2025 Americas
July 3, 2025, Kingston, ON
Ball Blazes Ahead in Kingston as Americas Championship Kicks Off with a Bang
KINGSTON, ON — The 2025 WASZP Americas Championship exploded out of the gates today with drama, speed, and rising tension as 19 of North America's best foilers squared off in near-perfect conditions. With four days of racing on tap, Day 1 set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for the title.
The day started right on schedule, with a steady 14-knot breeze that amped up to 17 knots by the afternoon, giving sailors all the horsepower they needed to light up the freshwater foiling track just off Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. A few passing rain systems danced to the south, adding some spice with shifting breezes but overall, the racetrack delivered the goods.
And it was none other than Gavin Ball, the No. 8-ranked WASZP sailor in the world and proud Hawaiian, who came out firing. With two bullets and two second-place finishes, Ball laid down an early marker, establishing himself as the man to beat with just four points after four races. The rest of the fleet has been put on notice.
Close behind, Kingston hometown favorite Andrew Chisholm showed composure and consistency, locking in a solid second place overall and ready to pounce on any mistake. Just a few points back, Tom Sitzmann looked strong early before failing to finish Race 4, but remains firmly in the hunt. Meanwhile, Ethan Thompson flew under the radar but stayed rock-steady with three third-place finishes, proving that consistency could be the secret weapon in this long championship.
Further down the leaderboard, international flair added spice to the mix. Sam Blouin (Connecticut) and Australia’s own Dan Haydenboth veteran warriors in the WASZP fleet—are still very much in striking distance, rounding out the top seven.
One of the more entertaining storylines of the day? The Toronto-based Bonin brothers, Will and Sam, are locked in a dead heat, tied on points after four races. Expect fireworks from this sibling showdown as the event unfolds.
On the women’s leaderboard, all eyes are on the developing duel between seasoned foiling athlete Lauren LaVenture and fast-rising newcomer Phoebe Chambers. LaVenture, with five years of foiling experience, holds a narrow lead, but Chambers—known for her work ethic and rapid improvement—has made it clear she's here to challenge for the crown.
Looking Ahead
With three more days of racing and strong, steady breeze in the forecast, the stage is set for more epic foiling battles in Kingston. The pressure is mounting, the rivalries are heating up, and the leaderboard is anything but settled.
Stay tuned—the WASZP Americas Championship has only just begun.
**Media Contact:**
Tyler Bjorn
FoilFast / WASZP USA
Tyler@WASZP.com
www.waszp.com
**#WASZPAmericas2025** | **#WeCANFoil** | #FoilFastOrFinishLast
PRESS RELEASE – DAY 2
WASZP Americas Championship – Day 2 Recap
Kingston Delivers: Tight Racing, Big Moves, and One Dominant Force
July 4, 2025, Kingston, ON
You couldn’t script a better day for foiling. Kingston once again lived up to its legendary status with classic southwest breeze and blue skies, a perfect playground for high-octane WASZP racing. Day 2 of the WASZP Americas Championship saw the fleet flow into action after a patient and tactical call by the race committee. Waiting for the breeze to build was the right move. By 1:00 p.m., the wind filled in to a steady 14+ knots, and the games were on.
“The patience was impressive, and it really made the difference in executing an amazing second day,” said Tyler Bjorn. “My hat goes off to the whole race committee crew.”
That patience and execution are no accident, they’re the product of careful leadership and forward-thinking development happening at CORK. The venue isn’t just keeping up, it’s leading the charge.
“It’s a real testament to the Americas OA Sue Fraser,” added Bjorn. “She’s brought together such a great cast of characters with race management experience, while also pushing new technologies forward, like robotic marks, that are bringing CORK into the future of sailing.”
On shore, the commitment to innovation was on full display. RaceSense guru Nicholas Draper led a hands-on session, walking the team through usage and adaptability of the system in real time.
“Nicholas was leading the charge, putting everybody through the process,” said Bjorn, “and you can feel this technology is ready to take the next step, and CORK is ready with it.”
Four races, full send, no wasted time.
And leading the charge on the water? Gavin Ball. The Hawaiian phenom reminded everyone why he’s ranked top 10 in the world, putting the fleet on notice with a strong performance, 4th followed by three consecutive bullets. Ball has built a commanding lead, sailing with purpose, precision, and a clear eye on Worlds.
“He’s not just here to race, he’s here to dominate,” said one coach onshore.
But the story of the day was the ferocious fight behind him.
Ethan Thompson stormed onto the scene with a fiery 1-2-2 to catapult into second overall, tied on points with the ever-consistent Tom Sitzmann, who kept it clean with three thirds and a second. Just one point back sits hometown hero Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm, quietly building a strong campaign and biding his time for a knockout punch.
And then there’s the “King of Fifth,” Adrien DePas, Quebec’s finest, holding steady once again and flying the Canadian colors high.
Veterans Sam Blouin, Will Bonin, Sam Bonin, and Dan Hayden are lurking just outside the top five, trading blows and keeping the younger sailors honest.
“It’s just really impressive how quickly the fleet gets into action,” Bjorn noted. “When the race committee sets the course and drops the D flag, they all come out systematically, quickly, and are ready to race in such a short time. It’s amazing how this class has transformed the style of sailing. It’s no longer an all-day affair waiting for wind, it’s about maximizing a two-hour window and getting four or five races done. It’s incredible.”
In the women’s division, the rivalry has ignited but what’s even more inspiring is the genuine support and camaraderie across the group. Whether it’s tuning tips onshore, cheers during races, or regrouping after tough moments, the energy in this part of the fleet is undeniable.
Phoebe came back swinging, matching scores with Lauren Laventure, who’s showing her grit and experience in every race. The two are tied heading into Day 3, and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
“These women are fearless, supportive, and totally locked in,” said Bjorn. “You can feel the encouragement from the group and the racing intensity is real. It’s just one more reason this class is so awesome.”
Off the water, the camaraderie was as strong as the wind. From Spikeball showdowns to dockside tuning sessions and post-race debriefs, this fleet continues to prove why WASZP sailing is the future: fast boats, tight racing, and even tighter community.
“After watching them compete all summer,” said Bjorn, “the execution of starts and tight racing is on another level. While a few may be more dominant, the fleet is so compact that most races finish within four minutes of each other. And watching the convergence at the first leeward gate seeing 10 boats roll in within 15-20 seconds, it’s a testament to how far the fleet has come. It’s just fun to see the improvements.”
Up Next: Day 3. The forecast? More southwesterly magic. Another 15 knots expected. Another battle brewing.
But the question remains:
Can anyone stop Gavin Ball?
Stay tuned. The Americas Championship is heating up.
PRESS RELEASE – DAY 3
July 5, 2025, Kingston, ON
The Wind Didn’t Deliver—But the WASZP Class Did
Day 3 of the WASZP Americas Championship reminded us that while we chase the breeze, it’s the energy and direction of the class itself that continues to fill our sails.
Although the day began with a hopeful southwest wind and high expectations, it became clear by early afternoon that the breeze would not settle in with the strength and stability required for quality foiling racing. Fortunately, the foresight and professionalism of the race committee shone through. A proactive two-hour postponement was called the night before; an excellent decision that gave sailors time to rest and recharge out of the heat. As the conditions failed to materialize on the water, the race committee made the confident call to cancel racing for the day, with Sunday looking like a blockbuster forecast. We applaud the committee’s judgment and partnership, it’s been a pleasure working alongside such a sharp and adaptable team.
Even with sails down, the energy didn’t dip. Sailors took to the water in other ways, with swimming and wakeboarding spotted just outside the harbor. Onshore, an impromptu joint class meeting between Canadian and U.S. sailors took center stage, and it may have been the most impactful hour of the day.
The group reflected on the incredible momentum since the class’s biggest-attended regatta to date, the North American Championships in Pensacola this past February. Since then, the WASZP calendar has been non-stop: we’ve had the Hawaii State Championships, and this event marks the fourth East Coast regatta in just the first half of the summer, and still five more on the schedule for the second half including PCC in BC and Canadian Champs in Halifax.. The class is deeper, faster, and more unified than ever as we gear up not only for the 2025 International WASZP Games in the UK but also the return to Pensacola in March 2026 for the next edition of the International WASZP Games.
And then came the big news…
We’re thrilled to announce the creation of a National High School and Collegiate Championship Series for both the USA and Canada. These will be full national titles, with the U.S. series culminating in June 2026 and the Canadian series wrapping up in Halifax that October. These programs will help launch the next generation of foiling sailors and further cement the WASZP as the go-to performance dinghy for youth and collegiate development.
Also announced: Foil Fast is now fully stocked and ready to support the North American fleet with with parts and new boats available for purchase or lease. This is a massive step forward for accessibility, growth, and continuity across the continent.
Looking ahead to tomorrow—the final day of racing—excitement is building fast. With ideal conditions expected, the race committee has set up for what could be a four-race finale. Can anyone catch Gavin Ball at the top? And just as thrilling, there are close-knit mini battles all across the scoreboard, clusters of sailors fighting for bragging rights, top-10 finishes, or personal bests in the Americas Championship.
Fatigue will be real. Speeds will be high. Will anyone top the 23.2-knot mark set by none other than G-Ball? The final foiling showdown of this unforgettable championship is locked, loaded, and ready to fly.
Stay tuned—tomorrow is going to be electric.
PRESS RELEASE – DAY 4
Gavin Ball Captures Second Americas Title as North America Sets Sights on Weymouth
July 6, 2025, Kingston, ON
What a day, what a regatta. The 2025 WASZP AMERICAS Championship concluded in style as Kingston once again delivered and so did the fleet. While the early hours teased conditions reminiscent of Saturday’s light air, the Race Committee’s trademark patience paid off. Like clockwork, the thermal breeze arrived just after 1:00 p.m., building to a steady 14 knots and allowing four final races to round out a thrilling 12-race series.
At the top of the leaderboard, Gavin Ball of Hawaii showed why he’s considered one of the class’s most dominant forces. His consistent speed, tactical prowess, and composure under pressure earned him a five-point margin of victory and with it, his second Americas Championship title. The win not only affirms Ball’s position as North America’s WASZP benchmark but also sends a strong message to the international fleet heading into the 2025 WASZP Games in Weymouth.
Right behind him, Thomas Sitzman made a final-day charge with a brilliant 3-1-2-1 scoreline, staking a definitive claim to second overall. His performance proved he’s more than capable of challenging the top, and his push kept the title fight alive to the very end.
The battle for third was tight and intense, with Andrew Chisholm edging out Ethan Thompson in a back-and-forth contest that showcased the depth of North America’s young talent.
Rounding out the top five was a generational matchup between rising star Adrian DePas and seasoned veteran Sam Blouin of Connecticut. In the end, it was Blouin’s consistency and experience that prevailed, keeping the veterans in the conversation and proving that speed and savvy still go hand in hand.
Equally exciting was the showdown in the Women’s Division, where Lauren Laventure, a proven veteran, went head-to-head with rising talent Phoebe Chalmers. The two traded punches in the first two races of the final day, with Phoebe gaining the upper hand in Race 10. But Lauren showed her experience in Races 11 and 12, sailing two clean, tactical races to clinch the 2025 Americas Women’s title.
Phoebe’s second-place finish is a major step forward. Her dedication throughout the season both on the water and through her involvement with both the U21 NA Team and the Magenta Foiling Project has led to huge gains. With this result, she firmly positions herself as a leading voice and talent in the growing women’s WASZP fleet.
In third, Bianca Machabee delivered a determined effort, showing improvement race by race and a real ability to foil. Her steady progress and competitive mindset are a great sign for what’s to come, not just for her, but for the entire women’s segment of the fleet.
And as conversations continue about the emerging 7.5 rig division, it’s clear that there are already some exciting candidates ready to make waves in this next evolution of the class.
This year’s championship didn’t just crown champions, it sparked momentum. From the battles at the front of the fleet to the breakthroughs happening across every division, the future of WASZP sailing is looking fast, inclusive, and incredibly exciting.
As boats are packed and trailers hit the road, all eyes now turn to Weymouth, UK, for the 2025 International WASZP Games. North America’s top sailors are more prepared than ever, not only from this championship fleet, but with eight more athletes already training in Europe. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown on the global stage.
From Kingston’s iconic waters to the international arena, the WASZP class is flying higher than ever.
To view the complete schedule, visit: https://racehub.waszp.com/events?region=Americas
To request a demo for your club or team, contact: Tyler Bjorn, North American Class Manager at tyler@waszp.com
To purchase a WASZP, find parts, register for an event, or inquire about dealer opportunities, visit www.foilfast.com
For more information on the SailGP Inspire Program and its initiatives, visit https://sailgp.com/general/purpose/better-sport.
About FOILFAST (Distributor)
FOILFAST is the exclusive North American distributor of the WASZP foiling dinghy and spare parts. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, FOILFAST is dedicated to expanding access to dinghy foiling across North America through event support, educational partnerships, and performance-driven community development.
Learn more at www.foilfast.com
About KA Sail (Manufacturer)
The WASZP was designed by Andrew “Amac” McDougall, a pioneering Australian sailor and naval architect with decades of experience in high-performance foiling. As the founder of KA Sail, McDougall has been a leading innovator in the foiling revolution, previously known for his performance Moth sails and rigs before launching the WASZP project. Frustrated by the high cost and complexity of foiling boats at the time, McDougall set out to design a single-handed, one-design foiler that would be fun, accessible, and built to last. The WASZP launched in 2016 to global acclaim, winning the Sailing World Boat of the Year and quickly establishing itself as the world’s leading entry-level foiling platform. With a growing international class, professional manufacturing, and strict one-design controls, KA Sail continues to manage and support WASZP production and global distribution from its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.
For more information about KA Sail and the WASZP’s origin story, visit: https://waszp.com/about
About WeCANFoil (Supporter)
WeCANFoil is a Canadian-based initiative focused on making foiling accessible to sailors of all ages and skill levels across North America. Founded by passionate sailors and coaches, WeCANFoil blends cutting-edge equipment with expert instruction to introduce foiling in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. Through community outreach, sailing school partnerships, and hands-on coaching clinics, WeCANFoil has played a pivotal role in developing the next generation of foiling talent. By leveraging the WASZP as its primary training platform, the organization offers a clear and inspiring pathway from beginner foiling to high-level competition—including SailGP Inspire, Olympic development programs, and international racing opportunities.
For more information about WeCANFoil and its programs, visit: https://wecanfoil.org
About US Sailing (Supporter)
US Sailing is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States, recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and World Sailing. Headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, US Sailing’s mission is to increase sailing participation and excellence through education, competition, and athlete development. From grassroots programs and instructor certifications to Olympic training and international representation, US Sailing plays a vital role in shaping the future of American sailing. Through partnerships with innovative classes like the WASZP and youth-focused initiatives such as the Olympic Development Program (ODP) US Sailing is helping to modernize the sport and prepare young athletes to excel on the world stage.
To learn more about US Sailing’s programs and impact, visit: https://www.ussailing.org
About Vakaros (Technology Partner)
Vakaros is a technology company at the forefront of performance sailing innovation, known for developing advanced onboard electronics that help sailors of all levels make smarter decisions on the water. Headquartered in the United States, Vakaros combines cutting-edge sensors, precision GPS, and user-friendly interfaces in products like the Atlas and Atlas 2—widely adopted by elite foiling sailors, Olympic campaigners, and one-design racers around the world. Committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-performance sailing, Vakaros partners with leading classes such as the WASZP to deliver real-time data, performance tracking, and intuitive analytics. These tools not only elevate individual performance but also drive class-wide development by making training and racing more accessible, measurable, and competitive.
For more information about Vakaros and its products, visit: https://www.vakaros.com
About SailSync (Technology Partner)
SailSync.ai is a pioneering platform harnessing artificial intelligence to streamline communication, coordination, and logistics for sailing teams, coaches, and regatta organizers. Designed by sailors for sailors, SailSync.ai helps reduce administrative burden and increase operational efficiency by automating scheduling, signups, messaging, and performance tracking—all in one easy-to-use interface. Rapidly gaining adoption across North America, SailSync.ai is especially valuable to foiling classes and development teams, where fast-paced schedules and evolving training needs require seamless information flow. By supporting the WASZP Class and initiatives like America One Racing, SailSync.ai is playing a key role in empowering teams to focus less on logistics and more on performance.
To learn more about SailSync.ai and how it’s transforming team coordination in sailing, visit: https://www.sailsync.ai
About Zhik (Clothing Sponsor)
Zhik is a global leader in performance sailing apparel, renowned for its innovative, high-tech gear designed for the most demanding conditions on and off the water. Born from Olympic campaigns and tested at the highest levels of competitive sailing, Zhik products are trusted by elite athletes, weekend racers, and foiling enthusiasts around the world. With a focus on comfort, durability, and cutting-edge materials, Zhik has become the go-to brand for sailors pushing the limits of performance—including those in the fast-paced world of foiling. As an official supporter of the WASZP Class, Zhik continues to outfit sailors with the technical gear they need to train, race, and win—whether it's at youth qualifiers or world championship regattas.
For more about Zhik’s full line of sailing apparel, visit: https://www.zhik.com