Junior (U17):

The RYA supports the Techno 293 through the UK Class Association, Regional Training Groups and selection for international support and competition

Sailors develop key racing and windsurfing skills that will help them through their windsurfing career. Foil racing is available to juniors through several class avenues and should be done to develop skills outside of racing. Or may form part of an early transition for some sailors. 

Youth: (U19)

The RYA support the new iQFOiL Youth class. This equipment will be contested at world and continental championships run by the International iQFOiL Youth Class Association. 

UK teams, youth squads and open training at this age group will reflect the use of this equipment.

Senior Transition (U21)

The RYA support iQFOiL male and female Olympic class equipment.

I’m currently a RTG sailor, what do I do?

At the moment keep training on your Techno, and develop as many shortboarding skills as you can. As your skills progress look at what opportunities there might be to have a go at foiling for fun. 

Get out on a foil where you can and if you are in your last 2 year of techno perhaps sign up to the class Transition youth training. 

I’m coming to the end of Zone/Regional Training groups/National Junior Squad do I need to buy a one design foil?

If you’ve already had a go and want to keep progressing, then this would be a smart move. However short term any foiling kit that helps you progress your skills would be great.

I’m already too big for Techno, but I’m not yet youth age?

Transition time is different for everyone, if you feel you’ve outgrown Techno then it’s time to switch to a more dedicated Foil Pathway. If you’re already foiling then this kit can start to become more race dedicated, see the attached guide. 

What will the Youth Olympics be contested on?

This is currently undecided and could be either Techno Plus or Foil, with course racing and slalom. Once we know we will let you know.

What will the World Sailing Youth Worlds be contested on?

Currently no Notice of race for 2021 has been published to nothing has been confirmed however we believe it will be the Techno Plus. 

Do I need to buy the iQFoil one design kit asap?

If you are already performing at a senior level then the senior equipment would be the best thing to order. For those in Youth and Transition you can currently train on any kit and depending on your level this can be more race dedicated. The Youth IQFoil kit has just been accepted as a Youth class by World sailing. This will be ratified on the 31st of October. It is available for order with 30 sets about to arrive in the UK. 

How do I get in the Youth Squad?

The selection for a U19 squad will be for the 2022 Youth Performance Squad starting in the Autumn 2021, this will be primarily selected from Youth Nationals 2021. If you are already on senior kit and you are aiming at racing at senior level long term you need to target selection to the British Sailing Team.

Is there a Youth Foil one design kit?

Yes, the iQFOiL Youth.

I’m over 19 what kit should I be getting?

Depending on ability, the iQFOiL Senior.

I’m over 19 and need to learn to foil but have no kit

Get involved with your local training centre and build some skills. From there you will quickly be able to move onto race kit, train with the class and compete at the UKWA.

I’ve transitioned, what training should I sign up to?

Class open training, but also attend the Youth National Championships.

Is there an IQFoil Youth World Championships?

Yes- It will be held in Lake Garda in the last week of July 2021

Is there an IQFoil European Championships?

Not yet confirmed but this is likely to be on Spain's Costa Brava next year.

Is there a Youth Division at the Senior World Championships?

Yes, it will be U21 and will be raced within the main fleet with the results extracted. You must race under the same equipment rules as those over 21- ie. No change downs. 

Why don’t I just go straight onto Senior Equipment?

This could be an option. If you’re male and over 70/75kgs or Female and over 65kgs then this may be the best setup for you. However leading fleets at Youth level usually translates to more success at senior level. Building Youth racing experience usually promotes a smoother transition into a senior pathway. Short term the youth equipment is also more cost-effective option. The price of senior kit will come down in the next 12 months as it starts to appear second hand. 

I’m not sure that these answers cover me, who should I contact?

Everyone will have a slightly different pathway, email Sam Ross on sam.ross.net@live.co.uk and he can help work out what your next steps are in terms of kit, training and events.