Rio 2016 kiteboarding trials expanded

Fonte: DailySail

Wider range of sailor body physics to take to the water in Santander next month



The ISAF and IKA Kiteboarding Format Trials, for the possible inclusion of kiteboarding in the 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition has received overwhelming support by MNAs, National Class Associations and Manufacturers.

It had been originally planned for 8-12 participants, but within the application period more than 36 nominations were received from all parts of the world.

To allow a wider range of sailors to participate, the quota has been increased to 12 men and six women. In the selection process, the focus was set on including sailors from as many nations as possible, and to cover all sorts of body physics worldwide – the weight range in the mens fleet will be 63-90 kg, and in the womens fleet 56-69 kg.

The sailors chosen will be informed shortly by ISAF, all others remain on the waiting list in case a slot becomes available.

The formats to be trialled in Santander over 21-25 March will be course racing, short track, slalom and enduro.

- Course Racing: Standard windward/leeward courses with and without gates, and with the option for trapezoid course setup
- Short Track: A short windward/leeward course with a reaching start, where sailors start in groups of which only the best advance into the next round. Americas Cop-Style racing.
- Slalom: A downwind slalom course with the focus on speed and equipment handling rather than on tactics. Similar to Snowboard/Skicross in the Olympic Games
- Enduro: A combination of a short upwind course and a downwind slalom, with multiple laps and mandatory jumps.