WOMEN'S FOILING CONFIRMED FOR 7.5 RIG IN PENSACOLA & BEYOND

With the release of the Notice of Race for the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola comes a groundbreaking announcement: this event will mark the start of a new era for women’s foiling. Beginning with the 2026 Games and continuing forward, all women’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 titles will be recognized in the 7.5 division.

This decision is a major milestone for the future of women’s racing in the WASZP class. The 7.5 rig is perfectly suited to lighter sailors, ensuring that more women can compete at the very highest level. It builds on the incredible performances we saw at the WASZP Women’s Sprint Championship in Weymouth this past July, where female foilers showcased the depth of talent and competitiveness in the fleet. By centering top-tier women’s racing in the 7.5, the class is expanding opportunity, growing the talent pool, and strengthening the development pathway for the next generation of women in foiling.

So what does this mean for the rest of the fleet, and which rig should you be sailing? There’s still plenty of flexibility, but here’s how things are shaping up so far.

WASZPX Rig (Ages 10-16) (70-125 pounds)

2026 marks the launch of our U14 North American Race Team, built around this versatile and often underrated platform. WeCANFoil has already proven the WASZPX as an outstanding training tool for sailors of all sizes and ages when the breeze is up. For Opti-aged sailors, it offers a safe, manageable step into foiling—one that develops skills and delivers the thrill of close, competitive racing.

6.9 Rig (Ages 12-18) (100-135 pounds)

In Pensacola, we will officially crown U15 Champions in the 6.9 rig. Beyond that milestone, the sail continues to thrive in the entry-level competition space for U19 sailors. Its lighter sail area shines in heavy winds, making the boat more stable, easier to handle, and ultimately more fun. The 6.9 lowers the learning curve for foiling while giving lighter sailors the chance to enjoy confident, competitive racing.

7.5 Rig (Ages 14+) (120-170 pounds)

The 7.5 rig will take center stage in Pensacola, hosting both the U17 Championship and the Women’s WASZP Games Title. More than that, it is a cornerstone of youth development and a perfect option for lightweight men.

“I am so pleased with the way the 7.5 has turned out. It has been in the pipeline for a long time, motivated by a need to do more to make the class appealing to women and junior sailors. After all my on-water testing, I have now realized the 7.5 is perfect for me too! Hovering around the 70kg mark and much less physical than I used to be, the combination of the 7.5 and the new rudder makes the boat feel beautifully balanced…and fast!” — Andrew McDougall, WASZP Managing Director & Designer

8.2 Rig (Ages 15+) (150-220 pounds)

The 8.2 remains the powerhouse of the class, fielding the highest entry numbers globally. Standing as the largest rig in the WASZP range, it is the ultimate platform for heavier sailors.

Prizes & Categories For Pensacola

Prizes will be awarded for the following positions and may be amended according to the split of the fleets. Ages are taken as of 31 December 2026.

8.2 Fleet
     -Top 5 overall (1st Place WASZP Games 8.2 Champion)
     -Top Junior (U19)
     -Top Youth (U21)
     -Top Core (21-29)
     -Top Master (30-49)
     -Top Super Master (50+) 

7.5 Fleet
     -Top 3 Women (1st Place Women's WASZP Games Champion)
     -Top 3 Men
     -U17 WASZP Games Champion

6.9 Fleet
     -Top 3 Women
     -Top 3 Men
     -U15 WASZP Games Champion

Sprint
     -Top 3

Distance Race
     -Winner

Green Fleet
     -Top 3

Other Awards
     -Speed Demon
     -Influencer Prize

 

LINK to WASZP Games NOR

LINK to WASZP PRE-GAMES NOR

LINK to REGISTER for the Games and Pre-Games

For further information, please contact class@waszp.com.

For venue queries, please contact tomracechair@gmail.com