The X-15 Class has been approved by the World Sailing Equipment Committee and launches with updated foils, wings, and equipment ahead of its debut at Kiel Week.
The X-15, the first one-design wingfoiling class, has been approved by the World Sailing Equipment Committee. This marks a major milestone in the Class’s development and should clear the way for it to host a future World Championship. The Class will debut at Kieler Woche, one of the world’s most established sailing events, where sailors will race using the latest updated equipment and have access to coaching clinics designed to support both new and experienced competitors.
Purpose Built: Equipment Updates
Unlike traditional one-design sailing classes, the X-15 is built around a forward-thinking strategy: to evolve in sync with advancements in foiling technology. While maintaining standardized equipment to ensure fairness and accessibility, the Class will see gear updates approximately every two years in line with the updated Class Rules—allowing athletes to benefit from new developments.
The current X-15 setup features newly developed high-performance foils for increased speed and control, vibrant red sails for visibility, and the same fast, stable innovative board that delivers early take-off and easy touch downs.
Wing
Engineered with durability in mind, the wing uses the highly durable Ultra X canopy which stretches 4 x less than traditional canopy cloth. The Ho‘okipa material in the airframe is supercharged through Ultra-PE fibres, 32x stronger than polyester at the same weight.
The X-15 wing now has a thinner wing tipless weight while ensuring that the wing does not catch the water’s surface. The 6.0 meter size also has less wing span to make it easier for shorter riders to get pump onto foil in choppy conditions. The double surface concept pioneered by Freewing in 2020, has been removed from the X15 wing to reduce weight and increase accessibility. As only one wing is allowed for racing, the innovative reef zipper tech at only 100 gr, allows riders reduce the wing size by 20% when overpowered.
Boom.
The extraordinary lightweight 23 mm diameter thick boom sport a unique new soft touch oval EVA grip for comfort and manoeuvres,
Foils
In cooperation with America’s Cup designer Martin Fisher and Olympic IQfoil designer Tiesda You, the class introduces the 880 front foil as a new addition, creating a more stable and maneuverable ride. The 880’s wing tips are more rounded off for safety and durability. The 560 continues as the high wind performance wing while easy to use. The groundbreaking 1200 sized wing allows for racing close to the beach and down to 6 -7 knots. It is suited particularly well for heavier riders and those getting into the X15 class . The choice between 560, 880, and 1200 front foil wings invites riders from all skill levels and weights to join one design racing.
Equipment Continuity
All equipment used in 2024 X15class racing is allowed for racing in 2025, only the double surface needs to be removed from the wings
A Class Designed for Every Level and Every Club. While Aspiring Towards Professional and Olympic Levels.
With long-term growth and accessibility in mind, the X-15 is structured to support a full spectrum of riders, from young beginners to seasoned professionals. The Class includes Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions, culminating in a pro level equipped with the highest-spec gear for elite competition.
The youth and junior division has been carefully tailored to support young athletes with equipment designed to build confidence and skill from the very first session. The youth-specific wing allows for earlier take-offs and improved low-wind performance, while a lightweight sail and low-drag profile make it easier for young riders to maneuver. The wings are also designed to stay clear of the water’s surface with curled-in tips, reducing drag and minimizing frustrating catches—allowing for smoother starts and more fun on the water.
These thoughtfully designed pathways make the X-15 class easy to integrate into local sailing clubs, schools, and national programs. Whether used for weekend training or structured development, the class gives coaches and organizers a ready-made platform for progression.
Ultimately, the goal is to establish a clear and credible Olympic pathway, enabling athletes to progress from grassroots participation to the world’s biggest stage.
X-15 World Championships
By the end of 2025, the X-15 Class will announce its inaugural World Championships, with the event expected to take place in Southeast Asia or the Middle East—two regions known for their vibrant watersports culture and strategic growth potential for the sport.
The Class Manager is excited about the future of the class and further details will be provided in the coming months:
“The Equipment Committee approval is a positive step forward. We still need the World Sailing Board and Council approvals, but we have done the hard part now. This gives the class a very good platform to grow from. We can now host World Championships, work with MNAs to support and grow a pathway, focus on a global tour, and develop the Senior equipment to where it needs to be. Certainly some exciting times ahead.”
Join the Revolution at Kiel Week
With the newly approved class status, X-15 invites the sailing and winging community to be part of a new , innovative, and high-performance one-design racing class. All equipment will be provided to sailors upon registration.
Registration is now open, to enter for the regatta, click here.
To register for coaching please email antonio@x-15class.org
About Starboard
Starboard, renowned for designing the iQFOiL Olympic Windsurfing Class, 5 consecutive SUP connect brand of the year awards, and 15 PWA constructors titles, has developed the first one-design wingfoiling class. Since 1994, Starboard, founded by Svein Rasmussen, has been a leading innovator in windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wingfoiling, and the Olympic windsurf provider. Starboard has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and positive environmental impact through programs like its Plastic Offset Program.
Starboard’s website: https://star-board.com/
X-15 Class Website: https://x-15class.org/
Free Wing X-15: https://freewing.world/wings/freewing-x-15-wing/
X-15 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x15class/
