WASZP GP at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club
by Nici Hoyle 11 May 06:56 BST
9-10 May 2026
James Broad and James Deaton during the WASZP GP at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club © Nici Hoyle
Royal Victoria Yacht Club welcomed the WASZP fleet to the Isle of Wight for the fourth year running and the second GP of the 2026 season. If the Start of Seasons was a baptism of fire, this weekend was a tale of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Sixteen sailors made the crossing to Fishbourne, three of whom enjoyed a glorious sunset sail on the Friday night from Stokes Bay, for what turned out to be two days that could not have been more different if the forecast had tried.
Saturday dawned with the Solent wearing its best behaviour: glass-flat water and barely a breath of wind to start, before filling in nicely on cue. The fleet was treated to six NASCAR-format races in what became sunny, champagne sailing conditions in 8-15 knots of breeze, with the lighter air lurking at the bottom mark to keep everyone honest. More than a handful of positions changed hands while navigating the patches.
At the front of the fleet, Max Rawlinson took wins in Races 1, 2, and 6, while Alex Jones struck back with back-to-back victories in Races 3 and 4. The podium positions were hard fought, with Martin Evans in the mix and picking up a bullet of his own in Race 5. James Deaton delivered a solid performance, taking podium positions in Races 1 and 2 and battling for position with Dan Goodman throughout. James Broad secured a podium finish in Race 4 and came within touching distance of another in Race 6, underlining his pace on the water.
Then Sunday arrived and ripped the script to pieces...
Wind against tide, 15 gusting 20 knots and the Solent producing the sort of short, steep chop that punishes the complacent and rewards the brave. Three windward-leeward races were set and suddenly every downwind leg felt like a negotiation with physics. Navigating the kind of waves that came up to slap you in the face and bury the bow demanded skill and determination, sharpening the fleet's ability in varied conditions.
Rawlinson stayed sharp to take back-to-back bullets in Races 7 and 8, plus a second in Race 9 behind a flying Martin Evans, who saved his best for last. Rawlinson sealed an imperious overall win on just 9 points. Alex Jones kept the pressure on all weekend, finishing top three in 8 out of 9 races to claim a brilliant second overall on 14 points.
In the 7.5m rig, Oscar Hoyle led the battle after a strong Day 1, but Harry O'Callaghan sailed an impressive set of races on Day 2, navigating the waves with finesse coming through to take the 7.5m rig overall win.
Freddie Jones, sailing the WASZP for his first season, showed great resilience in Sunday's conditions to post a full complement of results across the two days, earning him the top overall 6.9m rig position.
Thank you to all the volunteers at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for providing excellent racing and such warm hospitality, with generous support from the club and local members who provided food and accommodation throughout the weekend.
The Solent delivered, the sailors delivered, and the season is only just getting started.
The fleet now sets its sights on Foiling Week in Garda, the Euros at Mar Menor, and the UK Nationals at the end of July.
Overall Results:
1st Max Rawlinson, 9pts
2nd Alex Jones, 14pts
3rd Martin Evans, 15pts
7.5m Rig
1st Harry O'Callaghan
6.9m Rig
1st Freddie Jones