Antigua Sailing Week introduces second edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championship
by Caribbean Foiling 19 Mar 09:04 NZDT
April 25-27, 2024
Antigua Wingfoil Championship © Agnes Etchegoyen
Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), in collaboration with the Caribbean Foiling Championships (CFC), is thrilled to announce the second edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championships, introducing a Wingfoil class to the 2024 event scheduled for April 25, 26, 27, 2024.
Despite grappling with the unique challenges posed by abnormal light wind conditions during the first Antigua Wingfoil Championships 2023, participants showcased unwavering determination and fostered a remarkable spirit of camaraderie. Building upon the resounding success of introducing Wingfoiling as a new discipline in the 2023 Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean Foiling Championships is excited to bring another year of Wingfoiling to Antigua's shores!
Kicking off on April 25, ASW will host the Antigua Wingfoil Championships. Alison Sly-Adams, President of Antigua Sailing Week, comments, "Last year, we noticed that wingfoiling sailors had to choose between wingfoil or racing. So, this year, we decided to host the foiling class at the beginning of ASW so that people do not have to choose!"
The second edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championships will span three action-packed days of racing (in Falmouth Harbour if the wind permits) and a long-distance downwinder along the scenic south coast on April 27. Everyone is welcome, from leisurely adventures seekers, to professional racers, to be a part of the adventure which will be based at Pigeon Point Beach.
Maxim van den Pol, organizer of Caribbean Foiling Championships, expresses, "It has been incredible to see familiar faces from across the Caribbean joining the regional foiling competitions." Antony Smith from Martinique, Wingfoil Pro Class, secured first place in the past Antigua Wingfoil Championships and also participated in his first competition on St. Martin with incredible results showcasing his progress made.
The same story unfolded for Mark Mains from New Zealand who initially participated in the Leisure Class during the first Antigua Wingfoil Championships. Only nine months later, he boldly advanced to the Pro Class, emphasizing the remarkable improvement of Wingfoiling, international and local interest, and, most importantly, the learning curve for competitors.
Maxim van den Pol, organizer of Caribbean Foiling Championships, states, "Winging is fast, fun and exciting. It seems to bridge a gap across water-sports enthusiasts, and we are excited to join forces with one of the world's major sailing events, the 55th Antigua Sailing Week, and host a Wingfoil Class.''
ASW Race Manager, Jaime Torres, adds, "We are excited to welcome the hotbed of the foiling future into ASW. It will be a fast, fun, and colourful addition to our event!"
The Antigua Wingfoil Championship during Antigua Sailing Week is now open for registration. Interested wingfoilers can register here.