WASZP UK Nationals at Rutland Sailing Club - Overall

UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland day 3 © Howevideography

UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland day 3 © Howevideography

The final day of the UK WASZP Nationals and UK EuroCup saw four races in challenging conditions. Like the previous day, the art of getting onto the foils and staying there was key to performance. Pressure was up and down throughout the day and those that managed to link the puffs together ultimately got round the course in the best shape.

The battle between the two title favourites continued in all four races with the pair filling the top two in all of the races but one, where Matt Beck crossed the finish line in second only to find he was OCS. In the same race, Ed Higson took line honours but found himself subject to the same fate, leaving Sam Whaley, who crossed in third, to take the bullet.

On the scoreboard, the class of Whaley stood out as he clocked up a 1,1,1,2 from the day. Beck's score was also impressive, with a 2,2,[OCS],1, but ultimately Whaley's near faultless display awarded him the championship title. Ed Higson, who completed the podium overnight, had the most painful day out of the leaders with two OCS scores and a 33 in the final race. Using up his discards with letters, Higson had to count the 33, which was disastrous for the Draycote sailor having not been outside the top 8 in any other race. Higson slips to sixth overall, with the super consistent Ross Banham moving up to take third.

Sam Whaley wins the UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland - photo © Howevideography

Hattie Rogers took 11th place overall to claim the female title. Dan Wellbourn Hesp made a late charge with four results inside the top four to move into fourth and secure the Under 20 title, whilst Geoff Carveth of Hayling Island Sailing Club posted a 6 and 13 in the final two races to secure the Masters title.

Hattie Rogers finishes as top female in the UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland - photo © Howevideography

The prize for the top speed, provided by class partners Sailmon, was awarded to Adam Rayburn James of Datchet, posting an impressive 23.4 knots on Day 1 of the championship!

SailGP Plymouth is just around the corner and three of the under 21 sailors from the WASZP fleet at Rutland qualified for the SailGP Inspire program under the watchful eye of SailGP and America's Cup star, Matt Gotrel. Matt Beck, Dan Wellbourn Hesp and Eve Kennedy will go through for the chance to race WASZPs at the Plymouth event in front of thousands of people, live broadcasters and professional teams. If those young sailors impress, they may well be names we see on the F50 team sheets in future seasons. Watch this space.

UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland Inspire program (l-r) Eve Kennedy, Matt Gotrel, Matt Beck, Dan Wellbourn Hesp - photo © Howevideography

Finally, a huge thanks goes to Rutland Sailing Club for hosting such an incredible event. The race team, club management, caterers and volunteers did an outstanding job to deliver a world-class championship in difficult times.

With a record-breaking 50 boats at this event, the future is looking bright for the WASZP class in the UK. For those that are interested to join the class, there are many more racing and training opportunities happening throughout the year to get involved in. The class prides itself on inclusivity and any sailor of any ability is truly welcome to join the swarm. Please contact or Duncan at Sailingfast for more information.

Overall Results: