on windsurfing's direction...
Is windsurfing going in the right direction?.

Formula boards and sails are large, we can now run races with minimal winds, maybe down to as little as 6 knots.

With the sail size limit set at 12.5 there may finally be a cap on the expense should you wish to be up to date with your racing equipment. Even with a 12.5 max, most windsurfers cannot imagine using such expanses of monofilm.

Formula R&D is very exciting and challenging, even though the big sails take so long to proto!.

I enjoy Formula racing, but there is a limit, as I much prefer my slalom and wave gear when I windsurf recreationally without a partner.

I like to go mostly across the wind, as do 95% of the windsurfers out there who enjoy wind and water.

Going across is the point of sail that for Formula gear is arguably most uncomfortable.

In direct contrast to practiced windsurfing, it is radical upwind and downwind courses where Formula racing gear performs comfortably.

Is Formula right for the Olympics?.

Many argue yes... although I remain convinced that windsurfing in the Olympics is best contested with a centerboard-style board.

Such boards do not represent the body of windsurfing, yet for that matter Formula also misses the mark.

With centerboard-type boards races can be run in VERY light winds, consequently windsurfing would not embarrass itself unnecessarily, and the big equipment chase ($) is minimized, would seem to be in tune with the Olympic spirit.

Imagine if racing across the wind became again active... I wonder what developments (speeds, effeciencies!) we might realize if reaching courses were again raced.

Such competition could broaden windsurfing's appeal and expand the envelope of sailpowered efficiency.