By Alexander Britell
Foiling is heading to the Olympics (including in Paris in 2024), and now a significant new foiling regatta is coming to the heart of the French Caribbean.
It’s called the Martinique Flying Regatta, and it will be a major global event for every aspect of the foiling world, from foiling catamarans to kitefoils to windfoils everything in between.
It was officially launched at a press conference by Martinique tourism officials at Caribbean Week in New York.
A kitefoil.
The 100 percent foiling event, which will be set on the Bay of Fort de France, will take place from Nov. 17-24.
Foiling is the result of a technological revolution that began in earnest in America’s Cup competition, a racing series that eventually switched from the traditional monohull sailboat to foiling catamarans that can reach up to 45 knots.
The term applies to boats or boards that have foils mounted underneath their hulls; as boats get faster and faster, the foils rise up above the water and lift the boats, reducing drag and allowing for faster speeds.
The concept of the Flying Regatta is to invite the finest international foilers each year for a week of racing around the bay, according to organizers.
The Bay of Fort de France is particularly well suited to the event, with steady winds and flat seas.
For more info, visit the Martinique Flying Regatta.
— CJ