Abnormal wind conditions during Caribbean Foiling Championships 2022

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2022 © CFC

Unusual pattern shifts in the atmosphere are causing a slow-moving storm that will set up in the Central Atlantic. Coming from a combination of sub-seasonal climate signals that have not been seen since 2010. Resulting in (extremely) light winds during the event window.

Maxim van den Pol (organizer of the Caribbean Foiling Championships) says, 'Over the past year we have worked extremely hard to organize an international foiling competition in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, there is one thing we cannot control: the wind. Our greatest friend and (sometimes) our greatest enemy.'

Despite the wind forecast, the intention is to race. If racing is not possible due to lack of wind the organization has an active alternative program on water as well as on shore in place.

'We are lucky to have such loyal crowd and are ready to welcome them to St. Martin: with or without wind! With only watersports lovers and adventure seekers joining the event, we will use this weekend to celebrate the ocean.', says Emmanuel Demanez (owner of Club Wind Adventures).

For that reason, the tentative activity schedule is crowned as the Ocean Celebration: On Thursday December 8, Registration will take place at Club Wind Adventures in Orient Bay. This training day have consistent winds forecasted, so Orient Bays spectators can enjoy the spectacle. For the adventure seekers that like to try-out foiling or get more information, they will be welcomed at the Club where a Duotone will have a demo booth/exposition. This first day will be closed with a Welcome Party supported by Amstel Bright.

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2022 - photo © CFC

Coming Friday, better known as Race Day 1, has the best predicted wind conditions. The morning will consist of racing for those classes that are able to. In the afternoon the tentative activity schedule will include a surf session as due to this forecast the Windward Islands will offer the best surf.

On Friday Afternoon, Club Wind Adventures will host a get together for its competitors before heading to Wai Plage for a luxury dinner.

In case of no winds, Race Day 2 will consist of an early morning surf session, surffoiling, tow foiling, e-foiling, a visit to Tintamarre island and a long-distance Stand-Up Paddle Board Race.

On Saturday Afternoon, the event will host a bigger get together where supporters, competitors, friends and 'the curious' can get their ice-cold drink, partake in the Caribbean BBQ and listen to some music on the beach.

Sunday, known as the Around the Island Race, will start with a big breakfast for competitors and a surf session. For those that are unable to surf, the event has organized activities such as snorkeling and a Catamaran Day.

The exact times will be shared with the competitors and the public on the Day itself.

'We will try to race but in case we can't we will have the Ocean Celebration Program. We would like to underline that the competition has not been cancelled. We want to inform the competitors about the possible scenarios so that expectations are set correctly. Nonetheless, we cannot wait to welcome everybody and experience the beauty of St. Martin!' says Maxim van den Pol.