2008 Wrap-up

WISSA 2008 was the 28th anniversary of the longest running contest in the history of windsurfing, wing sailing and kite sailing. The conditions were epic!

With two years to plan, the organizing committee was ready. They had secured funding from the government of Canada, as well as a host of local sponsors in advance of our arrival. When not racing, competitors were treated to local delicacies, and cultural experiences such as music, food, drinks, and games. The night time distractions made it hard to find time to wax skis.


For the first time, the Kite Class had its own separate race course, while the wings and kites shared a common starting line.

RACING:

12 course races in an “up - down” configuration with 3 throwaways.

Speed Trials and a long distance marathon.

CONDITIONS:

Nearly a meter of snow fell during five days of competition. Winds ranged from moderate to gale forced with temperatures never coming above –10°C. On the last day the temperatures hovered around –20°C and wind chill values were around -40°C.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Open Class:
- A new ice sailing sled from Latvia won the Best Design award. The manufacturers successfully pitched the “short track” concept for next year’s event in Riga, Latvia.
- The all new Windski Carve was on hand for demo and testing.
- Marcel Bradette and Langis Caron from Quebec raced on their remarkable winter windsurfing skis.
- Team Poland raced on sleds provided by Janusz Butylkin (Poland) and Igor Renkas (Ukraine)
- Juha Mannermaa of Finland easily won the W.C. title. Teammate Feodor Gurvits has a new sled design which he will make available through wissa.org

Wing Class:
- North American distributor Velum Gravity had a fully staffed booth on he ice featuring demos and sales of all Kitewing products.
- Amazing wing sailor Claude Chasse of Quebec finally took the world title. Where is Vesa Leskinen now?
- Welcome to our new friends – the P Riders from Belgium. What a great team!

Kite Class:
- Virtually every major relevant kite manufacturer was represented at www.wissa2008.org
- All types of kites were put to the test. Inflatable water kites raced foil and flex kites under demanding circumstances.
- The Coupe de Quebec joined forces with WISSA to make a super kite event www.kitezone.ca

WISSA2008 will be remembered as one of the best events ever. The organizers did a great job, the conditions were challenging, and the place was extraordinary. The torch has been passed to Latvia for WISSA2009. Get ready, get psyched, the adventure continues!

Good news - Bad news

by William Tuthill

The BAD news is that YOU NEED ONE! and that will cost you (but it is worth it). The GOOD news is that it is one of Kitewing's finest creations - more about that later.

The BAD news is for racers.

This past weekend proved what I had always suspected - that the all new 7.5 square meter "Wave Warrior" from Kitewing is more than just a water wing - it is a powerhouse for winter sailing also! Imagine the difference that an extra 2 square meters of sail area makes when the winds are light or the snow is deep. I knew that it would be good, but I never realized that it would replace almost everything else!
Obviously, the 4.8 and 5.5 will always be great in fast conditions, and I still say that the 4.8 on black ice is the ultimate, but WOW! The 7.5 meter Wave Warrior has way more range than I ever expected.
To quote NASA [North American Skimbat Association] web master Rick Hobbs, "the guys at Kitewing are geniuses". I agree.
The 7.5 meter wing is more advanced than ever. It has a way of absorbing gusts, keeping power, and flying steady in almost any amount of wind. The conditions on Sunday were so gusty that the snow was flying around in small tornadoes that resembled the "dust devils" of the great Australian Outback. Violent surges of power came from all angles yet the wing steered into the flow and kept steady. Quite a feat.
The Wave Warrior 7.5 meter wing will be on display, AND on the racecourse at WISSA-2008.
Come check it out, along with several other excellent winter sailing products, at the "Trade Mission" portion of WISSA 2008.

-- Will

Other winter sailing products on display:

• ConceptAir Kites from Quebec
  
• ParaskiFlex kites from Montreal, QC
  
• Kitewing from Finland
  
• Hibernia Iceboards from Latvia
  
• Snowfer from Canada
  
• Windski from U.S.A.
  

plus several other related products from various manufacturers

Government of Canada Awards $54,000 in Funding to Corporation Fenêtre Lac Matapédia Inc.

Not bad, eh?

from news.gc.ca

Val-Brillant, Quebec, January 16, 2008 – Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced that Corporation Fenêtre Lac Matapédia Inc. will receive $54,000 in non-repayable funding to build the facilities needed to host the upcoming Ice and Snow Sailing World Championship. Sponsored by the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association, this event is scheduled to take place from February 10th to 17th in Val-Brillant. Funding for this project is awarded through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative – Vitality, a measure that seeks to support the growth of Quebec's businesses and regions.


"Winter tourism is a booming market, particularly among international travellers. The exceptional geographic and weather conditions of the Matapedia Valley are drawing a growing number of Nordic sports enthusiasts who come from near and far to experience a one-of-a-kind adventure in this magnificent Nature's playground. The contribution we are announcing today will help increase the number of visitors coming from outside Quebec and serve to enhance the region's tourism offering. It confirms the commitment our government has to bolstering the vitality of our regional economies," noted Mr. Gourde.

Corporation Fenêtre Lac Matapédia President Mario Beaulieu welcomed the news of this funding from Canada Economic Development, explaining that "this project will allow us to ensure the safety of the competition participants and spectators and to satisfy the requirements pertaining to the reliability and monitoring of the competition results. It will also enable us to carry out promotional activities to help position the Matapedia Valley as a prime destination in the winter sports market."

"Tourism is a key sector of the Quebec economy and an important source of jobs and growth for all regions of the province. For Canada Economic Development and our government as a whole, this industry is seen as a crucial link in our economic chain and one whose development is a major priority," concluded Mr. Gourde.

Sources:

Marie-Claude Lemire
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-4602
E-mail: marie-claude.lemire@dec-ced.gc.ca

Jean-Philippe Payment
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646
E-mail: jeanphilippe.payment@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca

WISSA 2008: Report from the Spot

Subject: WISSA 2008



The club house. Race committee HQ and possible gear storage/ waxing station. This is on the lake.



The main lodging. Maybe the architect liked Howard Johnson's ?



But check out the back yard! The WHOLE resort is OURS for the week!



Lost on the lake? Head for the twin steeples.



This is where meals, ceremonies, the Trade Mission, and many other activities take place. It is on the lake near the clubhouse. Everything is close. The main lodging at the mountain is connected by free shuttle bus.

Welcome to the land where the mountains meet the sea. Fresh shellfish, lobsters, and all manner of fruits de la Mer can be enjoyed with upland game, Maple syrup, and a rich array of locally farmed produce. Local dairy products are excellent as are the many items produced using the region's copious raspberries and blueberries.

The Gaspe is truly majestic. The geography and culture are special and unique to North America.

Its position down wind and up from the generally ice free gulf of St Lawrence makes it a catch basin for beaucoup de poudre and the winds are always cranking.

One whole side of Lac Matapedia is undeveloped wilderness. There are 3 towns on the lake and it is possible to sail from one to the next.

10-17 Feb.
This is a first installment. PLEASE plan on coming
Will

p.s. Bon Noel

WISSA 2008

Notice to competitors and accompanies.

Every night activities, meals and social activities of the week (see Schedule) will take place at " Parc Régional de Val-D'Irène " ski resort, the main accommodation site located at 8 km from the event. The organizing committee will daily provide a free shuttle from the lodging center to the race site in Val-Brillant. If you wish to be close of the animation, you need to book as soon as possible because the places at the main accommodation site are limited (see Wissa package). There are also some "private cottages" to rent, located less than 300m from major lodging (see lodging). If the lodging at the ski resort and his neighborhood is full, you will find others lodging facilities in the village of Val-Brillant, close to the race site.

The organizing committee of WISSA 2008 welcomes you on is web site. Good sailing!



NOTICE OF RACE (NoR)
28th ICE & SNOW SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
11 to 16th, February, 2008
Val-Brillant, Québec, Canada
Review 07-11-16

1. EVENT
1.1. The 28th World Championship will be held from Monday February 11th to Saturday February 16th 2007, on Lake Matapédia, Val-Brillant, Québec, Canada.

2. ORGANISER
2.1. The Championship is organised by Corporation Fenêtre Lac Matapédia inc. as the Local Organising Authority (LOA) for and on behalf of, and under specified conditions laid down by the World Ice Snow Sailing Association (WISSA).

3. VENUE
3.1. The event will be based at La Cédrière, Val-Brillant, wich is along Lake Matapédia
3.2. Val-Brillant is 600 km East from Montréal, the nearest international airport.

4. RULES
4.1. The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) 2005-2008 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and Appendix B - Windsurfing
4.2. The WISSA Rules
4.3. This Notice of Race (NoR) & the Sailing Instructions (SI)
4.4. The Sailing Instructions may be altered at skippers meetings
4.5. The WISSA Rules and Sailing Instructions will be available at registration and check-in
4.6. Competitors shall attend the opening & closing ceremonies, including the prize giving.

5. CLASSES
5.1. Sailboard : Any sled, rider stands with windsurfing rig
5.2. Wing : All kinds of hand held wings (no lines) whitout any ground support
5.3. Kite : Overhead sails, all kite designs, parawings and similar.

6. DIVISIONS
6.1. Group:
6.1.1 Open : All competitors (male or female)
6.1.2 Women : All female competitors
6.2. Age:
6.2.1 Youth <19 : born after February 10, 1989
6.2.2 Master 40-49: born earlier February 11, 1968
6.2.3. Grand Master+50 : born earlier February 11, 1958

7. DISCIPLINES
7.1. Course Races : Up to twelve (12) races of different course. Courses may varie for each class. A minimum of three (3) races is required for a valid Championship

7.2. Speed Trials : Up to tree (3) runs. Speed will be measured with a radar. There will be no division segregation in the speed trials
7.3. Long Distance Marathon : Course and conditions to be determined in Sailing Instructions and skippers meeting.

8. EQUIPMENT
8.1. All competitors shall bring their own equipment
8.2. The maximum sail size for Sailboard class is restricted to 7.5 m².

9. SAIL INSIGNIAS & BIBS/VESTS
9.1. For Sailboard class national letters & sail numbers shall be according to RRS Appendix G. For Wing and Kite classes, numbered bibs/vests will be arranged by Organizing commitee.

10. SAFETY
10.1. It is the responsibility of each competitor to participate in the safest possible manner at all times
10.2. Helmets shall be worn during racing
10.3. Protective clothing is highly recommended.

11. LIABILITY
11.1. Competitors take part in all races at their own risk. See RRS 4, Decision to Race. The LOA, WISSA or any of their officials or representatives or the sponsors or their officials or representatives are not responsible, under any circumstances, for any damage, loss or injury either ashore or on the sea either to persons or equipment, which may result
11.2. Participation in this event, supporting events and in each race is at the sole discretion of competitor and at his/her own risk.

12. COURSES
12.1. Courses shall be as prescribed in the SI.

13. SCORING
13.1. RRS Appendix A shall apply
13.2. The Low Point Scoring System of RRS Appendix A4 shall apply
13.3. Discards races as in RRS Appendix A2 shall apply

14. SCHEDULE
Sun, Feb. 10th : Arrival
Mon, Feb. 11th : 10h00-16h00 registration
12h00-16h00 training /practicing races
20h00 Opening ceremony
Tue, Feb. 12th : 9h30 Skippers meeting
11h00-15h00 3 to 4 races
Wed, Feb. 13th :9h30 Skippers meeting
11h00-15h00 3 to 4 races
Thu, Feb. 14th : 9h30 Skippers meeting
11h00-15h00 3 to 4 races
Fri, Feb. 15th : 9h30 Skippers meeting
11h00-15h00 races or speed trial or long distance
race
Sat, Feb. 16th : 9h30 Skippers meeting
11h00-15h00 races or speed trial or long distance
race
20h00 Prize giving ceremony
Sun, Feb. 17th : Departures

15. MEDALS & AWARDS
15.1. A class will qualify for awards if there are at least five competitors registered
15.2. A division will qualify for awards if there are at least five competitors registered
15.3. Medals or trophies may be awarded up to the first five competitors in each Class and Division, depending on entry numbers
15.4. Awards categories and the actual number of prizes to be awarded in each properly constituted Division will be posted on the Official Notice Board (ONB) after the close of registration
15.5. The first man/woman in the each class in Open Division shall be known as the Class World Champion.
15.6. The first Woman in the each class shall be known as the Class Women World Champion.
15.7. The first Youth in the each class shall be known as the Class Youth World Champion.
15.8. The first Master in the each class shall be known as the Class Master World Champion.
15.9. The first Grand Master in the each class shall be known as the Class Grand Master World Champion.

16. SPECIAL PRIZES
16.1. Special prizes will be awarded to the best three competitors in Long Distance Marathon race in each class (No Divisions but Overall only)
16.2. Special prizes will be awarded to the best three competitors in Speed Trial in each class (No Divisions but Overall only).

17. TELEVISION & MEDIA
17.1. In registering for the event, competitors automatically grant to the LOA the right in perpetuity to make, use and show from time to time at their discretion, any motion pictures, still pictures and live, taped or filmed television and other reproduction of them, taken during the period of the event as defined in NoR and SI in which he/she participates without compensation.

18. ACCOMMODATION
18.1. Accomodation will be held at Parc régional de Val-d'Irène wich is 8 km from the Lake Matapédia
18.2. Transportation between race site and lodging will be provided by the organizing committee
18.3. Informations for reservation will be displayed on the web site www.wissa2008.org.

19. AIR TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION
19.1. A wide range of scheduled flights are available from all over Europe and USA to the Montréal international airport
19.2. Competitors must arrange their transportation to and from the local airport (Mont-Joli) or bus and train station (Amqui)
19.3. Informations for reservation will be displayed on the web site www.wissa2008.org
19.4. Organizing commitee will arrange free transportation from the Mont-Joli local airport or Amqui bus and train station to the accomodation site for equipment, competitors and support personnel for free if the competitors send their transportation details at latest on February 1st 2008 to organiser.

20. REGISTRATION
20.1. The registration office during the event will situate in La Cédrière, Val-Brillant.
20.2. For more information before the event and to make enquiries, find adresses on the web site www.wissa2008.org
20.3. Competitors will be required to produce the following, prior to completing registration formalities on site:
20.3.1 Original Regatta Entry Form
20.3.2 Evidence of valid third party insurance
20.3.3 Parental/legal Guardian Assent - for those under age of 18
20.3.4 Proof of age

21. ENTRIES & PAYMENT
21.1. The entry fee paid on site of event is 120 $CDN wich include 10 $CDN donation to WISSA, daily lunches every racing day and breakfast on departure day and shall be paid in cash.

Photos from WISSA 2007 updated

By William Tuthil
I have much to report. We JUST got in from a LONG drive to Gaspisie and back. It is beautiful out there and WISSA 2008 accoms will be set up for families...
More later - much more.

For now, here are some fresh pics from Estonia.

[8 more images]

Do you need text?


Estonia 2007. Kalev Allikveer on a 3 blade sled.










Estonia 2007. Just after the start.


Estonia 2007 Vitold Nerling. Legendary windsurfing coach from Poland.


Estonia 2007. The technology and talent at WISSA World Championships is as up to date and radical as ANY windsurfing race on the planet. Here is to keeping the Open Class alive and strong FOREVER!

Report from Gaspe

By William Tuthill

Greetings All

Here is a quick report from lasts week's epic adventure to the race site for WISSA 2008.

It is Sunday night, and we have just returned from driving over 2000 km for WISSA. It was a productive trip.

The 3 day trip up took place during a record breaking storm that dumped 10- 50 cm. of snow and rain up and down the east coast. The whole family, with gear, and a load on the roof battled gale forced winds and swirling snow while packed into my rather small Honda. It was a stressful ordeal, but on Wednesday 18 April, 2007 we met up with Dominique Robichard [chief organizer for WISSA 2008] at Val Briiliant on the shores of Lac Matapedia. Things are looking GOOD!


There is a 9 member organizing committee, with a budget, and a plan.
The original accommodations were to be some condominiums on the lake, but they were just sold making them unavailable.
As a perhaps better substitute, the organizing committee has secured the base lodge at Val d'Irene Ski Mountain instead. Web: Val d'Irene

The base lodge has 26 rooms and a total capacity of 120 persons. It is 14 km. from the lake and will be connected by buses running continually between the two locations.

At the lake, there is a community center which will serve a center of activity for skipper's meetings, lunches, and equipment storage.

The lake is beautiful! We sailed on 60 cm. ice with the typical strong NW winds. At 20 km. x 3-5 km. there is plenty of room to move! The town of Sayabec is at one end and Amqui is at the other. Val Brillant is in the middle. There is NO DEVELOPMENT on the north side of the lake! This makes for exceptionally pure scenery.

Dominique has gone off to windsurf at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina for a week, and I have to get back to work. Just know this as you go into your summertime routines- WISSA 2008 is well under control! The dates are 10-17 February 2008, and we are looking forward to seeing you there. :-)

Look for more information and photos of Lac Matepedia on the WISSA web site soon.

Don't forget to "summerize" your skis!

Will

p.s. The ice on Matapedia is still good!

William Tuthill writes...

Having missed the WISSA 2007 W.C. in Haapsalu, Estonia, I will do the next best thing. Next week, I plan to meet with the a group of kite sailors at the site of last year's W.C. in Trois Rivierres, Quebec. The purpose of that visit will be to round up competitors for WISSA 2008 which is scheduled to take place in Val Brillant, Quebec, February 2008.


After Trois Rivierres, we will go to Val Brillant, to meet with Dominique Robichard, who is in Estonia now, to make plans at the site of WISSA 2008. The lake and facilities at Val Brillant are capable of sustaining a large crowd. The risk of a "no ice" cancellation is minimal at this site, and winds are known to be reliable.

We will meet to discuss lodging options, transportation, and other things.

After the visit to Val Brillant, I hope to attend the "Stormboarding" Kite sailing event in Vermont, U.S.A..

It is a relatively new event, but the goal is to create interest in WISSA among kiters in that part of the U.S.A..

During March, there are two more event goals:

1. The newly formed NASA (North American Skimbat Association) hopes to have a first ever rally of Kitewings or Skimbats in the Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire. Over 25 wings have been sold into the New England area since September 2006 and interest is building. A "fun racing" event for wings on Lake Sunapee could be used to bolster participation at WISSA 2008. Naturally, the event will be open to all 3 WISSA classes.
   
2. Every March, ConceptAir hosts an event known as "The Attraction". The event has been going on for many years. I hope to attend so that we can encourage the attendees to plan for WISSA 2008.
   

We had a scare with the weather in Estonia this year, but in the end the conditions came through. Cool heads prevailed, and by all accounts the organizers are doing a tremendous job. They deserve much praise for their faith and dedication- we look forward to hosting them in Quebec in 2008!

Stay tuned to this web site for breaking news about ice and snow sailing happenings worldwide.

WISSA History

If you happen to have photos, links, newspaper clips, magazines, t-shirts from any of the Championships 1980-2008 please send me the soft-copies, we want to fill out the blanks in our history before the Anniversary event!