ANTIGUA--With scores tied after two days of racing, the final race of the Antigua Wingfoil Championship was the deciding factor in who took home the top prizes. The excitement was palpable as foilers gathered for the safety briefing for the long-distance race taking them from Falmouth Harbour to Johnson's Point. The sun was shining bright, and the wind had picked up, promising a thrilling eight nautical mile course for the riders.
The Pro Class was especially intense, with local wingfoiler Idani Edwards and Martinique wingfoiler Anthony Smith battling for first place and a wingfoiler on a brand-new North Wing provided by Kelsick Kiteboarding. Idani Edwards attempted using his local knowledge to his advantage and moved close to shore right after the start, where the wind is usually stronger. Anthony, on the other hand, took a strategic approach and searched for wind farther out. The race was neck and neck until Anthony took the lead at Cades Reef and held on to it, finishing with a time of 35 minutes and 49 seconds. Idani finished just two minutes behind, with an impressive 37 minutes and 44 seconds.
"I should have gone outside, but I tried to move the odds against me till the end," said Idani, reflecting on his performance. The Wingfoil Leisure Class, unofficially upgraded to the Legends Class, saw local wingfoiler Seumas leading the pack. However, it was 14-year-old Mark Mains who despite finishing last showed the most determination.
Mark who only started wingfoiling past February, and had never foiled in open water before, managed to make it all the way down to the finish in 1h 35m 14s. The final results of the Championship were as follows: Wingfoil Leisure: 1. Seumas Maherg, 2. Mark Mains. Wingfoil Pro: 1. Anthony Smith, 2. Idani Edwards, 3. Eli Fuller.
