WISSA 2010 - the 30th year!

It is hard to believe that it has been thirty years already! From the humble beginnings of home made windsurfing sleds sailing on snow and ice, to the multifaceted international organization that has evolved, it has been quite a journey. “Back in the Day” as it is said, the windsurfing rig powered “Open Class” was the only category - a mosaic of international ideas. It has always been a requirement that representatives from at least five countries compete - always ensuring diversity - but the changes brought about by wings and kites were an unexpected delight. Now it is common for kites to out number the other two classes combined.

In retrospect, the more easily transported wings and kites came along just in time. The cost of traveling overseas with a full windsurfing kit plus a sled and winter clothing has become very expensive indeed. To compensate, wissa friends are lending gear to visiting sailors from overseas. Any North American sailors with available windsurfing gear for 2010 are hereby invited to step up.

The increased travel restrictions have cut into everyone - even those traveling with just skis and kites or wings - hence the policy that takes the championships across the Atlantic each year.

This year’s event will also be the final leg of the Coup de Quebec series of kite races. As a result, the Open and Wing Classes are apt to play a diminished role when compared to last year’s event in Riga, Latvia. Furthermore, the Short Track Slalom [STS] portion of the event will be in Europe this year in accordance with what is most practical.

Each year is different. Every event has the flavor of the local culture, and the pride of the host country is always evident. The experience of participating in a WISSA event is hard to describe. It is the Olympics of ice and snow sailing.

The WISSA W.C is the oldest continually run race in the history of windsurfing - a putative water sport. It is the only international racing venue for wings and all types of hand held sails, and until proven otherwise, the oldest international race for kites [ comments are welcome about this].

We hope that you will join us in Saguenay. Race or relax. Come see the beauty of this remarkable region. Celebrate the brilliant majesty of late winter, and taste the distinctive culture of “les bluets” as they are known. The warm hospitality, customs and culture of this region are unlike any other.


Bienvenue


Happening Now

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

US Team Will Train on Lake Sunapee for WISSA Championships

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Sunapee News


Sailing Lake Sunapee at a speed of 50 mph.

Photo and Post by William Tuthill

The rain on Monday has resurfaced the big NH lakes, and fast ice will be the rule of the day this weekend on Sunapee. As we train for the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships this year- the 30th-we will have our minds on what it will be like in Saguenay, Quebec, site of this year’s event. The conditions on the lake this weekend will be similar to those encountered at last year’s WC in Riga, Latvia. Fast, and unforgiving for those who do not wax carefully. I may use blades from the Nordic Skater, a great local resource in nearby Norwich, VT, just across the bridge from Dartmouth. With blades [assuming that they are high enough to escape the drag on new snow] wax is not a factor. Thursday’s predicted snow will tell the tale. In any case, as the WC draws closer the U.S. Team will assemble on Sunapee and continue training.
Posted by Dibutil Ftalat at 21:04
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