The 2024 U.S. WingFoil Championship, organized by US Sailing and hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club, is set to be a thrilling display of athleticism and innovation in one of the fastest-growing watersports. Marking the inaugural rendition of the event, it is scheduled to take place from August 9-11, 2024, in spectacular San Francisco, California. This championship will gather the nation’s top WingFoil athletes, who will be showcasing their skills in maneuvering and speed. Competitors are instructed to bring their own equipment, ensuring that they are competing with what they are most comfortable using.
Event Venue: St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, California
San Francisco, known for its favorable wind conditions and beautiful waterfront, provides an ideal backdrop for this event. The city’s consistent and reliable winds, coupled with its vibrant sailing community, make it a prime location for WingFoil enthusiasts and competitors alike. Competitors will be welcomed at the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) and racing will take place on the San Francisco Bay City Front, just off the scenic Marina District.
“StFYC has been at the forefront of the sport’s development, with dozens of members and staff participating in weekly WingFoiling series held throughout the summer,” said StFYC’s Race Director, Felix Weidling.
Competitors and Categories for Awards
The championship will feature multiple categories for awards, ensuring a wide range of competitors from different age groups and skill levels are recognized. The categories include:
- U-19 Division: Up-and-coming young athletes will battle it out, showcasing the future stars of WingFoiling.
- Overall WingFoil Division: This category is open to all ages and skill levels, promising intense and varied competition to crown an overall winner.
- Masters Division: For seasoned athletes who bring experience and strategy to the competition and are over 35.
- Grand Masters Division: An award will be given to the top competitor over the age of 50.
- Female Division: To highlight the rise of women in the sport, an award will be given to the top three female finishers at the championship.
Competitors to Watch
The event will feature competitors from all over the United States, including representatives from islands on either side of the country such as Hawaii and Nantucket. There is a large contingent of local competitors from the San Francisco Bay Area, including roughly a dozen from St. Francis Yacht Club and many more hailing from the West Coast.
Of note, Makani Andrews of Kaneohe, Hawaii, will be competing. Andrews just returned from the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy, where he earned a bronze medal in the iQFOiL Youth class.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the first US Wingfoil Championship, and thankful to St. Francis Yacht Club for hosting this championship and for everything they do to support the vibrant WingFoil racing community on San Francisco Bay,” said John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Racing Manager.
The 2024 U.S. WingFoil Championship promises to be an exciting event that not only highlights the dynamic sport of WingFoiling but also fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to the sport, this championship is set to deliver an unforgettable experience.
For more details, visit the official event page: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-wingfoil-championship/