2024 International WASZP Games at Sandefjord, Norway - Day 3
by Marc Ablett 9 Aug 2024 15:19 AEST
5-10 August 2024
The third day of the 2024 International WASZP Games delivered one of the most extraordinary days of WASZP racing ever seen - a day that will be etched in the memories of the sailors and spectators and a day that transcended the sport of sailing and foiling. It was nothing short of epic.
Under clear blue skies, the event kicked off after an overnight storm reset the weather pattern, bringing the classic thermal wind that Sandefjord is known for. This perfect setting marked the first day of finals racing, where the fleet was divided into three groups for the sprint racing: Gold and Silver for the 8.2m fleet, and a separate start for the 6.9m fleet.
A new format was introduced for the finals, featuring sprint races followed by a long-distance race. The sprint races replaced the traditional slalom format to accommodate the large fleet, allowing every sailor to participate without the pressure of a knockout stage. The race committee executed this challenging schedule flawlessly, completing three slalom-style sprint races for all groups (12 races total) within just 80 minutes.
As the Sandefjord Ferry made its way through the course, the fleet prepared for the long-distance race—a spectacle of monumental proportions, where 180 WASZPs took off on a rabbit start to circumnavigate one of the most stunning Fjords in the world. The fleet could not of asked for a better way to kick off the finals series.
Sprint Racing Highlights
In the Gold fleet, French sailor Mattias Johnson dominated the spring event, securing first place in the sprint races. He was closely followed by Italy's Federico Bergamasco, with fellow Italian Allesio Castellan rounding out the top three. These sailors demonstrated exceptional skill, proving that versatility across all disciplines of WASZP sailing is crucial for the overall leaderboard.
In the Silver fleet, Batbold Gruner took an outstanding win, followed by French sailors Arthur Peltier in second and Benjamin Benhayoun in third. In the 6.9m fleet, Italy continued its dominance with Francesco Carrieri in first, while the Geiger siblings secured second and third.
Long Distance Race: Somebody pinch us, we must be dreaming!
The long-distance race was a sight to behold, with all 180 boats on the start line, navigating through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjord in 15-20 knots of wind and sunshine. The fleet had the option of completing a shorter course, but the majority—116 sailors—opted for the full distance, showcasing their determination and endurance.
Magnus Overbeck took the win in the long-distance race, moving him to fourth overall after a challenging qualifying series. Pre-regatta favourites Pablo Astiazaran and Markus Berthet also performed strongly, finishing second and third, respectively. Berthet's impressive performance moved him to second overall on the leaderboard, just behind Hawaiian Gavin Ball, who now leads the event. Overnight leader Ettore Botticini dropped to fifth overall after finishing 23rd in the sprint races and 11th in the distance race, while GBR sailor Sam Whaley moved up to 11th overall with a solid fifth-place finish in the distance race.
Focus on Women in WASZP
The 2024 WASZP Games also highlighted the growing presence and success of women in the sport. The number of women not only sailing in the WASZP class but also competing at an exceptionally high level has surged in recent years, fostering an incredible community within the broader WASZP family.
Hedvig Doksrod faced challenging conditions, finishing 51st in the sprint races and 39th in the distance race, placing her in 28th overall. Her sister Nora Doksrod, however, delivered a remarkable performance, moving into third on the leaderboard with a 25th-place finish in the distance race. Nora's fitness as a high-calibre cross-country skier undoubtedly played a role in her success in the breezy conditions. Norwegian Marie Butler Wang sits between the Doksrod sisters on the leaderboard, while USA sailor Pearl Lattanzi is just one point behind Nora in third. The tight competition among these top female sailors is a testament to the high level of racing in the fleet.
In the 6.9m division's distance race, Martinius Hopstock closed in on Rebecca Geiger in third place with a second-place finish, while Alice Senior from GBR claimed fifth, steadily narrowing the gap to the leaders. Francesco Carrieri remains in the overall lead, with Tommaso Geiger close behind.
Current Division Leaders:
- Junior: Victor Loof (Sweden)
- Youth: Federico Bergamasco (Italy)
- Apprentice: Gavin Ball (Hawaii)
- Master: Emmanuele Savoini (Italy)
- Super-Master: Mikel Vazquez (Spain)
Full results can be found here
The 2024 International WASZP Games continue to deliver unforgettable moments, with more wind forecast tomorrow, we can't wait. All we can say is, what an event and what a class! We have two days left of traditional course racing for the finals before we crown a winner at the 2024 International WASZP Games.