Dear Competitors,
We, the steering committee for the Formula Windsurfing One Design Class (FOD), have been campaigning since March on behalf of the Starboard proposal for the Weymouth 2012 Olympic Sailing Regatta.
We hope that you have been able to review the proposal and that you will agree with us that there are only benefits to be gained from a change away from RS:X towards FOD.
Our slogan, incorporated in the Overview and Power Point presentation, summarised the reasons why we believe in this proposal:
‘Proven equipment that is simpler, faster, more affordable, more consistent, more reliable and more exciting.’
Now we want your help to ensure the message gets across to those that will decide at the Madrid ISAF Conference in november.
Is your national class association pressing your MNA (ISAF Member National Authority ) to support FOD?
If not, in this letter we would like to draw to your attention two key factors that support the need for change; please bring them to the attention of officials in your country.
1) Price, and Availability, of Equipment.
– The proposed new Olympic Equipment will retail for 2/3 of the price of the current Olympic Equipment
– The FOD equipment has proven durability; it will last longer than RS:X
– The FOD equipment will be distributed through normal windsurf shops, operating normal margins, ensuring a worldwide distribution network that will fully support the program
– Warranty and spare parts will be available in windsurf shops throughout the world
– The FOD has 3 moulds (RS:X only 1) to produce the board so can adapt fast to the demands off the market
– The feeder Youth Class, Formula Experience, uses equipment that costs less than ½ the price of the current Olympic Youth class
2) Media and Sailor Appeal.
In the conditions prescribed in the ISAF policies for ISAF Events, October 07 (6-25 knots) Formula Windsurfing is a non-pumping, planing class
– This will enhance the image of windsurfing that now very often is seen as air rowing in 6-10 knots of wind
– This reduced pumping will bring the windsurfing discipline closer to the sailing discipline
– Excessive pumping induces wear and tear on equipment and on the athlete’s body
– The light FOD equipment is especially adapted for ladies and youth sailors
– New formats.. more and shorter races, half fleet races,… can add to the already media friendly image of Formula Windsurfing.
Selecting FOD for 2012 will increase participation – not only in Formula Windsurfing, but also Olympic Windsurfing.
Yours sincerely,
The FWOD Steering Committee
Svein Rasmussen (MD -Starboard)
Tiesda You (Technical Adviser)
Remi Villa ( Chairman-Formula Experience Class)
Bruno De Wannemaeker (President -International Windsurfing Assocation)
Ceri Williams (Chairman – International FormulaWindsurfing Class)
Allison Shreeve-racer
