What do youths sailors think of FOD ?…
Here are some comments from youth sailors who opted to race FOD at the FW Worlds in Portugal.
Pablo Ania Barrachina (ESP16)
19 Years old -Finished 39th out of 85
His comments:
“The FOD is a really good idea, good for media, faster, more interesting for TV. The RS:X is a hybrid and doesn’t work very well. Only people who want to go to the Olympics are on RS:X. Formula is much more popular.
It is possible to use the kit from 6-25knots but the heavier people will have the advantage in stronger wind and light people will have the advantage in light wind.”
He would go for the Olympics if FOD was in, but not if the RS:X remained.
Joanna Wright (GBR592)
17 Years old. Finished 14th out of 15
Her comments:
“The FOD has more potential than the RS:X, by less pumping, less injuries. It will appeal to more people; more time planing which is what windsurfing is all about.
The FOD kit can be easily raced in 6-25knots.”
She would campaign for the Olympics if the FOD was in, but not if the RS:X remained.
Maciek Rutkowski (POL 23)
17 Years Old . Finished 49th out of 85
His comments:
“The FOD planes early, easy in light conditions to use, range is pretty big with many possibilities of trimming with adjustable down and outhauls. The FOD is way more competitive than RS:X in planing conditions. Yes the FOD can be raced from 6-25knots.”
He would campaign for the Olympics if the FOD was in, but not if the RS:X remained.
Morane Demont (FRA59)
15 years old -She is 53kg.
Her comments:
“The FOD kit is really good, really easy, everyone will like it.”
She would try for the Olympics if FOD was in, but not if the RS:X remained.
As these young racers were competing against seniors it was agreed they could opt to use a change down sail.
Morane used the FOD kit in 5 races out of 11. She could handle the gear from 6-16knots and then changed down to an 8.5m sail.
Joanne used the FOD kit until 20+knots and changed down to an 8.5m sail.
Maciek and Pablo used the FOD kit until 20 +knots then changed down to a 10m. However, the boys also had the opportunity to test the 9.5 FOD sail in a wide range of conditions.
Conclusion -The Formula Windsurfing One Design’s Youth division offers a feeder class on identical equipment to the Formula Windsurfing One Design with 8.5m2 and 9.5m2 rigs.
Allison Shreeve summed up the feelings of all the competitors -senior and youth – sailing the FOD :
“Everyone believes this is the future of Olympic windsurfing – more attractive for athletes, new comers to the sport and the media; less injuries, more fun in general, cheaper, lighter to travel with.”
