Hydrofoil event set to take off

A contingent of 56 riders from 18 countries has descended on Rockingham as the spectacular hydrofoiling kitefoils sailing event starts this week.

The racers’ high performance marks them as the fastest sailing fleet in Australia around an Olympic-style course, with the Rockingham event the fourth and final venue of the Hydrofoil Pro Tour.

Some of the competitors ready to take to Rockingham’s waters include American Daniela Moroz, who at 15 is this year’s Formula Kite World Champion.

Nico Parlier of France is the current tour leader and will be looking to build on his success in winning the legs in San Francisco and Mauritius earlier this year. He can also boast being the world’s fastest hydrofoiler with a speed of 43.6 knots.

Riccardo Leccese, of Italy, is one of the world’s best-known riders and a virtual ever-present in the world rankings in recent years, while Gina Hewson is Australia’s top female racer.

The event will be hosted by The Cruising Yacht Club of WA and will deliver six days of action from November 24 to 29 along the Rockingham foreshore.

For more information, phone Alan Pierce at the TCYC on 9527 5468.