In March 2003, ISAF invited submissions from sailboard manufacturers [more] to offer a new and exciting step forward in the evolution of Olympic Windsurfing, welcoming any new design concepts put forward. In introducing the trials, ISAF wished to encourage all manufacturers to think outside the box, with the possibility that a new design could also lead to a new and improved format; that could include slalom and/or marathon racing (formats that require judges are excluded).
However, it should be noted that current ISAF policy is that any new equipment recommended should be able to conform to a measurement rule, so that as many brands as possible can be involved in the Olympic process.
A two stage approach has been adopted for the trials, with a preliminary presentation event in September 2003 in Cadiz, followed by the more formal Evaluation Event in Spring 2004.
The final list of entries to the Cadiz Presentation Event are, as follows:
Company – Product
Exocet – Flying Fish
Boards and More – One-Design
Boards and More – Prodigy
Neil Pryde – To be confirmed
Austrian Board Project – BLIP
Starboard – Olympic Prototype
Bic Sport – 293
Bic Sport – Formula
Please note that participation in the Cadiz Presentation Event is not a pre-requirement to participating in the Evaluation Event in Spring 2004.
The Invitation and initial criteria can be viewed at http://www.sailing.org/sc.asp?ID=Windsurfing_Evaluation_Events
Dates (subject to confirmation) are from the 22 – 24 September.
Related Websites
ISAF Technical Pages http://www.sailing.org/technical
