Switch to travelling light at global events!
by International Switch Class Association 22 May 07:42 BST
Switch Global Championships 2025 © CodeZeroDigital
A new approach to international dinghy events
The Switch foiling dinghy has taken off around the world, and the sailors are increasingly looking to take part in exciting events, whichever country they are happening in. Shipping a boat can be costly and also uses up valuable sailing time while the boat is in transit, but the International Switch Class has the answer: the Event Charter Programme.
The Switch itself is as portable as high-performance dinghies come, with a complete boat, it's trolley and extras fitting into a 1.2 cubic metre box, but the charter programme covers the bulkiest items - the hull and beams - so that you can bring your own mast, sails, foils, boom and parts. With every Switch built to exacting standards, your parts will fill on any Switch, so with your parts the charter hull will be identical to your boat back home. It's the best of both worlds.
A specially designed wheely bag is also available which can be easily shipped or transported with most passenger airlines, saving considerable charter or transport costs, while also being environmentally better as you don't have to ship your complete boat.
Charter platforms (and a limited quantity of complete boats) will be available at major events, including at Foiling Week in Malcesine and the 2026 Switch Globals in Genoa, plus there will be further opportunities to be announced shortly. Full details of what is included in the charter platform can be on Appendix 1 below.
The programme is already proving to be a great success with 50% of the charter platforms booked only three weeks after launch.
While this is primarily designed to support existing Switch sailors, it also creates a clear pathway for new sailors to experience the class and get a taste of what it has to offer.
This approach reflects a core principle of the Switch foiling dinghy: enabling high-performance competition that is globally accessible, cost-conscious, and environmentally responsible. This is all made possible by the dismantlable design of the boat and the ability to transport a large number of boats in regular trailers, vans, containers and other small spaces.
Looking ahead, the International Switch Class is also developing a series of Special Events, designed to showcase the versatility and excitement of the platform beyond traditional fleet racing. These events are expected to include a range of innovative and spectator-friendly formats such as sprint racing, knock-out competitions, relay racing, long-distance challenges, speed-focused and masters events. This easy to transport fleet will also be used to support these special events and initiatives, helping to further develop the class and expand participation globally.
Further details will be released soon as the class continues to expand its global events programme and explore new ways to deliver dynamic, accessible, and engaging foiling competition.
For more information, please contact .
Appendix 1
Base Boat
The Base Boat provides the core platform of the Switch boat without foils or rig. Included components:
- Hull with console
- Cross beams
- Carbon console with fittings
- Spreader and prodder
- EPE foam to fit in trampolines
- Boat trolley
- Boat cover
- Shared side trolley
- Rudder pintle
- Control lines and shock cord and spliced on lines
- All blocks that are attached to hull
What you must bring
Required equipment to be supplied by the charterer:
- Foils, push rod and bellcrank and locking pin.
- Ride height adjustment system
- Bow sprit and bolt
- Push rods, pins and nuts, ride height barrel and fastenings
- Wand, attachment bolts and nuts
- Trampolines and lashings
- Mast sections (3), shrouds, threaded eyes and forestay loop
- Fitted out Boom with vang strap, mainsheet straps, gooseneck pin, vang lever
- Sail, battens, cams and clew strap
- Mainsheet and all mainsheet blocks,ride height lines, floating cunningham and vang lines and blocks (ex control lines and spliced on lines)
- Boat breaker
Other items may be supplied upon request.
Find out more about the Switch foiling dinghy at www.theswitchclass.com