Foil boards are taking over the world. But could a windsurfer beat a 60-foot monohull sailing yacht down the line?
Windsurfing is evolving a lot these days, and foil systems are boosting the sport into high-speed performances never seen before; even in low wind conditions, thanks to the hydrodynamic features found in these wings.
The foil revolution, which is also taking place in surfing and kiteboarding, promises to get boardsports to a whole new level, competing directly with large watercrafts like super yachts, and racing boats.
The IMOCA 60 is a futuristic, high-performance ocean racing yacht recognized by World Sailing. This open class has few restrictions and allows owners to change beam, mast height, and sail area.
As a result, you get one of the fastest contemporary monohulls in the world. So, could a windsurfer outperform a giant of the seas?
The following video was captured during the 2017 Finist'Air Sailing, a high-tech sailing contest held in Brest, France. The event attracts windsurf and kiteboarding foil specialists, as well as high-speed sailing boats.
Are you ready to witness four foil windsurfers giving IMOCA Finistère Mer Vent a run for his money?