Whooping WASZPs at the Rutland Rally
by Victoria Payne, WASZP UK 20 Nov 2018 22:36 PST
17-18 November 2018
An incredible weekend of foiling at Rutland Sailing Club for the WASZP rally. Most of sailors reunited on the Friday night as they had travelled from various parts of the UK to get together. By morning eighteen boats had arrived.
The first day was for coaching with Max Todd (who came second at the Nationals) to kick off with the physics of the righting moment, before the boats getting on the water to try out the day's exercises. Over the day it was noticeable how much everyone had improved.
Later Rutland provided a great meal while the sailors settled down to watching the rugby and play the now popular WASZP Charades.
Sunday was perfect foiling weather and six races were sailed. The race format was very inclusive with the faster boats sailing two laps and the others being finished on one, everyone had the opportunity of getting a race result and not having to wait to long between races.
There were some very entertaining wipeouts and awesome sailing. Jamie Calder, Dan Wellbourn-Hesp, Max Todd and Aran Holman had some epic battles with only a few boat lengths between the finish where a dodgy jibe could cost you the race. Only 5 races were planned but the smiles of the faces of the sailors when they were asked if they wanted another confirmed that one more race was wanted with the sailors literally whooping through the starting line.
Youth Dan was lightning fast but it was Jamie who took the day's honours. Matt Toynbee who lead the one lappers. WASZP welcomed new comers Ross Banham and Aran Holman who were brand new to the class. A big thank you for Max Todd the coach, Iain Calder race officer for the Sunday, Duncan Hepplewhite of Sailingfast who provided on and off the water support and Victoria Payne the WASZP Class manager who organised the event. We are all excited to be getting together again for our first event at Grafam in the spring and get some training in over the winter.