PATRICE BELBEOCH: WINDSURFER LT MAKES ITS DÉFI DEBUT!
PATRICE BELBEOCH: WINDSURFER LT MAKES ITS DÉFI DEBUT!
PATRICE BELBEOCH: WINDSURFER LT MAKES ITS DÉFI DEBUT!
For the first time ever, the legendary Défi Wind will welcome the Windsurfer LT class to the starting line! We caught up with windsurfing icon Patrice Belbeoch, the driving force behind this exciting addition, to find out what inspired him to bring the Windsurfer LT class to the event and how he believes this classic board will handle the extreme challenge of the race.
WS: Can you tell us how the inclusion of the Windsurfer LT at the Defi wind came about?
PB: “The Windsurfer LT by Exocet boards has a very impressive versatility. And…it’s great to hear that it’s one of the best-selling boards worldwide, second only to iQFOiL. I got talking with Philippe Bru about giving the board its own class at the Défi event and he thought it was a fantastic idea, especially since it can handle lighter winds and still perform well. The fact that it can reach speeds of 25 knots, really highlights its capabilities. Plus, its connection to the origins of windsurfing makes it a meaningful choice for showcasing the sport’s history and evolution.”
WS: Will you be taking part yourself?
PB: “Yes, I will, I did many Défi on different boards and I am now really keen to give it a try on the Windsurfer LT too! I am hoping to finish around mid fleet in the fin division but lets see”
WS: If it is nuclear winds how tough do you think it will be on the Windsurfer LT without foot straps?
PB: “That is the question everyone is thinking, but the board can handle quite some wind, and we have on offer a 5.0 and a G10 fin as an additional option! This will allow the board to handle wind over 35 knots! Of course, the big question will still be what about the 50 knots? But then it will be hard for everyone on any equipment!”
The board does not have foot straps but still it remains very easy and balanced in strong wind! With this kind of board if you are overpowered you can just move the rig really forward and step back a lot on the board to get maximum leverage, you cannot do that on a short board and therefore the wind range is a lot bigger for the Windsurfer LT!
WS: How many Windsurfer LT’s do you think will take part?
PB: “Our goal was to reach 40 participants for this first edition, but I think we will be around 50 or more, so I am pretty happy with that many for the first Défi!”
WS: Why do you love the Windsurfer LT and this concept?
PB: “The good think about the LT is the weight class that makes it very fair but also the fact that you windsurf or race in really light winds and still enjoy a nice glide.”
WS: Are you guys all racing just for fun or will there be an element of competition amongst the class?
PB: “The goal at the Défi is to first promote windsurfing and show that a Windsurfer LT by Exocet is not only good in light winds. For the event we are not following the official class rule of the Windsurfer LT class because we have the option of an additional fin and sail! The racing format is also very different with in and out racing in a long distance spirit. For sure there will racing between the participants! No one really knows what to expect but that is the fun of it!”
WS: What size rig / fin will you take in strong, medium or light winds?
PB: “We have regular LT package with 5.7m sail and the 5.0m and 30 cm G10 will provide more comfort and speed on those long reaching legs! The 5.7m depending on your weight can handle winds up to 35 knots, the 5.0 will provide an extra 10 to 15 knots of wind range!
The 32 G10 fin is also a big factor on those reaching legs because it does handle better the drive of the board and should allow for the sailors to complete the race back and forth on the fin!”
WS: How much skill level do you think you need to race a Windsurfer LT around the course at the Defi?
PB: “I think the wind will decide on that point like it does with the level of a short board sailor, but my guess is that any sailor that is going to sail the Défi will have already a pretty decent skill. Completing the Défi is an impressive achievement for anyone who makes it!”
WS: Do you think the windsurfer LT could be an important concept to get people back into windsurfing?
“PB: Windsurfer LT or similar boards using dagger have been a bit the “magic sauce” of the windsurfing success in the past with board that can raced in light wind and secure events! Weight class and the same boards be used by skilled and unskilled recreational sailor especially in light wind!…Foil racing is far away from it!”
Exocet Windsurfer LT Complete Package – Windsurf | H20 Sports | H2O Sports
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