For many years the raceboard fleet in the UK had the appearance of an‘ old man ' s’ fleet. Younger sailors were taking to RS: X and Formula which seemed to offer more glamour and excitement- the RS: X with its Olympic connection and
Formula with its 12 metre sails.
100 COMPETITION RACING
RACEBOARD
REVIVAL
NOW’ S THE TIME
WORDS: ROD DAVIS
PICS: ANDY WATKINSON, JON DAVIS A MORE SERIOUS DISADVANTAGE FROM WHICH THE RACEBOARD CLASS SUFFERED WAS THAT MAJOR MANUFACTURERS – F2, FANATIC AND MISTRAL – VIRTUALLY CEASED PRODUCTION OF RACEBOARDS AND
For many years the raceboard fleet in the UK had the appearance of an‘ old man ' s’ fleet. Younger sailors were taking to RS: X and Formula which seemed to offer more glamour and excitement- the RS: X with its Olympic connection and
Formula with its 12 metre sails.
CONSEQUENTLY SAILORS WHO FAVOURED THE CLASS WERE FORCED TO DEVOTE EVEN MORE ATTENTION THAN USUAL TO MAINTAINING THEIR BOARDS AS THERE WAS NO CHANCE OF REPLACING THEM WITH NEW MODELS. However the picture has changed dramatically over the last five years as more and more youngsters realise the potential of raceboards, maybe as a result of having seen them in action on the water during UKWA events whilst sailing their Technos. Since 2016 start lines have been composed of close to 50 % of sailors under the age of 35- the pendulum swing is now well and truly a reality.
Top UK raceboard sailors such as Mark Kay, Rob and Annette Kent have assisted and encouraged youngsters coming out of the Techno class. The result being the Raceboard Europeans 2016, taking place in Brest, France, which had young Brit sailors taking the first five places in the youth ladies with Molly Howell leading home Alysia Gibson, Rebecca, Emily Kent and Alice Butts.
In the youth mens, Julian Tait took second with Tom Sambrook in fourth, Galahad Wisbey fifth, Tom Cave seventh and Toby Cave in tenth. In the men’ s fleet, Louis Morris was fourth( light) and Lewis Barnes was fourth( heavy). This just goes to show young riders are able to mix it with the very best. All of the above, plus Harriet Ellis, who won the World Championship in 2011 at the age of 18( but who could not make the Brest event), are now making serious inroads within the class.
uk
WIND SURFING
So why did raceboards spend so long in the doldrums? Manufacturers lost interest because the design had reached a point not far short of peak efficiency. There was no incentive to bring out newer models every year to tempt the buyer. With boards lasting five to ten years( or more), it’ d be tricky to justify initial outlay costs. Emphasis had shifted to shorter boards around the 320 mark, despite their lack of low wind capability.
Top UK raceboard sailors such as Mark Kay and Rob and Annette Kent have assisted and encouraged youngsters coming out of the Techno class, with the result being the Raceboard Europeans, Brest, 2016, featured young Brit sailors taking the first five places in the Youth Ladies ' fleet, Molly Howell leading home Alysia Gibson, Rebecca and Emily Kent and Alice Butts. And in the Youth Men ' s Fleet Julian Tait took 2nd