Windsurfing is a truly exciting sport to watch when it comes to Olympic racing. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, there are two windsurfing events – the men’s RS:X and women’s RS:X.
36 countries have qualified to compete in the men’s RS:X fleet and 26 for the women’s. Every sailor races on the same board – Neil Pryde RS:X – with same sail, fin and daggerboard.
Windsurfers will complete a 12 race series. Points are awarded depending on their finishing position. So first place receives one point, second place two points – and so on.
“Every sailor races on the same board – Neil Pryde RS:X – with same sail, fin and daggerboard”
If a competitor is disqualified or doesn’t finish a race, they will be awarded one more point than the total number of competitors i.e. if there are 20 competitors, they will be awarded 21 points.
After the 12 races, the top ten windsurfers will then go on to compete in the final. The worst points from their lowest race will be discarded and then the rest added up. In the Medal Race, the winner is awarded two points for first place, four points for second place and so on.
The competitor with the lowest combined points will win. If you are interested in the basic rules, read our article on windsurfing racing rules here. You can see the race course – which will be windward/leeward or trapezoid – below.
