World Sailing has officially selected the Techno293 windsurfing board for the Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
The Techno293 will be used for both the men’s and women’s windsurfing events. This board has previously featured at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010 and Nanjing 2014. For the Buenos Aires 2018 edition, the upgraded Techno293+ was used.
The Techno293 is a popular choice for youth competition because it is easy to handle and widely available. It includes a daggerboard for stability and smooth upwind sailing. With a length of nearly 3 meters, the board performs well in light wind, allowing young athletes to glide across the water and enjoy a dynamic windsurfing experience.
Dakar 2026 will mark the first time an Olympic sporting event is held on the African continent. The Games will feature 247 events across 36 sports. In sailing, there will be two events—men’s and women’s windsurfing—with each category allowing 24 athletes. Competitors must be between 14 and 16 years old during the time of the Games.
Jim Morris, World Sailing’s Director of Events, emphasized the significance of the event. “The Youth Olympic Games is a thrilling opportunity for young athletes from across the globe. Sailing has played a key role in every edition so far, and we’re proud to continue this tradition in Africa for the first time. The Techno293 has been a staple of youth sailing, and this generation now has a chance to create history in Senegal,” he said.
To participate, athletes must be nominated through their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Member National Authorities (MNAs) must submit these nominations by 31 July 2025 in order to be considered.