No, this is not a premature April Fool's joke just before Christmas: At Defi Wind 2025, there will be a separate classification for the Windsurfer LT in addition to the Open Division and the Fin Class. Anyone looking for a challenge can therefore take part in the cult event in Gruissan with a retro board. In the Defi Wind, you will be racing parallel to the coast for ten kilometres at a time before arriving at the jibe buoy. Two laps means 40 kilometres per race, including the rabbit start behind the speeding motorboat. Not infrequently in the Tramontana storm with 40 knots and more.
Windsurfer LT in the Defi Edition
Manufacturer Exocet has developed a special edition of the Windsurfer LT for use with the Defi Wind: In addition to the standard 5.7 sail, a 5.0 sail is also included, as well as a fin made of G10 instead of plastic. The smaller sail and the fin upgrade "may be necessary to reach the finish line in a relaxed manner", the announcement states succinctly. However, these parts of the equipment are not permitted in other class regattas.
A total of 30 complete equipment packages can be rented on site for the Defi Wind, with the option to purchase them afterwards. However, if you bring your own windsurfer LT, it is recommended that you also buy the five-man sail and the better fin in order to be competitive.
Registration for Defi Wind from 15 January
Registration for Defi Wind 2025 opens on 15 January, and in addition to the Windsurfer LT, there is also an open class and the "Fin only" division. Every year, more than 1,000 windsurfers compete simultaneously at the event in Gruissan, creating a spectacular spectacle. On land, there are parties, the latest equipment from the brands, lots of windsurfing celebrities and plenty more to discover!
- Défi, from behind: Two Bavarians at the legendary race
- Info and registration: defiwind.fr
The Windsurfer LT is a further development of the historic Windsurfer board from the 70s. With modern materials, a slightly modified shape and contemporary components, the retro board has built up a large fan base. Hundreds of participants from all over the world regularly come together for regattas - albeit usually in more tame conditions than the Defi Wind.
