WASZP UK Start of Seasons event at Datchet Water Sailing Club
by Ben Harris 2 Apr 00:39 AEDT
WASZP UK Start of Seasons event at Datchet © Kathryn Deaton
A fleet of 42 boats descended on Datchet Water for the 2025 WASZP UK Start of Seasons - a great turnout for an early-season event and a promising sign for the fleet this year!
A major upgrade to the WASZP saw the v2 rudder introduced this winter. While some sailors had already been experimenting with setups and boat handling, for others, this was their first opportunity to experience the higher speeds and improved handling it offers. Everyone agrees it is a massive improvement.
It was great to see the new 7.5 sail being raced for the first time on UK waters. This enabled the lighter men and women to stay in contact with the faster 8.2 sailors and resulted in much closer racing.
After a short postponement while the breeze filled in, racing got under way quickly. The Isle of Man's Peter Cope immediately demonstrated the upwind pace of the new rudder, flying into the lead - a trend he continued by taking bullets in the opening four races. James Crossley and Ben Harris frequently reached podium positions, quickly adapting to the new rudder's characteristics to sail clean races in typically patchy Datchet conditions.
With conditions improving, the race committee opted for a fifth race on Saturday. Ben Harris and Merryn Attridge capitalised on a right-hand shift on the first beat to lead. Local sailor Sven Gauter made a late charge into second, finishing closely behind Ben and narrowly holding off Peter.
Alice Senior of Magenta fame was having some epic battles with Helena Mills Bowers. Both were on the new V2 foils and 7.5 sails. At the end of the first day there was nothing between them.
After a long but enjoyable day on the water the fleet returned ashore and headed to the Ostrich Inn in nearby Colnbrook for a debrief from fleet coach Ross Harvey, focusing on tacking technique and adjustments with the new rudder foil, followed by a great meal and stories of the day's racing.
Sunday brought more breeze, more sun, and four more races. The first race started in 12-16 knots, with James Crossley showing great pace off the line, leading throughout. Peter Cope chased hard, while WASZP class manager Martin Evans refined his manoeuvres on the new rudder to take third. This trio remained consistent at the front, with Martin's upwind pace improving throughout the day, securing him a bullet in the final race.
Peter Cope secured the 8.2 event win with 8 points from 9 races! James Crossley's consistency earned him second overall, with Martin taking the final podium spot after his impressive Day 2 performance.
Helena and Alice renewed their battle for the women's title. Both were rapidly dialling in the new sail. They were often bang on the start and in the leading pack at the windward mark before the downwind speed of the top 8.2 sailors outpaced them. This is a great sign for the growth of female and youth participation for the future. Helena finally prevailed and walked away as Ladies Champion.
Although it was his first WASZP event, Alex Jones totally dominated 6.9 fleet and came ashore buzzing.
Worthy of special mention are James Broad and Daniel Cullen. Both started the weekend in green fleet but by Sunday were confident enough to join the main fleet racing. Hats off to Ross Harvey as green fleet coach for that achievement.
As the last boats finished, the wind picked up, gusting over 20 knots, making for a fast reach back to the slipway!
Huge thanks, as always, to Brenda and the race committee for delivering flawless racing in shifting conditions, as well as Martin Evans and Datchet Water SC WASZP fleet captain Adam Raeburn-James for helping organise a fantastic event!
It was great to see the increasing diversity in the WASZP fleet, with junior sailors, 'super-masters,' and a healthy mix of male and female competitors all racing on a level playing field. For 2025, WASZP UK plans to provide 'green fleet' coaching for less experienced sailors. Many new sailors joined the fleet for the first time, benefitting from two days of tailored coaching by Ross Harvey.
The WASZP UK fleet has an action-packed season ahead, starting with the WASZP Welsh Championships at Bala SC over the early May bank holiday. WASZP UK and RYA Cymru have also organised a WASZP taster day on bank holiday Monday. Several charter boats will be available throughout the year for those with foiling experience looking to join our famously fun events.
The big focus for the global WASZP community is the 2025 WASZP Games at WPNSA in June! With well over 230 boats already entered and more expected from around the globe, it's set to be the biggest one-design foiling event in history. Whether you're 10 or 70 years old, male or female, a club racer or a national champion, the WASZP UK fleet looks forward to welcoming you!