Please select your home edition
Edition
Rooster 2025

WASZP Slalom Covid Cup 2021

by Marc Ablett 1 Feb 2021 22:56 PST 23-26 January 2021
WASZP Slalom Covid Cup 2021 © Marc Ablett

The WASZP class descended on Gippsland Lakes for the Australia Day weekend for a replacement event of what was to be the 2021 National Championships. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 outbreaks in NSW and Melbourne over the Christmas New Year period, border chaos ensued and a large chunk of our NSW and WA contingents could not cross the border into Victoria.

The WASZP Class Association of Australia led by class president Jack Felsenthal decided to proceed with an event in Paynesville on the shores of the picturesque Gippsland Lakes. 12 months ago bushfires had ravaged the area and it was great to visit and see the towns around the lakes thriving once again.

With a change of title to the COVID CUP came a change in format. The first ever stand alone WASZP Slalom event was held. The event schedule was for 2 days (16 races) of accumulated point score Slalom racing with a cut-throat finals series for the top 8 boats, the Monday would then include 4 championship races to round out the event.

The forecast looked sensational as Melbourne sweltered with hot temperatures, it was much cooler for the first 2 days at the lakes, with mid 20s and moderate sea-breezes on offer. When the event changed from a Nationals there were well over 30 entries from NSW/VIC & Tasmania however it was great to see 16 competitors still make the trip for a weekend of full on WASZP lifestyle, well done to Hugo Allison from Tasmania who made the trip up as well and performed very well.

Paynesville WASZP

The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club has ended its three day COVID Cup, with three championship races in Paynesville.

With the National Champs cancelled, keen racers hit the Gippsland Lakes to try out the WASZP boats.

To understand the issues and find out how you can help the future of your local media, visit www.saveourvoices.com.au #WINNews6pm #SaveOurVoices

Posted by WIN News Gippsland on Monday, 25 January 2021

Day 1 racing saw 6-14 knots of building sea-breeze and perfect flat water, amazing foiling conditions for the boats, it started out slightly light, but with the techniques evolving on the WASZP early foiling is happening at around 6 knots for the top sailors. It was great to see the exhibition from the top guys, with a variety of weights all able to get on the foils early, Ben Gunther at around 80kgs was getting in the air at the same time as Jack Felsenthal at 65kgs and Tom Trotman at low 70s, showing great versatility in the platform.

The breeze built through-out the day and with 2 fleets of 8 on rotation, the races were rolling through with the top guys & girls taking about 2-3mins to get down the course and the back-markers about 5mins. This type of racing is super exciting and always leaves opportunities for passing lanes. With the exciting reaching start, 8 fully lit up WASZPs heading to the first turning mark is a lot of fun and provided you get off the start line well you are always In the game at the first mark.

Then standard amongst the fleet improved significantly from race 1 to race 8 of the day, with the back markers compressing on the leaders and some awesome racing occurring in the later races. Benny Gunther was the pick of fleet 1 with 5 bullets and in fleet 2 there was some great competition between Tom Trotman and Jack Abbott on day 1. The highlight was 7 different heat winners (nearly half the fleet) on day 1 with young guns Pat Distefano, Lachie Vaughan and Hugo Allison mixing it up at the front of the fleet.

Day 2 and a slightly lighter breeze made technique even more important, however Ben Gunther still showed what he can do at the lower range and took 2 wins in a reduced 6 race format for day 2. Jack Felsenthal was the big mover with 4 wins on day 2, while Tom Trotman and Jack Abbott maintained consistency to keep in the hunt.

Unfortunately the breeze evaporated and the finals series could not be conducted, however after 14 Slalom races, Gunther was on top heading into the more traditional Championship fleet racing on the Monday. With big breeze forecast and soaring temperatures there was a lot of anticipation and extra hydrating happening within the fleet. In true WASZP event culture, the fleet was treated to a couple of nights on 'Charter Worlds' 50ft cruising catamaran, cruising the lakes with a few beverages and BBQ followed by a session at the Metung pub. Perfect preparation for 4 championship races.

The Monday didn't disappoint and with Tom Trotman stating the fleet was in trouble when they had to turn the corner to head upwind after 2 days of slalom races, his prediction proved true as he took 2 from 3 races in a reduced card. The attrition rate was high as the breeze began to spike at 28 knots, however the WASZP class loves a bit of breeze and there was some awesome action across the fleet.

Overall Gunther's win in the first race of the Championship series before blowing his 'old' mainsail apart was enough to seal the win, such an impressive performance right across the range of conditions from 6-28 knots the COVID CUP had it all. Well done to everyone who made it up to Gippsland Lakes for the event.

Full results can be found here.

There are still 2 more events on the Australian WASZP Association Calendar, with the Victorian State Championships to be held at Royal Geelong Yacht Club on the 13/14th of March and then for the big one a re-scheduled National Championships at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club running from the 9th to 11th of April with an optional Slalom day on the 8th of April.

Stay tuned for more WASZP action!

Related Articles

WASZP Games 2025 Day 1
247 sailors across four fleets racing in Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay "This race is live" — and with that, the 2025 WASZP Games were officially under way. With 247 sailors across four fleets, Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay were transformed into a theatre of foiling. Posted today at 4:56 am
WASZP Games 2025 Women's Sprint Champs Overall
A thrilling showdown with five high-octane slalom races in Portland Harbour The final day of the WASZP Women's Sprint Championship delivered a thrilling showdown with five high-octane slalom races, pushing sailors to their limits in fast, tactical conditions. Posted on 21 Jul
WASZP Games 2025 Women's Sprint Championship Day 1
Tight racing as the female sailors went head-to-head on the SailGP sprint course The start of the WASZP Women's Sprint Championship delivered a spectacular showcase of talent, tactics, and tight racing as female sailors went head-to-head on the SailGP sprint course. Posted on 20 Jul
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth overall
Light winds prevailed for the final day Light winds prevailed for the final day of the WASZP Pre-Games, seeing the racing postponed as sailors waited for the breeze to make up its mind. Posted on 19 Jul
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth Day 2
A classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and drizzle The second day of the WASZP Pre-Games served up a classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and with a hug of fresh drizzle. Posted on 18 Jul
The WASZP Games: A decade in the making
What was once a dream for the SailingFast team is now a reality! The WASZP Games at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) has been a decade in the making for Duncan & Emma Hepplewhite at SailingFast, so seeing it come to fruition is a proud moment for them and the team. Posted on 17 Jul
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth Day 1
Four races held for all flights in the sunshine The WASZP Pre-Games got under way in Weymouth on Thursday with all the ingredients for a great day on the water: a steady WSW breeze, sunshine, and plenty of smiles heading out onto the racecourse in Portland Harbour. Posted on 17 Jul
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth starts today
131 boats from 18 countries prepare ahead of the main event The 2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth has become a magnet for the international foiling community. With 131 boats entered from 18 countries, this event is more than just a tune-up—it's a snapshot of the class's spirit. Posted on 16 Jul
Nastro Rosa Tour La Maddalena overall
Grand Finale in Genoa Having departed from Venice on June 1, after 43 days of sailing, the 5th edition of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour (Sailing Tour of Italy) concluded in Genoa in the magnificent setting of the Palazzo Ducale, which hosted the awards ceremony. Posted on 14 Jul
WASZP Games 2025: Talent & fun descend on Weymouth
Poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history The 2025 International WASZP Games, set to take place from July 19–25 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, are poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history. Posted on 11 Jul
Lloyd Stevenson - AC ETNZ 1456x180px BOTTOMRooster 2025North Sails Loft 57 Podcast