2022 dates are Feb 14-19, 2022, Estonia!

 Hi,

The WISSA 2022 dates are Feb 14-19, 2022, Estonia. 

Main organizer slaalom.ee.

Event site: wissa2022.slaalom.ee (not ready yet)

The results and Notice Board will be in M2S.

World Champ classes: sled, kite, wing

--

Tõnis Kask

WISSA 2016 Site is up!

Hey, http://WISSA2016.ee site is up! 
Registration open and clock is ticking!! 
The sooner you register - the cheaper!!!

2016 Estonia is happening!

Called Kalev yesterday. He was apologizing and assured that the information will be published on the WISSA2016.ee site in the matter of days. In the mean time the official information is as follows:

WISSA 2016 Championships

Dates: 2016-02-08 ... 2016-02-13

Location: Haapsalu, Estonia
Accommodation: Promenaadi Inn
Information: WISSA2016.ee

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/822719857826662/

few readers can identify this!

Thank you for the excellent video link. I still have that original video tape from Sami Tuurna. Back in the day, when folks "in the west" were getting started sailing on snow & ice using windsurfing rigs, there was a parallel universe "in the east".

 I will never forget 1991 in what was then the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic. I met individuals with whom I had been communicating for several years by means of the post office. I still have the double spaced letters typed out on a cryllic typewriter machine [that I wish I could own now] from friend Vasilly Laptev from Nickoliavsk- na- Amur in Russia's far east- over by Japan. We wrote many letters- always double spaced so that we could translate using a dictionary. We sent photos and stories back and forth from our distant locations

Eventually, in 1991, "east met west " at Valgerand, Estonia.  It was a life changing experience for me, and in many ways it was a turning point for the sport of ice and snow sailing.

 It might be time to start scanning some of the photos and posting them. After all- this IS WISSA history!

 William Tuthill/WISSA

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!

DVD of the WISSA 2007 is now available

Best moments from 27th Ice & Snow Sailing World Championship in Haapsalu are gathered on DVD and available to everybody.

DVD includes best footages of the event and extra picture gallery from all days, starting with opening event and ending with prize giving ceremony.

DVD is available at price 10 EUR plus postage fees. Information about ordering is available at email address: aivar@surf.ee

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.

Letters from Estonia

Hi William, great to have news of you and happy to see you next week. Up here, the ice conditions are fast but there are no much wind. Yesterday we held 4 races in 8 to 12 km/h. My bigger kite is 8 m2 and everybody run with 10 and 12 m2 so I follow the troops...

Today we have some snow and less wind. No many hope...

See you soon, Dominique

Letters from Estonia

Mein lieber Freund William,
more than once did I (and a few others) wish you and your family were with us here in Estonia.

The opening ceremony on Monday was a most impressive celebration of nordic Winter, starting with an evening procession over the ice with flickering flame torches, country signs and country flags.


We walked for about 20 minutes on solid Baltic Sea ice from the competition site (Promenaadi Hotel), to the historic centre of Haapsalu. What a beautiful setting for the opening event event - an open air theatre within 800 year old walls around, providing excellent acoustics.

The first day of racing in light winds produced interesting results due to surface conditions - ice with up to one inch of old frozen snow. The young team from Poland was doing well with their sleds and so did the Skimbat team from Finland with their nordic skates. However, it is snowing today and conditions are changing. The race committee has been doing outstanding work.
.
.
.
The award for Best Design we can skip this year because there is nothing new.
That?s about it for now...have to run for the skipper's meeting.
.
.
.
I am so glad that Dominique Robichaud is here. He will present Quebec's offer on Thursday evening at the WISSA meeting.

Give my love and warm thoughts to Kim, Annie and Abigale. We have been thinking and talking about you a lot.

Viele Gruesse,
Klaus

27th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2007

ICE & SNOW SAILING
12-18 of February 2007, Haapsalu, ESTONIA
Read on for the Race Notice
Click here for REGISTRATION
[original site]

NOTICE OF RACE (NoR)

1. EVENT
1.1. The 27th World Championship 2007 will be held from Monday February 12th to Sunday February 18th 2007, on Gulf of Haapsalu, Haapsalu, Estonia.

2. ORGANISER
2.1. The Championships will be organised by Estonian Windsurfing Union 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) and the ISAF.

3. VENUE
3.1. The event will be based at the Hotel Promenaadi, Sadama 22, Haapsalu, Estonia.
3.2. Haapsalu is 100 km from Tallinn, the nearest international airport.

4. RULES
4.1. The 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 class - Any sled, rider stands with windsurfing rig
5.2. Wing class - All kinds of hand held wings (no lines) – wings, skate sails, skimbats and similar.
5.3. Kite class - Overhead sails, all kite designs, parawings and similar

6. DIVISIONS
6.1. Groups:
6.1.1 Overall - All competitors
6.1.2 Women - All female competitors
6.2. Age:
6.2.1 Youth - under 20 years on December 31, 2007 (born 1988 and later)
6.2.2 Master - 40 – 49 years on December 31, 2007 (born 1958 - 1967)
6.2.3 Grand Master - 50 years and over on December 31, 2007 (born 1957 and earlier)

7. DISCIPLINES
7.1. Course races Up to 11 races on triangular course (same for all classes).
A minimum of 3 (three) races is required for a valid Championship.
7.2. Speed trials Up to 3 runs. Speed will be measured with a radar or/and a GPS unit.
There will be no division segregation in the speed trials.
7.3. Long distance marathon Course and conditions to be determined in Sailing Instructions.

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

9. SAIL INSIGNIAS & BIBS/VESTS
9.1. For Sailboard class national letters & sail numbers shall be in a colour that contrasts strongly with the body of the sail and positioned according to RRS Appendix G. Sails shall otherwise comply with the national letter system according to the RRS 77 and Appendix G.
9.2. For Wing class and Kite class numbered bibs/vests will be arranged by Organiser.
9.3. During racing, competitors may be required by the Organisers to wear bibs/vests carrying the event sponsors’ branding; and carry the event sponsors advertising on their sails. The maximum size of the event advertising sticker is 600 x 1000 mm. The stickers may not be cut or trimmed in any way.

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 in the is at the sole discretion of the sailor and at his/her own risk.
11.3. No organisation or individual will be held responsibility for any moral or material damage that may be sustained during travel or arrival at the Championship venue.

12. COURSES
12.1. Courses shall be as prescribed in the Sailing Instructions.

13. SCORING
13.1. RRS Appendix A and RRS Appendix B8 shall apply.
13.2. The Low Point Scoring System of RRS Appendix B8.3 (a) shall apply.
13.3. Discards as in RRS Appendix B8.2 shall apply:

14. SCHEDULE
14.1. Schedule:

Sat/Sun, February 10/11th
Arrival/Training

Monday, February 12th
10.00 – 16.00 hrs Registration
18.00 hrs Opening Ceremony

Tue/Sat, February 13/17th
10.00 hrs Skippers meeting
11.00 hrs First possible start

Saturday, February 17th
18.00 hrs Prize giving ceremony

Sunday, February 18th
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 Overall 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. Contact for assistance with accommodation – hotel@promenaadi.ee, website: http://www.promenaadi.ee , phone +372 47 37 250, fax +372 37 254

19. AIR TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION/TRANSFERS
19.1. A wide range of scheduled flights are available from all over Europe.
19.2. Organiser will arrange transport to and from the airport for equipment, competitors and support personnel (30 EUR/person), if the competitors send their flight details at latest on February 1st 2007 to organiser.

20. REGISTRATION
20.1. The registration office during the regatta will situate in Promenaadi hotel.
20.2. For more local information before the regatta and to make enquiries, please contact:
+372 5040050 – Mr. Aivar Kajakas.
20.3. The address of the Organiser may also be used for contacting competitors until a week prior to the first day of the event:

Estonian Windsurfing Union
Merivalja tee 1
11911 Tallinn,
ESTONIA
Tel: +372 50 400 50
Fax: +372 606 0021
E-mail: aivar@surf.ee

20.4. Competitors will be required to produce the following, prior to completing registration formalities on site:
20.4.1 Original Regatta Entry Form (Form 1).
20.4.2 Evidence of valid third party insurance.
20.4.3 Parental/legal Guardian Assent – for those under age of 18.
20.4.4 Medical Treatment Permission – for those under age of 18 or their parents medical insurance policy.
20.4.5 Original Bank Transfer/Draft details.
20.4.6 Proof of age.
20.4.7 Photo for name card (size 4 x 5 cm; also possible to send by e-mail - 300dpi).

21. ENTRIES & PAYMENT
21.1. The pre-entry fee is 70 EUR + 10 EUR donations to WISSA (totally 80 EUR) and may be paid with bank transfers. The deadline for pre-entries is FEBRUARY 1st, 2007.
21.2. Money transfers shall be in name of: Estonian Windsurfing Union and be sent to:

Account Name: Estonian Windsurfing Union
Account: 221011060355
Bank Details: Hansapank
Address Liivalaia 8, 15040, Tallinn, Estonia
SWIFTBIC: HABAEE2X
IBAN: EE662200221011060355
Correspondent Bank: Deutsche Bank Frankfurt
SWIFTBIC: DEUTDEFF

21.3. Entry fee paid on site of event is 80 EUR + 10 EUR donation to WISSA (totally 90 EUR) and shall be paid in cash in Euros or Estonian Kroons only.

Estonia 2003 - thoughts outloud

COMPETITORS - I can not hide my disappointment...
KITES - Almost all of the races...
RACES - The first three races proved...
MARATHON - The marathon was all...
CHAMPIONSHIPS - Besides the races the participants were...

COMPETITORS
I can not hide my disappointment with Canadian, German and Swiss teams that did not come to the Championships - they had a real opportunity to lead course race. Of course, if they would join us the races could be more interesting and result more objective. However, those who came to Lake Harku were very strong and dangerous competitors. (No matter how they call this small Lake - it is a race site and not a vacation sailing spot: the competition show must happen.)
Boris Filimonov who was one of the strongest monoski sailors before performed extraordinarily in the Championships. No shame to loose to such a racer.
Slava Shemjakin - just super! He is older than most of us yet sails among the best.
Anatoliy Sarafannikov could not get any prize position but no one doubts in his tremendous potential.
Juriy Shuvalov is just starting up as a racer but obviously soon we will sneak into the leaders group.
Once again Vladimir Zakharov has confirmed his speciality as the fastest stayer.
Certainly, Roman Lubimtsev is a talent as strong racer and designer and manufacturer of the kites. Another senior Sergei Akeljev can really bet up anyone.
In short, most of the strongest Russians were there and performed as the best. Too bad that western countries did not interfere in this argument.
In our opinion Valentina Abaeva has beaten in absentia all of the renown kite-girls!
During the last year kitesailing in Russia has made a giant leap forward thanks to a great number of internal competitions ad constant growth of the number of participants. Comparing the performances of Russians in Finland, Italy and Estonia we dare to claim that we are able to compete in course race against anyone in the world!
We are going to prove this next year in Canada.

KITES
Almost all of the races (5 of 7) were driven by weak winds that enabled to carry the biggest kites. (I think the real limit for course race is 10m2 because anything else would not let go upwind sharp enough.) That is why the tiniest fault in the kite tune up or improper ski wax could cost the race. The first reason put me fifth in the very important first race. My new 10 m2 ParaAvis B-2 was not properly tested in-design and adjusted.
No one is guaranteed against mistakes and I believe that ParaAvis - the maker of great kites will fix the problem very soon.
Jo-Jo RM are other great kites that I used. These are pure racer's choice and are no good for amateurs - they do not forgive any mistakes. We are just going to relay to the manufacturer some pretensions regarding wind range of the RM kites.
New ELFs give great impression: stable and fast. We hope that Roman will soon produce a good race kite and even export it abroad. Big kites are the most difficult to design and manufacture.

RACES
The first three races proved no hope for "dolce vita" for leaders - the positions will not be determined until the last race. Weather conditions did not match organizer's promise of ten races. That has created a lot of tension among racers. The problem was that the number of dropped worst races depended on the number of races performed. Thus every bad result was considered as the step to the bad final.
The fight on the course varied by scale form Sarafannikov's finish in the first race with the whole mark lead to the "photo-finish" of me and Boris Filimonov in the third. Nevertheless the results after seven races practically matched the results of the first one.
The day of Feb.14th was real fun when the wind picked up from smooth 4-5m/s to gusty 10-12m/s. Fifth race - again on 10 m2 kites. Sixth - scattered the racers who used big kites and as a result - collisions, cut lines and protests. The last, seventh race was a true "ice battle". I was dumb enough to choose Jo-Jo RM-6 which in result was holding me away from the finish line when Sergei Akeljev was enjoying the race on his Batwing-3.
The intrigue with result dropping reached its culmination and we were waiting for the judge's word - continue course races or do marathon? Finally for Feb.15th a marathon was appointed and the resulting disposition in course race was left to settle by international protest committee. Of course we wanted to have more races to prove the scores on ice but alas, the jury decided differently and we were all left with a feeling that results are a kind of lottery.
The mistake was made and admitted by judges on Feb.12 when the race day was closed too early, but nothing could be changed.

MARATHON
The marathon was all crumpled. At first, the loop counting was not well thought through which had impact on the result. Then the start was open with no clear sign so that some racers could not start in time. Vladimir Zakharov who is known as a risky and lucky guy hit the jackpot choosing the big 9m2 kite. He rode far away from the struggle with Sarafannikov who did not risk with his 6m2.

CHAMPIONSHIPS
Besides the races the participants were mostly left for themselves. The dace club party was not too inspiring and the majority rested at the hotel drinking traditional Russian beverage.
The closing ceremony beat all records by modesty and speed.
Analyzing Championships in Estonia of 1991, 1996 and 2003 we have to admit that the last one was not the best one. This would not have happened if the organizers were one team from the beginning to the end. Even in such Swimming Pool Harku the races can be enjoyable if everything is done right.

Alexei Rajev (TT)
Translated and edited with permission of the author by Dibutil.