WASZP European Championships heading for 100 entries

by Marc Ablett 30 Jun 2019 14:51 BST 15-20 July 2019

WASZP Easter Regatta at Campione Univela © Hartas Productions

With total entries now at 90 and expectations of a late flurry before the event begins on the 16th of July at Fraglia Vela Malcesine on Lake Garda, the WASZP is now well and truly making its mark on the world stage.

To go with the 90+ entries 18 countries will be represented, this shows the just how far WASZP fever has reached globally. Building on the 65 boats from last years European Championships and the International WASZP Games in Perth earlier this year the WASZP is ready to take it to the next level.

A strict one-design class which is built around a fantastic on-water/off-water culture that allows families and friends to have as much fun as the sailors. The social calendar is structured so while the racing is extremely hot, it encourages everyone to attend and have a holiday around the event. All WASZP Tier 1 & 2 event locations are chosen around this brief, it must be windy and it must be a great spot to bring family and friends for a holiday.

To add to this the racing at the top of the fleet will be amazing, with reigning International WASZP Games Champion Rory Hunter back to try and win his first European Championship, however he will have his work cut out for him with the current European Champion Nicolai Jacobsen of Norway back to defend his title. Others who are showing good form are Alexander Hogheim from Norway and Eliot Savelon from the Netherlands, while Australia will be represented by Jack Flesenthal who has had a massive start to 2019. There are also some unknowns coming out of France and Spain with some very accomplished sailors jumping into the class.

Fraglia Vela Malcesine Rigging Area - photo © Marc Ablett

Team GBR is leading the way with entries with over 20 boats entered currently and they will certainly be leading the way on & off-the water with the WASZP lifestyle running true through their veins. Team Norway will also have strong representation with around 18 boats entering, many of whom are youth sailors, the Foiling Norway program has been a huge success over the last two years introducing young sailors to foiling for the first time. It is fantastic to see some countries with strong numbers for the first time in the Netherlands and a good little group from the Czech Republic.

The racing formats will be one to watch with the 1st ever European Slalom Championship being held on the 15th of July. This event will have every heat LIVE STREAMED through the WASZP Channels, taking a lead from professional circuits and their coverage, the WASZP has invested heavily to make this into a TV/Internet broadcast friendly event, with lots of fans and supporters watching from the shore and on-line.

Stay tuned for all the action:
www.waszp.com/news
www.facebook.com/waszpgames

The social side of the event will be amazing as well with the competitor entry fee getting the competitor: