Hawaii wins bid to host 2024 WASZP Americas Championship and US Nationals

A splash of colour ashore during the WASZP Americas Championship 2022 © Bryan McDonald

With its protected waters that are locked into trade winds almost year-round, Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii boasts some of the most reliable foiling conditions in the world, rarely missing a day of breeze. Add the fact that it's always about 80 degrees and you find yourself in a Groundhog Day of foiling perfection.

In 2024, the WASZP fleet is heading to paradise for a huge double-header of events! Kaneohe Yacht Club will host the US Nationals rolling straight into the Americas Championship, providing seven days of spectacular racing on the crystal-clear waters of Hawaii. The US Nationals will run from 24-26 March and, following a lay day on 27th, the 2024 Americas Championship will run from 28-31 March.

For those with their eyes on the prize, on top of a true bucket-list sailing experience, the two major events back-to-back give an awesome opportunity to clock up some huge ranking points early in the season. With the 2024 WASZP Games set for North America, we could see some Americans and Canadians topping the global rankings table for the first time!

For all WASZP sailors, Kaneohe Bay is the perfect place to improve WASZP sailing. Flat, warm water, sunshine and great wind from dawn till dusk offers more foiling time than any other venue. As with all major WASZP events, learning is at the forefront of the event experience and there will be plenty of opportunities to gain helpful tips and tricks from the WASZP technical team and the top sailors in the fleet. Those keen to rack up the hours are encouraged to get to Kaneohe early, where the ever-hospitable Hawaiian fleet will be ready to suit up and go sailing at any moment! Warm-up events and clinics are being arranged to ensure sailors can maximize this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hawaiians have embraced the WASZP and have shown their foiling skills to the world on numerous occasions. Probably the most committed sailors to traveling, Hawaiian WASZP sailors have joined the swarms in North America, Australasia and Europe with representation at all the major events. Their access to endless foiling sailing at Kaneohe means they're pretty damn good too.

CJ Perez famously won the US WASZP Nationals in 2021 and launched herself into the SailGP fray. JP Lattanzi won the 2022 Americas Championship and went on to represent the USA at the SailGP Inspire Grand Final alongside his sister Pearl, with Pearl making the podium. Gavin Ball got the better of JP at the Chicago SailGP to win the spot for the USA at this year's Grand Final; and the talent machine keeps on turning.

Although alone in the middle of the Pacific, getting boats to Hawaii has never been easier. Shipping and air freight deals from the mainland USA have been secured, as well as options to ship boats direct from Melbourne after the 2023 WASZP Games in Sorrento in December. There are a lot of route options depending on sailor plans. Any sailors interested to attend should contact the organizers to plan the best logistics solutions. Charter boats will be available and will be offered to South American and European sailors first.

Kaneohe Bay is on the island of O'ahu just a short drive from Honolulu international airport. There is an abundance of accommodation options nearby and great places to eat and drink. The yacht club is a pristine facility with bar, galley, pool and tennis courts so sailors are encouraged to bring family and friends to join the WASZP celebration!

In the meantime, the 2023 Americas will be at CORK / Sail Kingston, Canada, 28 June - 3 July : enter now!