out!

Mariano Reutemann takes the World Champion title!

Finally, the blue and white flag fluttered timidly to indicate that the Raceboard World Championships Potrerillos 2007 had reached its conclusion and gave the Championship title to Argentinian Mariano Reutemann.......( more )

Now ten races have been completed. Argentinian Mariano Reuteman seems secure at the top on his Phantom 380 as his nett points equal 13, a full 27 points ahead of his nearest rival. ......( more )

Another two races have been completed making eight so far and what a difference a day makes, particularly for Brazilian Paulo Dos Reis who has slipped down to third place, a position shared with Patrik Pollak and Martin Berardo from Argentina sailing an Equipe. Pierre Loquet's (FRA) third and second have lifted him to second place overall. Mariano Reuteman has strengthened his hold on the top position by adding another two bullets.

Patricia Castro and Demita Vega shared the day's honours by taking one first and one second each so Patricia maintains her four point lead.

67 competitors from 10 countries, 3 continents, have registered in Mendoza and perfect conditions have enabled 6 races so far. One discard now comes into play.

Lightweight Mariano Reutemann (ARG 8) leads the overall results on his Phantom 380. ......( more )

Competitors are registering before the start of competition in beautiful Mendoza. Stay tuned for more news, or visit the event website

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 5 September 2007 have now been published.

A further 2 races on the last day to complete a full series of 12 races for all fleets.

A great end to a successful championship. The organiser, Asier Fernandez, and his team, backed by the island authority and Balearic Island government, have delivered a memorable event at the first attempt.

Full results

Notice of Race has been published for Tallinn Week, September 21st- 23rd 2007, Tallinn Olympic Yachting Centre.

For accommodation we have offer ......( more )

Over 200 competitors from 14 countries, representing 3 continents, have converged upon the beautiful island of Formentera for the 2007 Junior, Youth and Masters World Championships......( more )

8 Fecha "CAMPEONATO ANUAL 2007 A.M.S.V" - 15 y 16 de Setiembre - Sede: Guarderia Puerto Tablas" - Notice of Race

RSCC Chiemsee will be happy to welcome you to the following back to back / parallel races End of September:

Bavarian Masters
28 September 07
(Raceboard 7.5m/9.5m, Formula)

Chiemsee Insel-Marathon
29-30 September 07
(Open Class, RS:X, Raceboard 7.5m, Raceboard 9.5m) ......( more )

Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of the International Raceboard Class to be held on Wednesday 5 September 2007 in Formentera, Spain.

Official notice for all Competitors attending the Championships in Formentera. ......( more )

Grand Master and Veteran divisions have been added to the prize categories for the 2007 Raceboard Worlds. The event organisers have responded to requests from "committed" raceboarders around the World to add these divisions - such is the attraction of the venue and the infectious enthusiasm of Argentina's racers!

Accommodation......( more )

French competitor Antoine Bonnet scored a perfect 4 wins to count out of five races for the longboard fleet during the North sea Cup event held on 12/13 May in Ostend, Belgium.......( more )

The 2007 Worlds will take place on Lake Potrerillos, near Mendoza City, Mendoza Province, Argentina, from 1st to 7th October.

Located near to the Andes mountain range the Lake is superbly located and, fortunately, it is blessed with consistant thermic winds.

The organisers, Asociacion Mendocina de Windsurf, are regular visitors to Raceboard championships and know what is required to host a truly memorable event.

In addition to a great location they are offering free accommodation for all competitors.

Notice of Race, entry forms and some info about the City of Mendoza now available.

ASA Israel and the Israel Yachting Association are pleased to announce the 23rd International ASA Windsurfing Championship & the 13th Winter Games to be held at Eilat, Israel from 24-27 February 2008. ......( more )

Racing for T293, Raceboard, Hybrid, RS:X together with FW and FE takes place at Oostende, Belgium over the weekend of 11/12 May. View Notice of Race and event poster.

16th May until 20th May 2007 in Mondello, Palermo, including:

2007 World Festival On The Beach 16-20 May
2007 Nation Cup 16-20 May
2007 Sicily Grand Prix International Race 19-20 May......( more )

Yesterday, 18th, a perfect sunny day on the Cote D'Azur - but unfortunately NO wind.

But today, at last, the wind arrived; time to finalise 2 races for men and one each for women and youth.......( more )

Two races today, except for the women's fleet, and enough races completed for a valid championship. ......( more )

A beautiful, sunny day here on the Bay of Bandol . . . but, sadly, no wind!

It looked for a short while, during mid afternoon, that a sea breeze may arrive, and the Race Officer prepared to call out the sailors. However, it was not to be.So no results today; instead view the Equipment List - who is using what board and sail.

Per Andersson gave much to the Raceboard Class through his involvement in the Starboard and Severne development programmes. We were extremely sad to hear of his passing in Thailand at Easter. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

A difficult first day for both the race committee and the competitors!......( more )

Racing has started at the 2007 Raceboard Europeans in the Bay of Bandol, situated on the beautiful Cote D'Azur, Southern France.......( more )

Notice of Race has now been published for the Raceboard Youth and Masters Championships taking place in Formentera, Spain from the 1st to 7th September 2007

From the 8th to 11th of March the "Open Championship of the Republic" was hosted by the Asociacion Mendocina de Windsurf (AMW) on Potrerillos Lake, near Mendoza in the Argentine. ......( more )

.... Popular Raceboard Venue! The Calema Midwinters is one of the few international regattas that attracts competitors from across all the "racing" classes - pro, olympic, amateur - and this year was no exception: Formula; Raceboard, longboard and hybrid; RSX, Prodigy and Kona.

The Raceboard Class was well represented - both longboard and hybrid - RSX, Prodigy and Kona.

Visit the new Calema website for race results, photo gallery and video

The Youths and Masters World Championships 2007 will be an event combined with the Techno 293 World Championships. It will run from 1st to 7th September, in Formentura, Spain. For a preview of the event, click here.

There has been a change of venue for the 2007 Raceboard Europeans - Bandol, Cote d'Azur, S.France; the dates remain unchanged. Many thanks to the Societe Nautique de Bandol for offering to host the championship.

The Notice of Race is now published. Competitors are requested to "pre enter" online via the IWA Website, as this will assist the organisers with their final preparations. Closing date for entry, with payment, March 31st.

Visit the club website: http://www.sn-bandol.com/

2006 has been a successful year for the development of the class with the industry introducing new models of both hybrid and longboard.

2007 looks promising for the continued "re-invention" of raceboard racing, with championships once again featuring boy and girl youth titles.

January 12-14 2007 (week before Olympic Classes Regatta),
Miami, Florida

Classes:
Formula
RS:X
Open Hybrid
Prodigy
Kona
Raceboard
......( more )

Minutes of the International Raceboard Class Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 23^rd November 2006 in Pattaya have now been published

A further 2 races on the last day of the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championships. Patrik Pollak (SVK 1) seemed to have an unnassailable lead going into the last day of the championships - and a first place in Race 9 was enough to secure the championships and the World Title.......( more )

Patrik extends his lead, but too close to call for 2^nd place . . .......( more )

After a further two races today at the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championships the title chase is getting closer between the top 3! ......( more )

After 5 races Patrik Pollak (SVK 1) is leading the charge for the title in the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championships. With two first and two second places he just keeps his nose in front of second placed Riccardo Giordano (ITA 12). ......( more )

The first day of racing at the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championships was notable only for the widely fluctuating conditions at the Northpoint beachfront, Wong-Amat Beach, Pattaya. ......( more )

The second day of the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championships was spent completing sailor and equipment registration; and the competitors were putting the time to good use making final preparations to their boards and rigs.......( more )

The opening night of the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championship was a spectacular occasion. More than 800 people - sailors, officials, and guests - attended a gala evening hosted by Raimon Land and Northpoint. ......( more )

Ceri Williams, Classes Representative on the ISAF Windsurfing Committee, filed this report on the meetings he attended during the week long conference. See also a summary of the daily reports published on the ISAF website.......( more )

Bright event attended by 93 competitors including POL, DEN, SWE, SVL, GER, ESP......( more )

Agenda and Proposals have been published for the AGM to be held on 23 November 2006

The 2006 Worlds promises to be a bit special. ......( more )

Members are reminded that the closing date for poposals to be added to the agenda of the forthcoming AGM is 30th October.......( more )

Superstar Julien Quentel will be riding for Starboard on a new Phantom raceboard model that will be officially unveiled at the Raceboard Worlds to be held in Pattaya, Thailand - home to some of the World's leading windsurfing companies.

10 of these brand new models will be available for charter and 5 Serenity boards will be on demo at the event site.

To charter a Phantom contact Thanit Raksanaves

Exocet have introduced a new "longboard" to the Raceboard scene: http://www.exocet-original.com/products/warpx.asp

Action shots featuring Exocet's Patrice Belbeoch on: http://www.exocet-original.com/forum/read.asp?ID=1793

Notice is given for the 2006 Annual General Meeting of the International Raceboard Class.

Venue - Pattaya,Thailand.
Date - Thursday, 23rd November 2006

Agenda

Following the successful introduction of the new Phantom to the racing scene Starboard are offering to provide charter boards for the forthcoming Worlds in Thailand. Full details will follow - but another great opportunity to combine a holiday in the sun with some great recreational racing.

The charter price for a Kona board during the Raceboard Worlds is Euro 100.

To charter a Kona Board, contact Exocet for booking and further information; before 1st November 2006.

Following closely behind the the 2006 Raceboard Worlds will be the inaugural International Championships of the Kona class.

The events will be held in Pattaya,Thailand - the Raceboard Worlds from 18th to 25th November, followed by the Kona Championships from 28th November to 3rd December.

To learn more about the "Kona Concept" go to:

http://www.exocet-original.com/kona-windsurfing/concept.asp

You will find a link to the Kona website on right hand side of this homepage.

Charter boards will be available - for both championships - but must be ordered by November 1st.

For details and Notice of Race visit the Kona website (Events), or:

http://www.exocet-original.com/kona-windsurfing/notice-of-race.asp

Three races today for the Youths in great sailing conditions - giving the fleet a second discard and an 11 race series.......( more )

Overnight leader Paco Wirz (ITA 1) emerged as 2006 Masters Champion with a first and a fourth place in today's racing. ......( more )

Kevin Festocq (FRA 12) continued his dominant form with 2 more first places - 6 straight wins!......( more )

Another light wind day, and another 2 races completed. The early signs were promising - sailors arriving at the race site in the morning were faced with a 9/10 knot breeze that looked to be increasing.......( more )

Notice of Race for the Raceboard Worlds in Pattaya,Thailand
from 18 to 25 November 2006 has now been published.

The Official event web site for the Junior Youth and Masters Worlds in Marsala is now on line. Some more details in English will be given later. The competitors will find the information how to reach Marsala, the hotel accommodation and prices as well as the official notice of race and the entry form. Further information will be loaded later.

As concerns the camper allocation, we don't have a special area for campers. However they can be parked near the clubs and the competitors can use the facilities the clubs offer.

We have pleasure in presenting our Associate Membership proposal for 2006

This year's Raceboard World Championships is now confirmed for Thailand from 18th to 26th November.

The event will be organised by the Eastern Windsurfing Club supported by the Windsurfing Association of Thailand, an experienced team who have organised many championshps in the past, including Formula and Mistral World Championships.

As with previous championships the venue will be Pattaya; the official hotel - Pattaya Park Beach Resort; and an excess baggage allowance with official airline - Thai Airways - will be confirmed soon.

The Notice of Race will be available shortly - reserve the dates in your diary - NOW!

The Notice of Race for the 2006 Raceboard Youth and Masters World Championship is now published.

The championships form part of the established Junior, Youth & Masters Festival, and take place in Marsala, Sicily, from 31st July to 6th August.

The Raceboard Youth Worlds will be competed only on "hybrid" raceboards, and competitors are limited to using sails of 8.5 sq.m maximum size.

The Raceboard Masters Worlds will include a "hybrid" division, and the Mistral (MOD) Masters.

Competitors may register a pre-entry, or pay online via IWA website.

Read an interesting report on the Kona by Patis "Pop" Waivong. Click on "The Newsletter Online Issue 18" on the Exocet website to view.

If you are travelling to the forthcoming South American Windsurfing Championships in the Province of Chubut, ARG, please contact Claudia Cordi, in the Department of Tourism, who is waiting to help you finalise your arrangements. Claudia is co-ordinating with the official airline - Aerolinus Argentinas

Twenty six competitors completed a 7 race series at the Australian Nationals hosted by Dobroyd Aquatic Club, NSW over the weekend 21/22 January.......( more )

The last AGM of the International Raceboard Class elected to include "hybrid" raceboards as a division of the class.

Hybrids are defined as raceboards having a maximum length of 320 cm. In all other respects the standard class rules apply - the other key points relating to a board dimensions: minimum length 270cm, and maximum width 100.5cm.

Equipment Rules relating to weight, fin, centreboard, sail and rig components, and limitations, are unchanged (link to Class Rules )

Additionally, at the 2006 Raceboard Youth World Championships competitors will be limited to registering hybrid boards.

At all other Class Championhips hybrid will be a prize category with "class titles" . . . unless otherwise stated.

Dear friends,

I want to invite you all to probably one of the best events in the last five years of South America. The South American Championships will be held in the Patagonia Argentina, well known as one of the most beautiful places in earth. The event will take part from the 10th to the 19th of March. ......( more )

Friday March 10 to Sunday March 19 in Puerto Madryn, Province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina - RSX; Formula Windsurfing, & Race board, Slalom, Freestyle - Notice of Race

From 15 to 18 January 06 we are going to have ASA championships in Eilat, Israel. Usually a windy spot - eternel summer! Nice party town. (Notice of Race)

The week before, the Israeli team and all Israeli sailors will be training on the site. We can help with some technical stuff. A big minim (u15) and juniors (u17)event (last year 100 alohas and 30 6.6) but everyone is invited. Contact me for any details.

Yair Suari

Due to the come back trend of the industry, going back to the roots and getting longer, the originally Hybrid Raceboard named comparison chart is now extended and includes new hybrid boards also for leisure and family sailing, special concepts like Serenity and old style traditional raceboards. You can watch a hybrid board / long board comparison chart from brand names Bic, Exocet, F2, Fanatic, Neil Pryde, Starboard, Tabou and also some pictures of these boards.

A guide to the range of sails currently available for use by Raceboard sailors can be viewed on dwsv.net. NB: This list is a guide only and may not be an exhaustive list of sails available.

The 26th Singapore Open Windsurfing Championship will be held at the East Coast beach in Singapore. It is an annual event organized by the BSAS with the support of the Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF). ......( more )

Dobroyd Aquatic Club, Rodd Point, NSW, 21/22 January 2006 - RSX, Raceboard including IMCO, Women, Hybrid, Masters, Open, Youth. Notice of Race / View poster

Notice of Race II "Bay of Cadiz - New Year" Training Race for RS:X, IMCO, MJOD, TECHNO 293 and RACEBOARD - Puerto Santa Maria, Cadiz, Spain, January 2006 - CHANGE TO SCHEDULE and ENTRY FORM

(RS:X, MOD, MJOD, Techno 293 & Raceboard) Puerto Santa Maria, Cadiz, Spain - January 2nd to 4th, 2006. Notice of Race

Two more races today brought the 2005 Raceboard World Championships to a close in Cadiz. After a total of twelve races, Julien Bontemps (FRA) has held on to the top slot to take the Raceboard World Champion title for 2005. Nicolas Huguet (FRA) has moved up to second place whilst Joeri van Dijk has managed to kick Curro Manchon off the podium - same overall total of points but the tie is broken on discards.

Men's results - Gold Fleet

Men's Results - Silver Fleet

In the ladies, Carmen Vaz takes the Raceboard Women's Championship title. Bryony Shaw (GBR) and Faustine Merret (FRA) kept hold of their second and third places. Lucy Horwood's two bullets today brought her up from eighth to sixth but this final flourish is not enough to put her on the podium.

Women's results

Some dramatic changes at the top of the leaderboard after another three races today, ......( more )

Patrik Pollak (SVK) is back at the top of the Men's leaderboard after scoring two wins in three races today. ......( more )

Another 2 races were held yesterday (Wednesday) at the Raceboard Worlds in Cadiz in light winds. ......( more )

El Puerto de Santa Maria, October 4th - The more than 130 windsurfers from 24 countries gathered in Cadiz, Spain to compete in the Raceboard Worlds were faced with difficult wind conditions on the first day of racing. ......( more )

Race Two......( more )

More results from the first race: ......( more )

Racing is under way in Cadiz for the 93 men and 35 women from 24 countries, spanning 4 continents. ......( more )

Olympic gold medallist Faustine MERRET (FRA) and Mistral World Champion Nicolas HUGUET (FRA) took the spoils in Spain as the RS:X Cadiz Race drew to a close this afternoon. With over 100 windsurfers competing, the event is by far the largest for the new RS:X board to date and has provided a fascinating glimpse at the future of Olympic windsurfing.

Around 100 of the World's best windsurfers are heading to Cadiz, Spain for the largest Neil Pryde RS:X event to date.

The revised agenda, including proposals, has now been published.

Following on from last year's successful event the Notice of Race for the 2006 'Bay of Cadiz - New Year' Training Race has been published.

For 2006 the race has been opened up to the Rceboard Class, in addition to IMCO and MJOD sailors.

A wonderful opportunity to get some early season training - many sailors and teams combine the event with training both before and after the race.

To find out more contact Deborah Powell

Competitors entering the Raceboard Worlds in Cadiz are reminded of the requirement to be a member of their National Raceboard Class Association......( more )

It seems that some sailors and coaches think that, by entering for the RS:X event, they have entered for the Raceboard Worlds and vice versa.......( more )

Some confusion still exists regarding RSX status as an ISAF Production Raceboard. This is due to the fact the board has not yet been added to the 'official' ISAF list. This is merely an administrative error and will be corrected. Many RSX sailors have already entered the 2005 Raceboard Worlds in Cadiz.

The agenda has now been published.

Competitors are reminded to submit their entries by Sept 10th if they wish to take of advantage of the cheaper pre-entry fee.

Preliminary notice is given of the 2005 International Raceboard Class Annual General Meeting which will take place during the forthcoming World Championships, Cadiz, Spain.......( more )

32 year old Patrik Pollak of Slovakia was undeniably the European Champion of the event, winning eight out of a total of nine races for the Raceboard Fleet. ......( more )

After the strong winds of Wednesday, today started very calm, only 15 degrees, and wet! However, all the competitors were sent out on the water and racing began as the wind showed up. Three races in all today and results and photos can be found on the event website

Frustrated competitors waited on shore all day because it was too windy for competition! Gusty offshore winds of 37 knots were recorded and hopes of competition were finally abandoned shortly after 4.00 pm local time......( more )

Registration is under way at Sopot. Some competitors have been testing the water but conditions are extremely light with a mixture of sunshine and showers. A great carnival atmosphere awaited those who ventured into town for the Sopot Festival. Competition starts Tuesday.

Swedish Windsurfing Association in cooperation with Swedish sailing federation will arrange Open International Swedish Championship for the Olympic classes. The event will be held in Nynashamn, Sweden between 18th to 21st of August. For Windsurfing, the championship will include both RS:X and Formula Windsurfing class. All international sailors are welcome. more information

We bring you articles from the DSWV website of great interest to Raceboard competitors:

- comparison of hybrid boards

- Nick Dempsey's review of the RS:X

. . . all very exciting!

When the class rules were revised for competition from 2005 onwards, not only were the board rules relaxed to permit the use of the new generation of 'hybrid' raceboards such as those developed for the Olympic Equipment evaluation, but also the sail rules were changed.

. . . continues with the scheduling of a European Championships alongside the Junior, Youth and Masters event to be held at Sopot, Poland, in early August.

Established 'longboards' will be able to race against the new breed of 'hybrids', includng the RS:X, in the first international championships under new class rules.

Sailors entering the Raceboard Masters Worlds gain automatic entry to the Europeans as fleets will be combined for racing.

The 2005 RACEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS will be held from Sunday October 2nd to Saturday October 8th 2005, in Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain.

It is with mixed feelings we bid farewell to Rory from the post of Executive Secretary of IWA - we will miss his guiding hand on the tiller, but at the same time recognise our loss is someone else's gain. ......( more )

Welcome to the new International Raceboard Class website - a new look to promote a revitalised class. A clean and crisp look that is reflected in the 2005 Class Rules which are 'open' and uncluttered.

The class rules permit the use of virtually all existng ISAF registered production boards with a centreboard and includes 'hybrids ' such as the Mistral Prodigy and Starboard Z Class. The new olympic board - RSX - is also class legal equipment; and the Raceboard Class have a full championship calendar for 2005 starting wih a European Champonships in Sopot, Poland in August (NoR), together with the Raceboard Masters Worlds, and the Raceboard Worlds 2-8 October in Cadiz (NoR coming soon).

The further development of hybrid raceboards will continue the regeneration of interest in racing that began with Formula .

The International Raceboard Class is pleased to confirm that the Federacion Andaluza de Vela will be hosting the 2005 World Championships in Cadiz from the 2nd to the 8th of October.

With such a venue and an experienced team of regatta organisers, competitors can be confident of a memorable event, and a perfect start to a new era for the Raceboard Class.

RSX sailors and teams will welcome the opportunity to test their new equipment in the first major championships of the new olympic campaigns.

The Notice of Race will follow shortly.

ISAF have now published the Racing Rules of Sailing - Windsurf Edition. View A5 size pdf or larger A4 size pdf

IWA has launched an Associate Membership scheme aiming to unite the windsurfing industry and associated professions behind a central, focal point for competitive windsurfing - the IWA. Read the President's introduction and view the document.

Notices of Race for the Raceboard Europeans and Masters Worlds Championships to be held in Sopot, Poland from 6th to14 August 2005 are now available. Follow the links with the NoR's to find entry forms.

New instructions have been published by ISAF for Production Board Registrations.......( more )

Greg Johns (AUS) is elected IWA President for 2005 and joins the Board of Directors. Greg brings a wealth of windsurfing experience to the Association, and we welcome him on board. ......( more )

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. It is anticipated that other brands and models will follow suit. World and Continental Championships are planned for 2005 - and details being finalised now, for confirmation in January.

Also coming on line in the new year - a new look website.

Merry Christmas to past, present - and future - Raceboarders.

Roll on the New Year!

Paul Leone

Raceboard Chairman

"Congratulations and thanks are due to IWA and (Raceboard) class association, for earlier this month Raceboard was reconfirmed by ISAF as a development class for Windsurfing." But did the rule changes go far enough? Read more

Apologies for any confusion and alarm caused by a typing error in the recent report: "Windsurfing in 2005 - Executive Summary ".

The selection by ISAF of the RS-X as the equipment for use at the Olympic Games in 2008 has caused a great deal of excitement but at the same time, a lot of questions have been raised about the future structure of the sport.

Click here to read the Raceboard report made to the ISAF Windsurfing Committee at the recent ISAF Conference. Also view the new, approved Class Rules, which makes for a revitalised Class that includes "hybrid" production boards and increased max sail size of 9.5 men / 8.5 women.

Details of 2005 events coming soon.

Following the 2005 AGM, where there was general agreement that some changes in the class rules are required, ......( more )