Recently scored a really nice F2 Thommen 285 from circa 1996, and was interested to know a little more about it.

The description of this model in the brochure in the link below suggests it was designed for windward/return courses, and the smaller models like 270 and 275 were for downwind racing:
www.windsurfing33.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=755781

What style of courses did they use these boards on ?
Did the modern formula boards evolve from these early course racing slalom boards?

Going thru some old windsurf mags, and I found this. I remember when they first came out, and I instantly thought that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I bring you "Da Claw", from 1985. Can we say launch in 3.....2.....1