The BrisVegas Windfoil Pro at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron - Preview

Windfoil Nationals 2020 © Mitchell Pearson / SurfSailKite

Windsurfing Queensland will be hosting the Bris Vegas Windfoil Pro' from January 29 to 31 at The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Sponsored by Patrik Windsurfing, three days of epic racing in summer sea breezes is expected on the beautiful sailing grounds of Waterloo Bay.

Twenty-two entries have already been confirmed with over two weeks to go until the first warning signal, with only two entries not originating from Queensland. This is a sensational number considering current border restrictions and uncertainty of pain free travel to the Sunshine State.

Event organizer Mitch Pearson said that 'While it is a disappointment not to be able to get a full fleet from across the country into the state in this environment it is extremely heartening to have so many entries from Queensland. This shows to us that the class has a bright future in Queensland and that we have the potential to be a real force in the class for years to come'.

The IQFoil class, commencing its participation in the Olympics at Paris 2024, will have its own division at the Windfoil Pro with a number of the country's top prospects, both men and women, signed on for some competitive racing. It is essential that these athletes obtain as much race practice as possible leading up to future international competitions and that they garner specific experience such as how to manage a large fleet start line. We are proud that we will be able to provide such an experience to these sailors.

At the heart of all windsurf racing are the sailors who are there not to win the title or gain selection to an Olympic squad but to race against their mates and enjoy the regatta to the fullest. There are also newcomers to the class who wish to experience racing before they decide to commit more time and money to the cause. The free foil division, with a maximum sail size of 8 m and a shortened course provides the ideal scenario for these sailors to come experience what windfoil racing has to offer. With free foil entries making up over a third of entries so far there looks to be some fun battles and exciting foiling ahead.

The regatta will consist of fifteen races over the three days with the possibility of a marathon around the confines of Waterloo Bay. If the wind is light (sub 8 knots) then Slalom racing will be on the cards. With a broad reach zig zag course, slalom is a visually spectacular format for wind foil racing where a combination of outright speed, gybing ability and courage is required to come out on top. Popular with the Professional Windsurfing Tour (PWA) and easier to run close to shore this format is sure to please the spectators.

Be sure to check out social media pages over the course of the regatta to find scores, updates and photos from the action out on the bay.