WASZP Welsh Championship at Bala Sailing Club
by Merryn Attridge 5 May 16:34 BST
3-4 May 2025
WASZP Welsh Championship © Rebecca Bradley
The swarm descended on what one sailor described as 'the Lake Garda of Wales', Lake Bala for the Waszp Welsh Championships.
The beauty of the Waszp class is that it really is a foiling boat for all, with Finley Kirkby, age just 13, enjoying his first Waszp event and flying round in his Waszp X to 6 super masters (age 50 plus) offering help and advice off the water and stiff competition on the water.
Saturday presented the perfect combination of wind and sun which gave the holiday-makers on shore a fantastic view as the Waszps flew down the lake. The first day saw six Nascar races and one long-distance race. The first 3 races gave a clue as to what would happen during the weekend with Merryn Attridge and Martin Evans alternating between 1st and 2nd place. The long-distance race was 45 minutes down the lake and with sailors then having to sail back, some found the lure of an opportunity to be first in the shower a temptation not to be missed. The race was won by Martin Evans, and 2nd was Daniel Goodman, Robert Byne was first junior and Imogen Green first women. Adam Raeburn-James claimed the top speed for the day, with an impressive 26.6 knots. In the evening, the sailors enjoyed a BBQ.
Sunday saw a change in the wind and the fleet was held ashore while they waited for the wind. Coach Max Todd was there to support during the weekend and used the time to give sailors advice on their performance the day before and tips for the day ahead. Four championship races were held with the wind resulting in half a race the boats were foiling and half the race, they were low riding. Merryn scored three 1sts, meaning who would take the title of Welsh Champion was all going to come down to the final race. Martin went off to the left, caught the gust and was able to stay up for the rest of the race. Resulting in him getting quite far ahead, and therefore the title of Welsh Champion was his.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st Martin Evans
2nd Merryn Attridge
3rd Ben Harris
Women
1st Imogen Green
2nd Clem Middle
Junior
1st Merryn Attridge
2nd Robert Byne
3rd Max Rawlinson
Super master
1st Daniel Goodman
2nd Adam Raeburn Jones
Full results can be found here.
Thanks To Bala Sailing Club for being excellent hosts and to coach Max Todd for his support on and off the water. The next Waszp event is on the Isle of Wight on the 14th & 15th June, see racehub.waszp.com/eventdetail/489