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A legendary board brought up to date
Following in the footsteps of the original model invented by Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake in 1967, the Windsurfer LT embodies the founding philosophy of windsurfing: a single medium for all ages, all conditions and all seas.
Relaunched in 2018 at the initiative of the International Windsurfer Class Europe association, this new board has been completely redesigned with today's materials: an EPS foam core, an epoxy deck, a volume of 227 liters and a weight of just 15 kilos.
Its length and width (3.66 x 74 cm) make it a stable, easy-to-maneuver board. The centerboard is fully retractable, and the deck is covered with a soft pad for barefoot riding. The result is a board that's both forgiving for beginners and responsive for racers.
Produced at Cobra in Thailand, like most of the major boardsports brands, the Windsurfer LT has quickly attracted a new generation of enthusiasts.
A collective renaissance
The story of the Windsurfer revival begins with a group of former Italian racers who decided to recreate a simple support system, far removed from the equipment race and lengthening budgets.
Six years later, the gamble has paid off: the Windsurfer LT class now has a truly global circuit, supported by an active association and an atmosphere close to that of the early days of windsurfing.
In 2022, the World Championship in Palermo, Sicily, attracted over 400 participants from 25 countries. Among them were Olympic champions and former board riders, as well as many newcomers attracted by this "no headaches" formula. The rules are simple: a single board model, a single 5.7 m² sail and race formats accessible to all.
One board, one spirit
The Windsurfer LT has a philosophy that goes against the grain of disciplines where performance often depends on technology. No carbon foils costing thousands of euros, no experimental rigs or racing suits.
The complete equipment âeuros board, mast, boom and sail âeuros is located under ?2,500 a price that allows everyone to get started without any constraints.
"That's what I liked about it", explains Sandra Marçon, head of Marçon Yachting, who joined the circuit 4 years ago. "I'm back with my friends, with the same atmosphere as when I started. We all sail with the same equipment, so it's all about technique and enjoyment. It's a real return to simplicity."
A fast-growing community
The success of the Windsurfer LT lies not only in its concept, but also in its collective spirit. Every year, the class organizes a European championship and a national circuit comprising some 8 to 10 stages. Local groups are formed everywhere, often around sailing schools or former windsurfing clubs.
"The most interesting thing is the social side", sandra continues. " In our nautical sector, we tend to forget that sailing isn't just about equipment, it's first and foremost a human activity. This simple medium puts that right back at the heart of the matter."
Pleasure first
Far from the professional circuits, the Windsurfer LT cultivates a modernized "vintage funboard" spirit: sailing for pleasure, sharing a session between generations, or regatta for the pleasure of being many on the line. And it's undoubtedly this simple formula âeuros a unique, affordable and versatile board âeuros that seduce so many enthusiasts, in a gliding world that has sometimes become too technological.
At a time when foil boards and wings are multiplying their models and innovations, the Windsurfer LT is a reminder that wind, sail and float are all you need to sail. Its growing success shows that there's still room for simplicity in boating, and that fun doesn't always depend on the latest fashionable equipment.
As Sandra beautifully sums it up: "What counts is being on the water, together. The rest is detail."
