The world of sailing has changed in the last decade. With such a fast-paced evolution, it is time to analyse if our race-management systems are keeping up with the changing times. 

Australian Sailing identify 4 major foiling disciplines: WindFOIL, KiteFOIL, WingFOIL and SailFOIL (including WASZP, SKEETA ,Moth, A-Class, Nacra, etc). 
Let’s talk about conditions around foiling boats that must be considered before starting a race:
1-    In most cases, wind should range from 7 to 25 knots, measured from a drifted boat, across the whole racecourse to have a clean and safe race. 
2-    As foiling boats cross the Start Line at high speeds, the line should be placed even. In the case of not working, it is not possible to bias the pin, but instead try making the line longer.  
 
In addition, events that include foiling, must make sure to have a dedicated safety boat to the foiling course as incidents are greater and more frequent than in other classes. First aid kits including a cut kit must be onboard all safety boats. Any crew manning the safety and support boats, should have a basic knowledge of the specific class racing at the event, and any safety requirements relating to that class, e.g. Those manning safety boats at a KiteFOIL event should, at a minimum know how to disconnect the rider from the equipment in an emergency. It would be recommended that race management discuss this with a fleet representative prior to the event and give this information at the volunteer safety briefing, explaining any class specific requirements. More information can be found in the Kitefoil Racing and Training Club Handbook.

Understanding the standards and capability of the sailors is also an important factor. Different events will have different standards of sailor in their entrants. The top end may well be top class, but if it is an open fleet for which there was no qualification barrier, then the lower end may not bring the same experience to the course area. Understanding the range of capabilities will ensure race management can set courses suitable to the conditions. This can also be discussed with a class representative prior to racing.

As we now learn, foiling boats usually cross the start and finish lines at top speeds, and it is sometimes hard to record any fault with start or finish placements. It is recommended to use a recording devise to capture the boats at high speed. Phones with cameras or Go-Pros can be used.

To put in perspective how fast foiling boats travel, let’s assume perfect foiling conditions of 12knots of wind in flat water. Intermediate / advance sailor will be racing at top speeds of:

Sailing has become a lot faster, and it is important that officials are aware of the distance travelled by foiling craft related to time. This means races are a lot shorter in time, therefore, race days are more dynamic, and race management needs to be very aware of the positioning of craft as closing speeds are heightened.
 Race organisers and officials should work together with the fleet to accommodate them in the best and safest possible way.  It is not just for the sailor’s safety but also any spectator, media boat and safety boat on site. 

With even the best laid plans and preparation, things happen, so as is true for any class or race situation, it is important that race management personnel, know what they have to do and when, and make sure the entire team is briefed and processes put in place for the ‘’what ifs’’.

I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about foiling boats. I am Jose Fazio, a foiling/sailor expert, I have been an athlete and a coach for most of my life. I have competed and coached at the highest level including the Olympic games. I am pleased to be Australian Sailing National Foiling Project Manager. With the Grow and Participation team we are working hard to make sure every sailor can experience foiling. 

See you on the water!

An article on foiling safely and race administration can be read here.
An article about kitefoiling safety basics is here.

By Jose Fazio