2022 International WASZP Games hits 150+ entries from 25 nations
by WASZP Class 17 Jun 2022 01:31 NZST
11-16 July 2022
WASZP European Championship 2022 Mar Menor © James Tomlinson
With just under one month to go until the 2022 International WASZP Games excitement has hit fever pitch with currently 158 entries taken so far.
There is still time to enter the event, no matter what level you are at, if you have a WASZP or have access to a WASZP you will not want to miss this incredible event.
Over 25 nations are currently represented and the fleet size is already a record for this fast-growing class. Of particular note is the age demographic spread, few classes can boast the wide spectrum of ages that the WASZP does, with 30 sailors representing over the age of 40 and another 30 sailors over the age of 30, the current spread of ages and nations is what makes WASZP events so special.
There is the perfect mix of up-and-coming junior/youth sailors who are taking the standard to new levels, mixing with some wise older heads who keep them more than honest around the racetrack. The one-design nature and simplicity of design ensures the WASZP is the perfect boat for everyone.
The epic month of July kicks off with Foiling Week from the 30th of June - 3rd of July, this is then followed by the Pre-Games on the 9-10th of July and into the International Games with Slalom and Championship racing kicking off on the 11th of July. Numbers are very strong for all three events. Not to mention if you are interested in trialling the WASZP, Foiling Week is the perfect opportunity to do so. With a container of new boats landing in Italy just prior to the events, there will be stock available and ready to sail.
As previously stated, WASZP will be providing on-course coaching for those who wish to just take part and use the week to increase their rate of learning, as well as having the inaugural WASZP_X International Games in conjunction with the main event. The WASZP_X is taking sailing schools and federations by storm around the globe, the perfect learning platform for 11-14yr olds coming out of junior classes like the Opti. The best part is, it is three boats in one, with the platform easily converted to a standard WASZP 6.9 or 8.2 at very little cost.
At the top end of the fleet, any one of around 30 sailors will be capable of winning a heat, the Gold fleet racing will be unbelievable to watch. The standard of the sailors coming through is incredible. European Games winner Francesco Bertone will lead the charge, with strong competition from Swiss, UK, Italian, French, Norwegian and Spanish sailors who have put significant time into their preparation.
However, the nature of the class means that there is no reason a winner can not come from outside the main protagonists. Some quality Australians, New Zealanders and Americans will go head to head with the Europeans for the first time, sailors like 2x Australian Champion Jack Ferguson and New Zealand sailor Sam Street will be sure to throw down a significant challenge.
Stay tuned for a full preview in the coming weeks as we lead into this mammoth event! Don't forget to get your entry in, the off-water is sure to be just as good as the on-water!
Enter now here