The St Barth Cata Cup continues to enjoy widespread popularity among F18 amateurs at the dawn of it’s 9th edition.
At closing date of registration on April 16, the organization had received 82 requests for one of the 60 available spots, awarded following a random draw.
« This year because of the short intervals between the F18 World Championships in Argentina and the St Barth Cata Cup, we really didn’t know what to expect », said Vincent Jordil, from the organization. « We were pleasantly surprised by the Argentinian entries at the opening of registrations which demonstrates how F18 events can nicely co-exist. »
Proof that the F18 support still attracts a wide pool of sailors of different ages, interests and calibre, the young sailors of the Red Bull Foiling Generation, Tim Mourniac, Arthur Boc-Ho and Cantin Roger have all registered for the 9e edition of the regatta.
The three have recently taken part in the first event of the Flying Phantom Series in Cannes. Arthur and Cantin finished first, closely followed in second by Tim Mourniac and his crew.
Arthur and Cantin are not new to the foiling world, qualifying last year to represent France in the finals of the Red Bull Foiling Generation international event to be held in the US at the end of October 2016.
« Before joining Team France and sailing on Flying Phantom, I trained two seasons on F18. The support is fun and I was able to race at a good level. The raid format is really well adapted to F18. Add to that the tradewinds and waves of St-Barth and that’s why I am looking forward to November! », said Tim Mourniac. «These past couple of years, I have been following the competition from a distance on my laptop. The videos and what I’ve been hearing from the sailors about the event and the friendly atmosphere inspired me to register. Pierre Yves Durand and myself hope to be at the 2016 edition and compete in the warm waters of the Caribbeans.»
Other well-known names of the foiling world will also be among the group of racers to come to St-Barth in Novembre, namely Sébastien Rogues, Gurvan Bontemps and Benjamin Amiot.
While the events is still as popular with French sailors, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands have followed suit with an increase in pre-registered crews. As always, there will be a great international represenation at the event, both from amateurs and professionals alike.
The format of the event is still very popular among the racers who enjoy ideal sailing conditions to battle it out in a friendly atmosphere in St-Jean Bay. Here is the race program of the 2016 edition:
Wednesday, November 16
Thursday, November 17
Friday, November 18
Saturday, November 19
Sunday, November 20