World Sailing has entered into partnerships with the Global Wingsports Association and International Wing Sports Association ©Getty Images

World Sailing has entered into partnerships with the Global Wingsports Association (GWA) and International Wing Sports Association (IWSA) in a bid to accelerate wingfoil development.

A pair of wingfoil tours, one delivered by each of the new partners, will be endorsed as World Sailing Special Events as part of the collaboration.

The first is the GWA Wingfoil World Tour, which will crown world champions in the wave, freestyle, big air and surf slalom disciplines.

The second is an IWSA global series in racing disciplines, which will crown an open world champion in a category where any wingfoil equipment can be used, as well as other world champions.

Wingfoiling is a modern discipline where sailors hold onto a wing while riding a foilboard.

It is on the programme for next year's Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games in Bali.

A hydrofoil, which lift the board out of the water, is part of an athlete's wingfoiling equipment ©Getty Images
A hydrofoil, which lift the board out of the water, is part of an athlete's wingfoiling equipment ©Getty Images

"World Sailing is delighted to be working with the GWA and IWSA to support the progress and further interest in this new discipline," World Sailing chief executive David Graham said.

"The Expression World Tour and the Racing World Tour, with World Sailing in a supervisory role, will bring the sport of wingfoiling together and form a powerful platform to accelerate the interest and growth of wingfoil amongst the sailing community.

"This partnership also creates an excellent opportunity to work with brands and the industry on our common goals of sustainability, development and growth, while making advances in safety standards and equipment quality. 

"We look forward to working with the GWA and IWA, and together we can shape the future of a discipline with incredible potential."