Following a series of evaluation events in Cadiz (ESP), Torbole (ITA) and Hayling Island and Queen Mary Reservoir (GBR), the ISAF Olympic Windsurfing Equipment Evaluation Team have chosen their recommendation for 2008.
Comprising of Chairman Rich JEFFRIES, Chris ATKINS, Ding SCHOONMAKER, Mike GEBHARDT, Jorunn HORGUN, the team recommend that ISAF selects the Niel Pryde RS-X board and associated equipment.
Rich JEFFERIES, chairman of the Evaluation Team expressed his thanks to all the manufacturers who supported the series of trials and said:
"We very much appreciate your participating and recognise how each of you helped push the others to develop the next generation of Olympic Windsurfing equipment."
The purpose of the September Selection Trials was to select the best windsurfing Equipment for the 2008 Olympic regatta, and for other associated events. Suppliers were required to present complete packages.
The four day Trials took place at two GBR venues:
-Hayling Island Sailing Club, which provided salt water, tidal and wave sailing in winds between 12 and 25 knots;
-Queen Mary Sailing Club, which provided flat water inland sailing in winds between 6 and 14 knots.
The 14 test sailors represented a good cross-section of racing windsurfer sailors. Standards ranged from Olympic medallists to Youth Squad sailors; weight from 60kg to 100kg; and sailor experience covered both Formula and long-boards.
A full report from the team is available by following the link below.