WASZP takes flight with World Sailing

The WASZP has made a formal application to become an official World Sailing class © WASZP Class / James Tomlinson Photography

WASZP is proud to announce its formal application to become an official World Sailing class. Until now, WASZP has consciously operated outside the mainstream sailing infrastructure—not as a statement, but because the class didn't fit the traditional mould. WASZP was different.

This difference has driven remarkable growth. The class now boasts 1,700 boats in 45 countries, filling a long-standing gap in the sport. Adults rediscovered their passion for sailing through WASZP. Former youth sailors, no longer on the Olympic pathway, found a new home in the Swarm, rekindling their love for the sport. Kids, inspired by the success of those before them, chose WASZP over typical youth classes, aiming for professional foiling stages like SailGP and the America's Cup. WASZP has become a gateway for many, revitalizing their connection to the sport and leaving an indelible mark on sailing.

The sport is evolving. Foiling has sparked unprecedented innovation, and World Sailing is embracing change. With fresh perspectives on classes, events, and formats, the time is right for WASZP—the world's leading production foiling class—to join World Sailing and help shape this exciting new era.

"The DNA of the WASZP is deeply personal to me. Our focus has always been on building a strong community and meeting the needs of sailors—not chasing politics or recognition. By carefully nurturing the class, we've created a product that people love and continue to love. Now that WASZP is established and can make a real difference, especially for youth sailing, the time is right to align with World Sailing and invite the global sailing community to discover this incredible class." - Andrew McDougall, WASZP Designer and CEO.

Andrew recently attended the World Sailing Conference in Singapore to collaborate on the class's future direction with the CEO of World Sailing David Graham and the technical working group. This milestone marks the start of an exciting partnership. With established ties to SailGP and America's Cup teams, WASZP is widely recognized as a foundation for the foiling pathway. Federations, clubs, and sailors view the class as pivotal for youth development. Joining World Sailing strengthens WASZP's position, breaking down barriers to recognition and enabling greater growth. The class is already thriving in the youth sector, and with the WASZP_X accelerating the entry of young sailors, this partnership is expected to further fuel its impact, making foiling more accessible than ever.

"WASZP deserve huge credit for the pioneering spirit they have brought to the development of their class. From the America's Cup, SailGP and to the Olympics, we have seen foiling become truly mainstream, and, as a production foiling boat, the WASZP class has a great calendar of events, is super competitive and provides a brilliant entry point for sailors around the world" David Graham World Sailing CEO

As a World Sailing class, WASZP has ambitious goals, including participation in major World Sailing events and hosting official class world championships. One-design, accessible foiling combined with innovative, fan-friendly race formats sets a blueprint for the future of sailboat racing. With global representation, a strong women's division, and a proven ability to supply boats worldwide, inclusion in events like the Youth World Championships is a natural progression. WASZP is also exploring opportunities to join the Sailing World Championships as an invitational class.

"Becoming a World Sailing class is a huge step forward for WASZP. Affiliation provides a powerful endorsement that will unlock support from federations and help us reach even more sailors worldwide. It's a chance to showcase the class on a larger stage while staying true to our core mission: delivering the best sailing experiences. There is now no limit to where the WASZP class can go." - Martin Evans, WASZP Class Manager.

WASZP's partnership with World Sailing paves the way for a bright future. Together, they aim to expand opportunities for sailors globally, bringing the excitement of foiling to an ever-wider audience.