Better suited for broader interests

The foiling phenomena in sailing got massive early exposure when the singlehanded Moth began using lifting hydrofoils in the 2000s, and while this continues today as the platform for the very elite sailors, the cost and complexity of this international development class is not for everyone.

To provide a boat better suited for broader interests, the WASZP was developed, and while it is modeled after the Moth, the strict one design approach offers a more inclusive class for the masses.

Launched in 2016, the International WASZP Class Association has opted not to apply for International Class status from World Sailing, and while this has allowed the organization to develop more freely, it does prevent the hosting of a WASZP World Championship.

However, to deliver that kind of recognition, the 2022 International WASZP Games will be held July 12-16 on Italy’s Lake Garda.

This championship has been three years in the making, following the last International Games held in 2019 at Perth, Australia. More than eight hundred new boats have been sold in that time and the standard of racing has continued to rise.

The lead-up to the event has seen huge fleets congregating around the world with more than 270 WASZPs competing across Europe and North America since the northern summer began and combine with strong contingents from Australia and New Zealand.

The 2022 International WASZP Games has thus far attracted 170 entries from 26 nations with possibly 25-30 sailors capable of winning a race in this highly competitive one-design class. The open competition has also seen great growth for women, with 35 sailors entered in the event, many of which will be at the top of the fleet.

Age divisions share the recognition with about 30 entries in both the Master (over 40) and the Super-Master (over 50) divisions, while both the Apprentice (26-39) and Youth (20-25) divisions have 35 competitors in each.

In the junior division (under 20), there are 70 entrants and many of these sailors will be hitting the water for the first time or attending their first major event. Around 30% of the junior fleet is made up of 6.9m rigs, which offers reduced sail area for lighter sailors to handle.

The first day is allocated for slalom racing with the International Slalom Champion to be crowned. Then on July 13-16, fleet racing will commence with the competitors split into two racing groups and one on-water coaching fleet, a new initiative by the class to help upskill sailors new to foiling. By the evening of the 16th, the International WASZP Games Champion will be named.

Additional details: https://racehub.waszp.com/eventdetail/61