FPT Introduces a New Pro/Open Fleet Format for Austria

The Freestyle Pro Tour is excited to announce that it will trial a new two-fleet competition format at the upcoming FPT Podersdorf event, introducing separate Pro Fleet and Open Fleet divisions within the men’s competition.

The goal behind this new format is simple: to create more access and more opportunities for riders of all levels to compete against sailors closer to their own level and experience a more competition time throughout the event.

The Pro Fleet will consist of the Top Pro riders in attendance, competing under the traditional FPT format we’ve come to know. Heats will count six* scoring moves, with diversity, technique and style still remaining key elements of the judging criteria.

The new Open Fleet is designed for everyone else, including newcomers and amateur competitors, master blasters, youth riders, former pros returning to competition, and anyone looking to gain competition experience. The format has been streamlined with four moves counting, shorter heats, no diversity penalties, and judging focused entirely on overall performance.

Importantly, riders will not need to select a fleet during registration. Fleet allocation will be determined on-site based on rankings and final entries on registration day.

Pro Fleet Format

• 6 moves counting*
• 2 moves minimum per tack*
• 16 attempts total
• Diversity penalties apply
• Repeated moves do not count
• Technical score 40% / Judges score 60%

Open Fleet Format

• 4 moves counting*
• 1 move minimum per tack*
• 20 attempts total
• No diversity penalties
• Repeated moves do not count
• 100% judges score

*= changeable at the discretion of the Race Director

The Open Fleet will only run if sufficient entries are received. Riders will still register through the standard entry process, with fleet distribution being determined once entries have closed.

An additional benefit of the new system is increased opportunities to progress through the event. The exact qualification pathway from the Open Fleet into the Pro Fleet will be confirmed at the event as the format continues to be refined, but the aim is to create a clearer and more rewarding progression route for new and developing competitors. A minimum of 4 competitors from the Open Fleet will advance to the Pro Fleet (up to 8 maximum).

For Austria, the women’s fleet will remain unchanged and continue under the familiar, existing format. However, the FPT is also exploring similar participation pathways and development-focused approaches for female riders in the future, with more information to be shared as those discussions progress.

This will be a trial run for the Austria event, with the FPT team gathering feedback from riders, judges and organisers before deciding on any future implementation.

If you’ve been considering entering your first Freestyle Pro Tour event, Austria could be the perfect opportunity to jump in – last minute sign-ups are stll open!