FAQ | Scottish Fin & Foil

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look below at some of the questions we receive most regularly. Still can't find what your looking for? Reach out to us here at Scottish Fin & Foil and one of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

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What Level Do I need to be?

As long as you can sail upwind you can join! We will have a variety of levels of boarders at the event from International level Junior and Youth windsurf sailors who have raced across the world, to wingfoilers who have been on the water for a matter on months and this will be their first fun race. Everyone is welcome!

Do I need to take part in both weekend days?

No you don't need to join all days but the fee will remain the same to cover the cost of running the event.

Will there be coaching?

New for this year we have teamed up with our friends UK iQ Foil association and Techno293UK Association to deliver two days of training pre event. As well as this we have 3 days of wing training available. We also provide coaching support throughout the event, there will also be lots of people around who can offer you a few tips and guidance in between the races and take some time to explain how the racing works.

What Fleets will there be?

IQ Foil, Open Foil, Open class, Junior Techno293, Race boards and wingfoil.

What does the fee cover?

Running an event like this is expensive, there is equipment to hire (buoys, flags, toilet and shower blocks etc) plus boat fuel, logistics of getting the rescue boats and other equipment to the event from across Scotland. The fee helps fund these things amongst many other expenses. As an example of the scale of the event, we have arranged for at least 7 rescue ribs to be on the water for the event not to mention the committee boats that are also required! We also hope to be able to provide a freebie or two to the entrants as a memento but can't promise that at the moment.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, all competitors will need to have third party liability insurance with a minimum cover of £5,000,000 per event. Insurance is available through the RYA, BKSA or UK Windsurfing Association.

Introduction to wingfoil racing

Wingfoiling is a new sport and wingfoil racing in the UK is even newer, with the first events run by the UK Windsurfing Association in England in 2022. However fear not, the committee of organisers of the Scottish Fin and Foil event are experienced at running windsurfing and sailing race events so the event will be run to a high standard! Also the UK Windsurfing Associations have kindly offered us guidance of how to run this first Scottish wingfoil event.

We have also listened to what you guys like, so expect to see a few changes this year with closer more compact racing on offer.

The format of the day

The day will start with a race briefing for all competitors during which the rules and course outline will be shared. Competitors will be issued a bib with their participant number and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Wingfoilers will then enter the water for a warm up before sailing over the start line ready for the first race. We hope to run about 6-8 races per day with each race lasting around 5-15 minutes (depending on the wind and speed of sailors). Competitors will then regroup at the start line before the next race. Lunch is often eaten on the water alongside the safety boat minimising the time spent faffing on the beach! Each competitor is advised to bring a dry bag (containing with water, suncream, snacks and lunch) that can be left on the safety boat. After lunch the remaining races for the day are held before the competitors return to the beach for a debrief.

What wingfoil race courses might be run?

The course layout will depend on the weather conditions on the day. The aim will be to start with some simple downwind slalom courses to get people warmed up and used to the format before we add in some upwind legs in later races. We recognise that this will be most wingfoilers' first race on any water craft so the aim is to keep it fun and easy! See below for some possible layouts of the courses to give you an idea of sort of courses that we will run.

The first image shows a 3 Buoy Downwind Slalom course with starboard start. Wingfoilers will gybe around buoys 1, 2 and then 3 before crossing the finish line.

The 2nd image below shows an upwind/downwind course. Wingfoilers cross the start line, then sail upwind to mark 1, they then sail downwind and gybe around mark 2p or 2s before sailing upwind around mark 1 again before crossing the finish line. This course can be extended to include 2 or more laps.

What level do I need to be?

As long as you can safely sail upwind on the foil you have the right level. We are expecting competitors of varying levels, particularly as this is a new sport. You don't even need to be able to gybe (or tack) as you can take your time rounding the mark. Remember it's all about the fun of joining in a big event like this. Your sailing will improve and you will meet new wingers from across the country.