With World Sailing status, the X-15 Class will crown five World Champions at its first World Championships in 2026.
August 2025 – The X-15 Class is pleased to announce that Ava Hider has taken over as Class Manager, building on the strong foundations established by previous managers. The role will focus on developing grassroots programs within clubs worldwide, driving national and international races, and ensuring foiling remains accessible to a broad community of sailors. The Class will also create educational pathways for sailors and coaches and guide the formation of national federations to support long-term growth.
The Class would like to extend its gratitude to the previous managers, Fiona Wylde and Antonio Cozzolino, for their dedication and valuable contributions in establishing the foundations of the X-15 Class. Sincere thanks go to Fiona for her exceptional contributions and wishes her the very best in her medical studies, and congratulates Antonio on his appointment as General Counsel at World Sailing. Their work has laid the groundwork for the Class’s rapid growth and World Sailing status, and Ava’s appointment marks the next step in building on this momentum as the Class moves toward its first World Championships in 2026.
Furthermore, the Class will also introduce the X-15 Action Games League, a new international racing series designed to bring high-intensity competition close to shore, delivering strong media value and an engaging experience for spectators.
Sustainability is a core principle of the X-15 Class and its events, with a commitment to setting new standards for international sports competitions. Through Starboard’s Plastic Impact Program, the Class will link environmental action to athlete prize money, event operations, and equipment use, while actively planting mangroves and removing plastic from shorelines.
About the X-15 Class
The X-15 Class is a one-design wingfoil class approved by the World Sailing Equipment Committee. However, 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.
Website: https://x-15class.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x15class/
Contact: ava@star-board.com
About Starboard
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.
Learn more about the initiative at Starboard Plastic Offset Program.
Starboard’s website: https://star-board.com/
Starboard Blue Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starboard-blue/
