clarence said..
I have no experience with foils myself.
So i suppose there are a few questions/comments:
1) how many people have foils and do they intend on competing with them?
2) I can find out from Australian Windsurfing Association what rules they have regarding foils.
3) as it is freerace as opposed to "tighter" slalom style racing, there is not as much need to sail close to other sailors (maybe a "distance" rule for people on foils???).
There are already lots of protocols for windsurfing events (eg inbound wave sailor to give way; give way to starboard on course racing etc). If in doubt making such a rule in the meantime (eg foil gives way or minimum distance to conventional boards) could work.
At this stage WT events are open to foils, but I think like many new innovations, that may well evolve.
Clarence
Hi Clarence, be good if you could get some guidance on this from the AWA.
I'm not sure the argument stacks up that sailors (with foils) need to demonstrate they are proficient before they can race, as there will always be new people getting gear and there has never been that provision for sailing normal windsurfing gear. Most sailors that are racing will know whether they should be competing and if competing, then on what gear they compete. I'm fine with not allowing foils into the racing, but also thought it a great opportunity to include foils straight up, so the racing is inclusive.
I have bought a foil and a dedicated foil-board and did intent to use it to race when the winds are light, but happy to give those light-wind events a miss if foils aren't allowed.
