The Switch One Design is a high-performance, single-handed foiling dinghy designed to make competitive foiling accessible and affordable for a wide range of sailors. Unlike traditional “heavy” boats, the Switch is built entirely from carbon composite, emphasizing a lightweight, state-of-the-art construction that allows it to achieve remarkable speeds. The class is structured as a “One Design” category, ensuring that all athletes compete on identical equipment, placing the focus entirely on the sailor’s skill rather than their budget or gear.
They recently welcomed a proposal submitted by the Swedish Sailing Federation to World Sailing, which suggests introducing a single-handed foiling dinghy event for both men and women in the Olympic programme. This proposal reflects a shift toward modern, high-performance foiling that balances speed and athleticism with accessibility. The “Switch” boat is central to this vision, offering a one-design platform that is already established globally with over 200 boats across 20 countries.
The proposal submitted for the World Sailing Olympic Events Review marks a significant move toward modernizing the Olympic sailing program by advocating for the inclusion of single-handed foiling dinghies. Submitted by the Swedish Sailing Federation, the proposal suggests replacing current events (specifically the Men’s and Women’s Kite) with a high-performance, one-design foiling dinghy. The International Switch Class has officially welcomed this proposal, highlighting that the “Switch” platform is uniquely positioned to meet these needs due to its focus on strict equipment parity, durability, and a modular design that simplifies global logistics.
Key Highlights of the Proposal & Switch Class Features
- Strategic Shift: The proposal aims to introduce a foiling dinghy event for both men and women, focusing on short, dynamic, and high-intensity racing formats that appeal to modern global audiences.
- The Switch Platform:
- One-Design Integrity: Unlike the developmental “Moth” class, the Switch is a strict one-design, ensuring that success is determined by athlete skill rather than equipment spending.
- Modular Design: The boat is highly transportable; up to 20 boats can fit in a single 20ft container. Sailors can travel “light” by carrying only their foils and rigs while chartering a hull at the event.
- Accessibility: It features an interchangeable rig system (6.5m, 7.5m, and 8.5m sails) using the same hull, allowing sailors of different weights and ages to compete on the same platform.
- Global Presence: The Switch Class already boasts a fleet of over 200 boats across 20+ countries, proving it is a “ready-to-go” ecosystem rather than a theoretical concept.
- Sustainability & Cost: By reducing logistical complexity and using durable carbon composite construction that doesn’t degrade quickly, the class offers a more cost-conscious and environmentally friendly pathway to high-performance sailing.
- Versatile Racing: The platform supports various formats beyond traditional fleet racing, including knock-out competitions, relays, and speed-focused challenges.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
- Olympic Integration: The proposal (under World Sailing Regulation 11.5) aims to replace existing events, such as Kiteboarding, with a one-design foiling dinghy event to increase the sport’s appeal and keep it relevant for future games (e.g., Brisbane 2032).
- Accessibility & Versatility: The Switch features a modular design with three interchangeable rig sizes (6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 sqm) on a single hull. This allows youth, women, and men of various weights to compete using the same platform.
- High Performance: Built from full carbon composite, the boat can reach up to 19 knots upwind and 30 knots downwind, taking flight in as little as 5–6 knots of wind.
- Logistical Efficiency: The design is highly transportable—over 20 boats can fit in a single 20ft container. The Class also promotes a “travel-light” charter system where sailors only need to bring their own foils and rigs to international events.
- Broad Racing Formats: Beyond traditional fleet racing, the platform supports dynamic formats like knock-out competitions, relays, and long-distance speed challenges.
- Global Ecosystem: Unlike purely theoretical concepts, the single-handed foiling movement is backed by existing grassroots classes (like the Waszp) and high-performance pathways (like the Moth).
This video provides a first-hand explanation from Simon Hiscocks on why the Switch Class is unique and how it aims to make high-performance foiling accessible to the average sailor.
Boat Specifications & Technical Details
- Dimensions: The boat measures 3.9 meters in length and 2.25 meters in width.
- Weight: It is exceptionally light, with a platform weight of approximately 25 kg, making it easy to transport and handle on shore.
- Speed: It is built for pure pace, capable of upwind speeds exceeding 19 knots and blistering downwind speeds of over 30 knots.
- Take-off: The boat is highly efficient, able to “take off” and begin foiling in wind speeds as low as 6 knots.
- Modular Rigs: To accommodate different age groups and body weights, the Switch features three interchangeable rig sizes (6.5m², 7.5m², and 8.4m²). The top and mid-mast sections remain the same; only the bottom mast base and sail need to be switched.
- Simplified Controls: The cockpit is streamlined with only four main controls (Cunningham, Vang, Height, and Pitch), reducing complexity so sailors can spend more time on the water and less time rigging.
Class & Community Highlights
- Inclusivity: The class emphasizes that the boat is for everyone—from youth transitioning into high-performance racing to recreational sailors looking for an “adrenaline buzz.”
- Global Event Calendar: The Switch Class Association manages an extensive global calendar, including World and Continental Championships, “Fast Women” events, and foiling festivals.
- Event Charter Program: The class offers an event charter program, making it easier for international sailors to participate in major regattas without the logistical headache of shipping their own boats.
- Partnerships: The class is supported by major industry names like Ronstan and Vaikobi, highlighting its professional standing in the sailing world.
Visit International Switch One Design website for more information
