The fourth and final day of the 2026 Aruba Hi-Winds Youth Slalom World Cup saw a plethora of exhilarating action as Aruba’s trade winds continued to crank to boast a 100 percent wind record this year. With sailors competing in both fin and foil on the last day, it’s safe to say there were plenty of talking points.
Storm Nicolai wins in Aruba 🇦🇼
Taking the victory on the final day in the U21 fin, Storm Nicolai (Starboard) looked like he meant business from the word go today. Going into the day, the results couldn’t have been any closer, but under pressure Nicolai performed brilliantly taking five wins from five eliminations ⚡️.
Behind him, Matthijs Pos (FMX Racing / North Sails) and Mario Boekstegers were neck-and-neck. Exchanging positions back-and-forth throughout the rounds, a second place in the final elimination for Pos left him equal on points with Boekstegers, but ahead after the tiebreak 😮💨
Arxon Gomperts wins in Aruba 🇦🇼
Stepping up into a new age group this year (U17) could have provided a challenge to the Young Bonairean, Arxon Gomperts (FMX Racing / North Sails) - a dominant force in last year‘s Under 15 category - but alas he was untouchable once again this week. Racing in a fleet combined with the U21s, Gomperts was pushed hard by the older riders, and showed the hard work over winter has paid off.
Behind him was Thomas Michael from Curacao - a talent within himself - scoring seconds in almost every round! On occasion he was challenged by Faber Korevaar and Trevor Anthony - the former who has only been windsurfing for nine months - absolutely smashed it at his maiden competition and found himself completing the podium.
Julien Blom wins in Aruba 🇦🇼
The Under 15 category this week was incredibly closely fought. With six different riders all scoring top three results throughout the week the last day was set to be drama filled, and that it was.
Blom had a job today if he was going to fend off Kenny Abrahamsz, but with three wins from five eliminations completed, Blom was home high and dry and won the Aruba Hi-Winds in style 🔥. Unfortunately, with Abrahamsz breaking his smallest sail yesterday it was definitely going to be a challenge for him as the conditions were once again very strong, but he did what he needed to in order to secure second place. Third place in the U15 Boy’s went to Gaspar Cascon Schwarzenlander from Austria who thrived in the strong winds and continue to improve throughout the week! A big shout out to the team from Curacao for pushing hard and improving race by race.
A special mention must also go to our under 15 Girls. Jessica Roman and Vanessa Roman who have been flying around all week in the strongest conditions they have ever sailed in - while using sails bigger than most of the guys. Coming from the Techno293 Class they came here to learn and for a challenge and that they certainly had.
MATTHIJS POS 🇳🇱 WINS IN ARUBA!
Matthijs Pos (FMX Racing / North Sails) takes the victory in the Under 21 Boy’s Foil. But it wasn’t without drama. The opening race of the day saw a photo finish between Pos and Elias Wallden Jespersen with Pos just edging ahead on the finish line. Meanwhile in race two of the day he snapped his mast, opening the door for Wallden Jespersen to mount a comeback. Unscathed by the challenge of the first two eliminations Pos went on to win the final three, and take the crown here in Aruba for the opening stop of the season.
In the fight for third, it couldn’t have been closer. Jack Drulard lead overnight, but his compatriot Pedro Grubbish came out fighting this morning. In the stronger breeze, Grubbish’s smaller sail gave him the control he needed to tame the Hi-Winds and take his first podium in the U21 division.
Special mention to Jessica Roman for battling the strong conditions and completing the course despite being only 12 years old!