posted Dec 2nd, 2023 - It was a long and complicated road to the next FAI World Championship of Formation Skydiving competition, the 26th edition of the most relevant event in the sport. In fact, nothing has been easy since the last world championship was hosted without any complications in Australia 2018.

There were a few events in the history of the sport where the weather did not cooperate perfectly, and the medal positions had to be settled before all ten rounds were completed. However, two consecutive cancellations of the whole event were very unusual. The corona virus crisis was the reason for the first cancellation of the FAI Tanay Mondial in 2020. This event was rescheduled and completed, in August 2021, with a fewer number of rounds and lower participation as usual.

The next outdoor world championship was scheduled for October 2024 in Israel, as the NSL News reported on 13 March 2022. This time, the obstacle came in the form of political issues, and the next cancellation was announced by the NSL News on October 13th.

The impact was even heavier, as the event could not be rescheduled. The political unrest continues in the Middle East with no end in sight at the moment. FAI/ISC needed a new host for the competition. There was not much time for the whole bidding procedure, and then for the new host to complete the event preparations timely.

FAI/ISC and the skydiving competition community probably needed a host with sufficient experiences how to run larger events and who would be able to expedite the effort of putting together a bid, and eventually follow up with the event preparations in a time frame of less than a year.

Skydiving centers in the United States have hosted world championships and world cups, and the USPA Nationals are usually larger than any of the FAI/ISC competitions. It did not take too long after the announcement of the cancellation until U.S. hosts began to consider stepping in and becoming the host of the 26th FAI World Formation Skydiving Championships.

Skydive Paraclete XP and Skydive Chicago just tested a cooperation in running one of the national outdoor championships together in September, as Skydive Chicago and Skydive Midwest had done first time for the USPA Nationals 2022. Both events were completed successfully, and the same 2023 partners decided to make the next step and bid for the hosting of the outdoor world championship.

The partnering owners, GKXP8 8-way world champion John D'Annunzio and SDC Core VFS world champion Rook Nelson, came up with an even more interesting partnership, as the event will take place at a different location, neither at Skydive Chicago nor at Skydive Paraclete. They run the event together at the public airport of the Michael J Smith Field, where Crystal Coast Skydiving is located.

The participants can expect the professional environment that the hosting partners offer in their daily operations and an aerial view that will be similar to the one at the outdoor world championship of Gold Coast in Australia 2018: "Crystal Coast Skydiving is home to a stunning view of the United States' Outer Banks along the east coast. Skydive Chicago and Skydive Paraclete XP have come together to organize the FAI World Events at this location, forgoing the opportunity to host at either of their home dropzones, specifically to showcase one of the most beautiful areas in the country for a new and unique competitor experience."

The bidding documents also provide an overview of the actual event location at the public airport near Beaufort: "The following facilities will be available: One 550-square-meter main hanger with a few rooms for manifest, packing, information center; four judging rooms in two portable offices fully equipped for judging; multiple video dubbing stations for competitor uploads; creeping and dirt diving areas including mock ups; packing tent; tents for delegations; catering tent; first aid station; public toilets; wifi and internet access; and parking lot."

Last and not least, the hosts will provide their powerful aircraft fleet, and the participating teams will not have to find a PAC to train the exits: "Skydive Chicago and Skydive Paraclete XP will be supporting the event with multiple Twin Otters. These provided aircraft will allow for nearly 200 jumps an hour, if required. Skydive Chicago and Skydive Paraclete XP have more aircraft than the event requires, and additional aircraft will be available in the case of any mechanical issue. All events will be flown at 85-90 knots, 15lbs left and 20lbs right on torque. Crystal Coast Skydiving has approximately 56,800 liters of on-site jet fuel storage in one stationary fuel tank and mobile refueler, with the capability to fuel two aircraft at once and to have more fuel delivered in one day’s notice."

The 26th FAI World Formation Skydiving Championships is now scheduled for the competition rounds on 6 - 11 October 2024.