Foiling and Timing

Foiling is defined by speed—not just on the water, but in how quickly technology, class development, and competitive structures evolve. However, as recent discussions in the IMCA International Moth Class Association shows, timing plays a critical role in ensuring fair competition and long-term stability. Managing decision-making timelines effectively is essential to prevent unintended consequences, provide clarity for sailors and manufacturers, and keep foiling disciplines relevant in the ever-changing world of sailing.

The Moth Class recently held a vote on restricting metal vertical foils, ultimately rejecting the proposal and maintaining the class’s open development philosophy. However we should reconsider timing of effect of votes. Instead of an immediate effect, rule changes—especially those concerning equipment—should take effect after the next major championship.

The reason is simple: Moth designers and builders paused production while waiting for the vote outcome. Now, they find themselves behind in the development race, having to play catch up with the latest Biekers. This issue is not about restricting innovation, but about ensuring that changes allow all manufacturers and sailors to adapt fairly. Immediate implementation should only be considered in cases of safety concerns.

Chris Graham (who many might remember from the Moth Worlds in Dubai 2010) also raised an interesting point—rotating championship venues between windy and lighter wind locations. This would encourage design evolution that accounts for a variety of conditions rather than favoring one dominant style, especially in the view of a potential one equipment rule.

Another comment that has surfaced is the idea of introducing awards for home-built equipment. Recognizing craftsmanship and innovation is always welcome, and I am all up for this specific prize. The important thing is we do not go down the alley of "a prize for all", it’s important to keep the competitive focus clear. Too many sub-categories dilute the essence of performance-driven competition. The “holy grail” should always be peak performance.

Timing isn’t just a challenge for development classes—it’s also an issue at the Olympic level. The process of selecting equipment for Olympic sailing spans multiple cycles, often taking over a decade from early discussion to implementation. While this provides stability, it also creates the risk that the chosen equipment will no longer be at the forefront of the sport by the time it appears in the Games.

Kitefoiling, set for its Olympic debut in 2024, is an example of a foiling discipline being introduced at the right time. Wingfoiling, which is rapidly growing today, is under consideration for the 2032 Olympics. The question is: Will wingfoiling still be relevant by then? With how quickly foiling disciplines evolve, it’s possible that another innovation will have taken its place before it ever reaches the Games.

This raises a bigger question: Should World Sailing adapt its decision-making process? What mechanisms can be introduced to allow Olympic sailing to stay aligned with the real-world progression of foiling sports?