Candidates

ILCA 6 & 7

Foil kites are a type of wing used in traction sports such as kitesurfing.

These kites inflate only by the force of the wind. Therefore, the internal pressure is equal to or slightly higher than atmospheric pressure.

Open-cell foil kites

The leading edge of the kite (the edge that the wind hits first) features a row of openings. Thus, the internal pressure depends on the wind strength. The profile remains rigid as long as the wind fills the cells. The advantage of such a system is that the sail ceases to generate power as soon as it is properly laid down, with the cells emptying of air. This simple and robust design provides autonomy and durability, especially beneficial for land-based activities. The major disadvantage of open-cell foil kites is that they are difficult to use for marine practices; water can enter the cells if the kite falls, preventing it from relaunching and endangering the user.

Development and history of foil kites

One of the first popular foil-based kites was developed by Ray Merry and Andrew Jones in the early 1970s in England, under the name Flexifoil (and later by the company Flexifoil).

The board
The mast
The fuselage
The front wing
The rear wing or stabilizer

Kitefoil

Foil kites are a type of wing used in traction sports such as kitesurfing.

These kites inflate only by the force of the wind. Therefore, the internal pressure is equal to or slightly higher than atmospheric pressure.

Open-cell foil kites

The leading edge of the kite (the edge that the wind hits first) features a row of openings. Thus, the internal pressure depends on the wind strength. The profile remains rigid as long as the wind fills the cells. The advantage of such a system is that the sail ceases to generate power as soon as it is properly laid down, with the cells emptying of air. This simple and robust design provides autonomy and durability, especially beneficial for land-based activities. The major disadvantage of open-cell foil kites is that they are difficult to use for marine practices; water can enter the cells if the kite falls, preventing it from relaunching and endangering the user.

Development and history of foil kites

One of the first popular foil-based kites was developed by Ray Merry and Andrew Jones in the early 1970s in England, under the name Flexifoil (and later by the company Flexifoil).

• The board
• The mast
• The fuselage
• The front wing
• The rear wing or stabilizer