There have been some remarkable round Ireland circuits in extra-small and often unusual craft over the years, but a new standard has been set in 2022 by Hannes Louet-Feisser of Carlingford Lough, who completed the challenge – usually unaccompanied afloat – on a Windfoiler.

His longest day’s distance was 170kms, and he occasionally spent seven hours in the standing position “cruising” at speeds of up to 35kph, which indicates an exceptional level of core fitness and willpower for this 51-year-old veteran of the Irish board-sailing scene.

Hannes-Louet Feisser windfoiling into remote and rugged Portacloy in northwest Mayo, already two-thirds of the way into his lone round Ireland circuit

The iQFOiL youth windfoiling class has become a British Youth Sailing Recognised Class in recognition of the exciting new discipline's inclusion at the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

After windfoiling was chosen to replace the RS:X windsurfer for the two Olympic cycles following Tokyo 2020, the iQFOiL class was named as the equipment of choice.

After careful consideration, British Youth Sailing has chosen to adopt the iQFOiL youth class as a Recognised Class, replacing the RS:X.

A comprehensive training programme is already underway in conjunction with the UK iQFOiL class to teach young sailors the art of foiling while developing their racing skills.

The International iQFOiL Youth Class plans to stage has its inaugural world championship in Lake Garda, Italy, at the end of July 2021.

Windfoiling will also feature at the RYA Youth National Championships at Plymouth Youth Sailing from August 13 to 15.

To learn more about the iQFOiL, click here to go to the UK class association page.