Hydrofoil Pro Tour comes to San Francisco

The best foiling kiteboarders in the world will be competing at the third stop of the 2017 Hydrofoil Pro Tour on August 2-6 in San Francisco, CA. Hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club, up to 60 kiters are expected to attend, representing up to 15 countries.

“We look forward to racing on the Bay whenever we get the chance,” says pro kiter Marvin Baumeister. “Not only are the conditions intense and competitive, the local racers are some of the fastest in the sport. We can’t wait to get back.”

San Francisco Bay has earned its spot at the heart of kite racing. In 2009, St. Francis Yacht Club hosted the first Kiting Worlds and in 2015, the Hydrofoil Pro Tour made its debut with a stop in San Francisco. 2017 will mark the third consecutive year that the Tour will race on the Bay, following stops in La Ventana, Mexico, and Montpellier, France.

Among those expected to attend the SF event are former world champion and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year (and Bay Area native) Johnny Heineken, former tour champion and 2017 France-stop champion Nico Parlier, top kiter Maxime Nocher, 2017 Mexico-stop winner Oliver Bridge and Ronstan Bridge to Bridge record-holder Ricardo Leccese.

Racing will occur just off Crissy Field between St. Francis Yacht Club and the Golden Gate Bridge. Three race days will feature course racing and one day will be a long-distance “Bay Tour” that will test competitors’ strategy as well as stamina.

Tour details – Event details – Facebook

2017 Hydrofoil Pro Tour
March 26 to 29: Mexico – La Ventana
June 2 to 5: France – Montpellier
August 2 to 5: USA – San Francisco
August 19 to 23: Germany – Fehmarn
September 19 to 22: Mauritius – Pointe D’esny
November 14 to 18: Australia – Rockingham