The Future of Sailing at the Olympics: Foiling Classes Take Center Stage
Sailing has come a long way since the first sailing events of the modern Olympic era were held in France in 1900. Today, the craft have become progressively lighter and faster, with foiling classes such as Max Maeder’s kiteboarding discipline making up half of the ten Olympic events in 2024. This marks a significant sea change in the sport, with the remaining non-foiling classes being considered the slower end of the sailing spectrum.
The Rise of Foiling Classes
Max Maeder, the 17-year-old world champion representing Singapore, is part of a generation that learned to foil from the start. In contrast, there are many who are having to adapt to the changes in handling and manoeuvring which come with far greater speeds, alongside associated dangers. The evolution of craft in sailing to cater for foiling classes has been significant, with kitesurfers, iQFoil windsurfers and Nacra 17 catamaran sailors all taking to the waves with their hi-tech foils.
This change bodes well for the sport’s future as these faster classes represent a “big step forward” in attracting youth participation, says Tomasz Chamera, president of the Polish Yachting Association and a vice-president of the sport’s governing body World Sailing. “We have been suffering with the number of young people coming into the sport … they needed something more trendy, fizzy, something spectacular and the events of today are giving them this opportunity,” he says.
Max Maeder: A Poster Child for Foiling Classes
Max Maeder is a poster child for the rise in foiling classes at the Olympics. According to Max Blom, CMO of North Actionsports Group and Mystic co-founder, “Young talents like Max Maeder from Asia are significant in promoting the Olympic racing discipline and creating historic stories that could raise the sport’s profile.” Maeder will be competing in the 2024 Olympics and is favored as a strong contender. Winning a gold medal for Singapore in his discipline would be historic, as it has only been done once before in any sport, says Blom.
Gender Equity in Sailing
Another significant change in the Olympics sailing event for 2024 is achieving gender equity at event and athlete level. At the Tokyo Games, there were five men’s, four women’s, and one mixed event. However, the 2024 Olympics will provide equal representation in all events, with men and women having an equal chance to compete in their respective categories. This move towards gender equity will make sailing more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Safety and Protective Gear
With the increased speed and danger associated with foiling classes, it’s important for athletes to ensure they are protected at all times. Helmets are mandatory for all athletes in foiling classes due to the potential perils of high speed wipe-outs or crashes with other competitors or boards. In the remaining non-foiling classes, helmets are not required but all athletes must still abide by safety guidelines to ensure an injury-free event.
Conclusion
It’s clear that foiling classes are becoming an increasingly important feature in sailing events, particularly at the Olympics. With half the events at the 2024 Olympics catering to these faster classes, it’s expected that more young people will be attracted to the sport. Max Maeder, as a poster child for the rise in these classes, represents a new generation of sailors who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and making the sport more exciting than ever before. With a focus on gender equity and athlete safety, sailing is set to become more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Originally Post From https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/olympics-2024-foils-fuel-wind-of-change-for-high-speed-sailors-3103256