Isle of Wight WASZP GP at Royal Victoria Yacht Club
by Nici Hoyle 16 Jun 2025 10:18 PDT
14-15 June 2025
Isle of Wight WASZP GP © Nici Hoyle
Nineteen WASZPs converged on the Royal Victoria Yacht Club this weekend for the Isle of Wight WASZP Grand Prix, drawing sailors from as far away as Edinburgh and Cumbria for what turned out to be a weekend of excellent Solent sailing and close racing.
The weekend's action kicked off with an informal Friday evening sail from Stokes Bay to Fishbourne. The breeze was whisper-light, making for a slow but steady passage where patience outpaced speed. But spirits remained high and all were rewarded ashore with a big welcome and a hearty chilli supper from the RVYC team.
Saturday was when the Solent showed its teeth. Gusts touched 25 knots, with short, sharp chop testing every sailor's boat handling and balance. Four windward-leewards and a long-distance race were on the agenda.
Martin Evans sailed like a man with wings, he took bullets in Races 1, 3, 4, and the long-distance Race 5, flying his WASZP with clinical precision and leaving little doubt he was the man to catch.
Junior standout Max Rawlinson was quick out of the blocks, coming second in Races 1 and 3 and taking a confident win in Race 2. Meanwhile, the battle for minor honours was fierce, with Daniel Goodman, Samson Cross, and Hugh Doyle swapping places regularly, a testament to the depth of talent on display.
Peter Hoyle had his sights set on the long-distance bullet but despite an early lead, was outpaced by Martin Evans.
Sunday's breeze dropped, turning the NASCAR racing into speed chess on water.
With pumping, low riding, and gust-hunting, the leaderboard remained open heading into the final three races.
Max Rawlinson came alive again, claiming back-to-back wins in Races 8 and 9, adding to his tally and keeping the pressure on the top three.
Martin Evans, however, showed why he's the class master, grabbing the bullets in the final two races to clinch overall victory with a commanding 19 points.
Ian Fitzgerald kept his cool, mixing speed and consistency, bagging two race wins and holding on to second place overall with 29 points. Daniel Goodman's steady performances secured him a well-earned third on 30 points.
Max's weekend heroics sealed fourth place and top junior, while Samson Cross's sharp and steady approach earned him a strong fifth with 35 points.
Harriet George delivered a composed and consistent performance across all eleven races securing her top female.
Among the younger sailors, the youngest in the fleet, 14-year-old Harry O'Callaghan and 13-year-old Oscar Hoyle, put in solid performances in both breeze and light airs, demonstrating grit and determination beyond their years.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st: Martin Evans (M) - 19 pts
2nd: Ian Fitzgerald (M) - 29 pts
3rd: Daniel Goodman (SM) - 30 pts
1st Junior: Max Rawlinson
1st Female: Harriet George
1st 6.9m: Harry O'Callaghan
The Isle of Wight GP reaffirmed the WASZP's appeal across generations and skill levels, with tight racing throughout the fleet and gains made by those who could adapt across conditions. Huge thanks to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club volunteers and race team for their expert race management, welcoming hospitality, and for hosting an event that will surely be a highlight in the UK WASZP calendar.
With the WASZP Games at Weymouth in July looming, the fleet looks set for an exciting summer of foiling and fierce competition.