Formula kite class rules update and end of new equipment registration process
by International Kiteboarding Association 1 Jul 11:42 BST
Formula kite class rules update © IKA
Formula Kite Class rule update
World Sailing has published the updated class rules approved during the IKA General Assembly in February 2020.
The major change is the introduction of mandatory nationality flags on hulls and helmets for all Continental and World Championships as well as all World Sailing events (including Regional and Olympic Games). These requirements were previously enforced through the Notice of Race.
It is the competitor responsibility to produce / purchase and apply nationality flags, both for hulls and helmets. The design files are available here.
There are three reserved areas on the hull:
1. Nationality flag (Class Rule C.7.4): When racing in an IKA Formula Kite World Championship, Continental Championship, World Sailing Event or Regional Games, the national flag of the crew shall be displayed on the bottom of the hull, centered at the widest part of the hull in the forward third part. Displaying the national flag is optional at all other events. Flags shall be 350mm in diameter, designed as specified by the IKA, or ordered and purchased through IKA approved providers, and shall not be trimmed, cut, or covered by other materials.
2. Event Advertising (Class Rule C.6.2): The areas on each sides of the rear 30% of the bottom of the hull, are reserved for event advertising within an area of 50x10cm.
3. Class Insignia (Class Rule C.6.2): The class insignia shall be placed on the front middle of the bottom of the hull, within an area of 10x10cm, and shall not be trimmed, cut, or covered by other materials.
Note: Event advertising and class insignia will be provided at events. Correct application is the responsibility of the competitor.
Nationality flags are also prescribed for helmets. Helmets shall conform to the minimum standard EN1385 or EN1077 or equivalent with at least 300 square centimeters of the exterior surface in a high visibility colour (except green and blue colours) shall be worn at all times when afloat, except briefly while changing or adjusting clothing or personal equipment. (Class Rule C.3.2.c).
When racing in an IKA Formula Kite World Championship, Continental Championship, World Sailing Event or Regional Games, the national flag of the crew shall be displayed on both sides of the helmet. Displaying the national flag is optional at all other events.
Flags shall be 80x60mm in dimension, designed as specified by the IKA, or ordered and purchased through IKA approved providers, and shall not be trimmed, cut, or covered by other materials.
End of equipment registration process
The original date for completion of Formula Kite equipment registrations was 1 May 2020 (Class Rule B.1.3).
Due to the COVID-19 situation, this application period closing date has been extended on a case-by-case basis.
However, it is necessary to apply a timeline, to allow teams and competitors to purchase equipment in time before the first scheduled championship event.
The first Formula Kite championship in which new equipment may be used, is scheduled to start on 18 August 2020. On a recommendation of the class Technical Committee, the IKA Executive Committee has agreed the following timeline:
- 11 July 2020: Last possible date for scheduled factory inspections
- 18 July 2020: Application period closing date. This is the final date of applications consideration by the class Technical Committee. Registration applications which are not completed by 18 July 2020, will be rejected.
The list of approved Formula Kite equipment registrations will be updated after each successful factory inspection.