Following World Sailing’s announcement that the iQFOiL Youth (85 wide) will be the official equipment of the Youth Sailing World Championships from 2022, Australian Sailing will recognise class for selecting windfoil athletes to the Australian Youth Sailing Team in 2022, as well as for State and Futures programs.
AS recognise the need for a transitional period from existing pathway classes, while obtaining modern foiling equipment and establishing fair selection processes. One of the current challenges for windfoil is a global shortage of equipment and rising shipping costs. Dependant on supply availability, we will have a late trial at the Vic Youth Championships in April, 2022.
AS has reviewed class pathway options and conducted discussion with key suppliers and coaching staff within the pathway. The general belief is 15 sets of equipment will be available by the summer with 20 additional sets already on order for delivery ASAP early 2022. That would allow sufficient time to train and prepare on the equipment for a youth world trials in April, 2022.
AS believe that the iQFOiL Youth equipment will create a clear and conducive development pathway, gained by utilising the international class domestically and touring to class youth\junior worlds, similar to the Laser class. It is also a logical progression to iQFOiL development, which will be led by coach Arthur Brett.
For further information about iQFOiL equipment, please visit iQFOiL Youth
AS is working in conjunction with STARBOARD to ensure efficient availability and prioritised distribution of the new equipment at AS Club and related level.
Those interested in purchasing the iQFOiL Youth equipment are encouraged to register their interest online AS iQFOil Youth program. Please respond promptly and if you have any further questions, please contact either Ash Brunning – Performance Pathway Technical Manager ashley.brunning@sailing.org.au or Lesley Fasala, Performance Pathway Coordinator lesley.fasala@sailing.org.au
Q & A
Q: What will be the equipment used at the Vic Youth Championships?
A: The minimum requirements for equipment at the April 2022 AYST Windfoil selection will be
Board
- To be production and not custom made
- Width to be a maximum 85 cm
- Minimum weight - TBC. To be that of the iQFOil Youth board
Foils
- Starboard IQFoil Youth or Senior
Rigs
- Sail to be a production 8 metre or 8.5 BIC Techno Plus
- Mast, mast extension and mast base to be unlimited
- Boom to be aluminum
If you have questions regarding the equipment for the Vic Youth Championships please contact Arthur Brett – Performance Pathway Windfoil Coordinator – Arthur.brett@sailing.org.au
