WASZP Pre-Games - Event recap
by WASZP Class 22 Mar 04:50 GMT
March 19-21, 2026
WASZP Pre-Games © Down Under Sail
Gasperini and Melleby-Hopstock win the WASZP Pre-Games regatta. All eyes on the WASZP Games now.
Three racing days and 10 sail races later, the WASZP Pre-Games regatta concludes in Pensacola. Just days away from the 2026 WASZP Games, the fleet had the chance to take a taste of the venue and the conditions, with strong competition.
Pensacola meeting expectations
The pre-regatta welcomed the fleet with a variety of conditions that highlighted why WASZP sailors value this venue so highly. The first two days of racing were sailed in light breeze and flat water, offering ideal conditions for the fleet to settle in and fine-tune their setup. On the final day, the breeze filled in to 18+ knots, delivering a full schedule of dynamic racing while the water remained relatively flat.
These conditions are exactly what sailors expect from Pensacola: a reliable breeze combined with smooth water that allows the foiling boats to perform at their best. With sunny, summer-like weather on the forecast for the upcoming week, the stage is perfectly set for the regatta ahead.
New race format introduced
This year's WASZP Games will feature a new race format, bringing a fresh dynamic to the competition. The format includes a reaching start followed by a windward-leeward course, similar to the style used in SailGP.
On the final day of pre-regatta racing, the race committee tested the new format, giving sailors a first taste of what to expect during the event. The sight of the fleet charging toward the start line at more than 20 knots of speed created an impressive moment on the water and already looks set to be one of the highlights of the upcoming regatta.
The new format also introduces different tactical elements. The reaching start changes the time-on-distance calculations for sailors approaching the line, while the "drag race" to the first mark makes positioning on the start line even more critical. Early impressions from the test runs were very positive, with the format adding excitement and a new layer of strategy to the racing.
Gasperini wins the 8.2 Division while Melleby-Hopstock dominates the 7.5 Division
Racing was tight during the Pre-Games, with several contenders already showing their intentions ahead of the upcoming WASZP Games.
In the 8.2 fleet, it was Antonio Gasperini who finished on top, delivering a dominant performance on the final day of racing to secure the overall win. His co-patriot and WASZP All-Star Pablo Astiazaran claimed second place, while France's Matteo Chaboud completed the podium.
In the 7.5 Division, the battle for the top spot was mainly between Martinius Melleby-Hopstock and Pearl Lattanzi. A strong and consistent final day of racing allowed the Norwegian to secure the victory. Callum Ruch rounded out the podium in third place.
Vakaros RaceSense integration tested ahead of the Games
One of the highlights of the 2026 WASZP Games is the integration of RaceSense technology. As the WASZP class continues to evolve, a new partnership with Vakaros was introduced earlier this year, bringing the RaceSense system to the fleet.
During the Pre-Games racing, the technology was tested on the water, giving sailors and the race committee the opportunity to see the system in action ahead of the event. With RaceSense integrated into the fleet, sailors now have the starting countdown directly on their devices, fully synchronised with the race committee.
The system also notifies sailors if they are over the line at the start, helping ensure fair racing while supporting the work of the race committee. The successful testing during the pre-Games confirmed the potential of the system and highlighted how technology can enhance both the racing experience and race management.
Up next, the 2026 WASZP Games.
The 2026 WASZP Games are coming up in Pensacola, Florida, from March 22nd to March 28th. The Swarm will race at one of the world's most sought-after foiling venues, in what's going to be the biggest foiling event in history for North America.