BEYOND 50 YEARS
ADAPTING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Beyond 50 Years.
Building a Resilient Class for the Next Generation. In 2027, the Australian Windsurfer Class celebrates its 50th anniversary.
It is an opportunity to celebrate the people, achievements and culture that have shaped the Class over five decades.
Just as importantly, it is an opportunity to look forward. Windsurfer has survived and prospered because it has continued to adapt while remaining true to the things that make it special: simplicity, affordability, accessibility, great racing and a community built around 50% Racing / 50% Fun.
Today our fleet remains healthy and is one of the few growth stories in Australian sailing.
As we approach our 50th birthday, we ask ourselves:
What do we need to do today to ensure the Class is still thriving fifty years from now?
NEW INITIATIVES:
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
KEEPING THE BEAT STRONG
INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW FLEET FOR OUR 50TH YEAR
TEMPO is our brand new racing division, launched for our 50th year.
In a unanimous Committee decision your team of State Reps and Executive Officers voted to trial a limited pumping dIvision.
This is called TEMPO. Where you RACE to your own rhythm!
A Different Way to Race
The Tempo Division is designed to preserve the tactical, technical and competitive elements of Windsurfer racing while reducing the influence of sustained pumping as a means of propulsion.
It complements the existing Open Division rather than replacing it, giving sailors another way to enjoy competitive Windsurfer racing.
In Simple Terms
Tempo changes the way the Windsurfer Class interpretation of Rule 42 is applied in two key areas:
1. No 30-second pumping period after the start
Rule 42 applies from the starting signal. There is no 30-second period of unrestricted pumping after the start.
2. No unlimited continuous pumping downwind
Competitors may not use repeated, rhythmic pumping to generate or maintain additional propulsion.
All other aspects of the Racing Rules of Sailing continue to apply, including the normal interpretation of Rule 42 relating to sail trim, steering, manoeuvres, balance, responding to gusts, and rapid trimming (pumping) to initiate planing or surfing on waves or swells.
In light winds, when planing is not possible, sustained downwind pumping is therefore not permitted.
Sailors who enjoy unrestricted pumping, or simply prefer the existing racing format, can continue to race in the Open Division under the current Windsurfer Class rules.
Tempo simply provides an additional choice.
The Tempo principle is simple:
Same board.
Same sail.
Same courses.
Same Racing Rules.
One different interpretation of Rule 42.
The aim is competitive Windsurfer racing with greater emphasis on tactics, technique and boat speed rather than sustained pumping.
See Appendix A for the Draft Tempo Division Rules.
Questions & Answers
Can I pump at all when sailing downwind in Tempo?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
Pumping is permitted when planing or surfing is possible, in accordance with the normal Rule 42 principles.
In light winds, when planing or surfing is not possible, repeated pumping to generate or maintain propulsion is not permitted.
Do the same Tempo pumping rules apply to Slalom and Marathon racing?
Yes.
The same Rule 42 principles apply to all Tempo racing, including Course Racing, Slalom and Marathon.
Is Tempo intended for serious racers?
Absolutely.
Tempo is intended to provide highly competitive racing for sailors who want the tactical and technical challenge of Windsurfer racing without sustained pumping being a major part of performance.
It may particularly appeal to sailors whose age, fitness or injury makes sustained pumping difficult, as well as competitors who simply prefer this style of racing.
Can I change from Tempo to Open during a regatta?
At National-level events, yes.
However, if you transfer to Open, you will be scored Did Not Compete (DNC) for any Open races completed before you changed divisions.
For this reason, a sailor considering a change may choose to do so after the first one or two Course Races, potentially allowing those DNC scores to become discards later in the series.
What courses will Tempo use?
Tempo will use the same course formats as the Open Division, including:
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Triangle
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Windward/Leeward
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Trapezoid
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Slalom
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Marathon
Tempo is not intended to be a shortened or recreational version of racing.
Course Racing will be conducted over a full race duration, with a target time similar to Open Division of approximately 20–25 minutes.
Will Tempo have gender or age divisions?
Females and males, and sailors of all ages, will race together in the Tempo Division.
Will Tempo have its own start?
At National-level events, yes.
For State events, a separate start will depend on entry numbers.
For Club racing, this will depend on numbers and arrangements with the individual club.
Will Tempo have weight divisions?
At National-level events, yes, subject to entry numbers.
The number and structure of weight divisions will depend on the size of the Tempo fleet. Class Rule H3 – “Split Weight” will be used to determine the appropriate weight divisions.
The Organising Authority, in conjunction with the Windsurfer Class, will administer the allocation of weight divisions.
INTRODUCING UPDATED AGE DIVISIONS
Our Class is forever evolving, so we're changing things to reflect this. Last year we introduced a new 5m sail to make racing more accessible in higher winds. That's allowed lighter and less experienced sailors to enjoy high wind racing for the first time.
We're in our 50th year and as time has passed we've now got sailors well into their 70's. So to keep pace with the changing demographics, we're revising the weight division bands. This will mean you'll be up against people with similar aerobic capabilities, which will give you even closer racing!
JUNIOR
Up to 15
YOUTH
Over 15 to under 19
CORE
19 - 49
MASTER -
50 - 57
GRAND MASTER
58 to 63
LEGEND
64 - 69
SUPER LEGEND
70 - 75
ICON
76 and over
A Class for Every Stage of Life
The answer isn't one initiative.It is about creating different ways for people to discover, enjoy and remain involved with Windsurfer throughout their lives.
Your Committee has endorsed a Vision for the future. That includes:
Youth:
Family and Club Development
to create stronger pathways into Windsurfer and support sustainable local fleets.
Women on Windsurfers:
to encourage greater female participation, retention and leadership.
Green Fleet:
to provide young rookies with a fun and supportive introduction to Windsurfer racing.
Flexible Sail Choice:
allowing sailors to move freely between the 5.7 and 5.0 sails during an event.
Revised Age Divisions:
that recognise the changing age profile of the fleet and provide meaningful competition throughout a sailor's life.
Introducing a new racing division - Tempo:
which provides an alternative competitive format that reduces the influence of sustained pumping while retaining tactical, competitive Windsurfer racing.
Beyond Racing:
recognising adventure sailing, cruising, GPS speed sailing, Wally's in Space, destination sailing and other ways to enjoy a Windsurfer.
OUR PLAN FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
Beyond 50 Years: Retain, Recruit, Recognise, Remember
The celebration isn't a single party — it's a program built around the four things that actually keep a fifty-year-old class alive. Here's what's in motion.
Retain
Keep sailors sailing:
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Revised age divisions from Junior through to a symbolic Icon 74+ band, so every age group has a real fleet to race in
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Flexible 5.0 / 5.7 sail choice
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A new limited pumping division. TEMPO.
Recruit
Bring new sailors in:
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Green Fleet and Cruiser Division entry points for newcomers
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Women on Windsurfers — Learn While They Learn clinics, backed by a Sail Our Way (SheSails) grant application
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Family-first recruitment: women joining the class tend to bring kids of sailing age with them — a genuine double win
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Youth and club development pathways
Recognise
Honour who built this:
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Windsurfer Class Hall of Fame
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Limited-edition Aroona anniversary boards
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50th anniversary merchandise
Remember
Keep the record:
A crowd-sourced digital archive of the class's history"Doing It Standing Up"
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a documentary and coffee-table book telling the class's story, in its own words