Complete 2025 WASZP Games Press Releases
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2025
Weymouth, United Kingdom
2025 WASZP Games – Day One Recap
NORTH AMERICA MAKES ITS MARK AS WASZP GAMES IGNITE IN WEYMOUTH
Day one of the 2025 WASZP Games delivered everything a foiling fan could dream of and more. With champagne conditions across all 3 racecourses and four races completed, North America made a loud and clear statement: we belong among the world’s best.
Three courses tested the fleet. Inside the harbour, sailors enjoyed flatter waters and breeze that built steadily into the teens. Outside, the yellow fleet battled rolling seas and challenging downwinds in what became a high-adrenaline, high-stakes opener. The conditions were demanding, the spills were spectacular, and the level of competition was nothing short of elite.
The standout performer of the day was Italy’s Federico Bergamasco, emerging as the overall leader after thriving in the lumpier outside conditions. But it wasn’t just about the Europeans, North America came out swinging.
Leading the charge in the yellow fleet, Canada’s Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm (Belleville, Ontario) sits in 6th overall, with fellow North Americans Gavin Ball (8th) and Tom Sitzmann (14th) also making their presence known in a fiercely competitive grouping. Over on the other course, Hoel Menard was poised for a banner day, never finishing outside the top five, though a boundary penalty (under review) held him to 13th overall.
Pearl Latanzi, fresh off her victory at the Women’s Sprint Championship, continues to set the bar for female foilers, leading all women and holding 47th place in the overall standings.
More top performances from North America:
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Ethan “Young Gun” Thompson – 17th, showing poise well beyond his years.
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Jackson “Late to the Game” Macaulay – 19th, reminding everyone that talent never fades.
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Leo Burnham (MASS) – 25th, consistent and quick regardless of an unfortunate collision.
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Zach Severson (HI/URI) – 31st, grinding and gaining.
The depth and breadth of North American talent is on full display, and the results reflect the investment in programs like WeCANFoil, the U21 North American Team, and A1R. These initiatives are clearly closing the gap on the world stage, proving that the foiling future in North America is not only bright—it’s fast.
With day two on deck and forecasts calling for a notch more breeze (15–20 knots), the stage is set for more action, drama, and movement on the leaderboard. As host nation for the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola, Florida, North America is building momentum and sending a message.
We’re not just participating. We’re contending.
Stay tuned.
RESULTS LINK
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July 22, 2025
Weymouth, UK
WASZP Games – Championship Gold Fleet Underway
North American Foilers Charge Into Gold Fleet as Points Tighten at the Top
Weymouth delivered once again. Under fresh skies and shifting breeze, the fleets were unleashed in full force across three color-coded battlefields—Pink, Blue, and Yellow. Four races each, and the leaderboard is tighter than it’s ever been. Now, with fleets split into Gold, Silver, and Bronze, the Championship Series is set. And if today was any indication, the fireworks are just getting started.
The front of the fleet remains a showcase of elite foiling brilliance. Italy’s Federico Bergamasco kept his momentum, posting two bullets and a pair of seconds, retaining the overall lead by just a single point. Nipping at his heels is France’s Hippolyte Gruet, who recovered brilliantly after a black flag DSQ in the day’s opener to notch a 3-1-1 and send a signal to the rest of the pack. Spain’s Pablo Astiazaran Pérez Cela, still the heavy favorite in betting circles, ripped off two more wins of his own, but also scored his two drops with an 8th and 7th.
The top five sailors are separated by mere points, with just four points separating 5th through 7th. It's a knife fight in neoprene, and the Gold Fleet showdown will be ruthless, fast, and utterly thrilling.
But the real storyline, if you're looking from this side of the Atlantic, is the North American takeover.
For the first time this week, Hoel. Menard of the USA surged into 5th overall with crisp decision-making and searing downwind pace. Close behind, Thomas Sitzmann (8th), Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm (9th), and Gavin Ball (10th) all muscled their way into the top 10, flying the Stars and Stripes and the Maple Leaf with pride and purpose. Canada’s Ethan “Young Gun” Thompson sits in a dangerous 17th, and Jackson Macaulay rounds out the top 25, quietly setting himself up for a late-stage run.
It’s not just a few hot races. It’s a clear sign that North America has arrived and not by accident. Programs like WeCANFoil, the U21 North American Team, and the elite A1R initiative have laid the groundwork. The athletes are simply executing. Every start, every gybe, every tactical decision—they're all-in.
“We’ve always believed these kids had what it takes,” said a proud team coach. “Now the world’s seeing it, too.”
On the women’s side, Pearl Latanzi continues to lead the charge. Calm, composed, and riding high as top woman in the regatta, she currently sits in 56th overall and solidly qualifying for Gold Fleet, continuing to add to her growing reputation as one of foiling’s most consistent performers.
Behind the headline leaders, there’s depth and more importantly, momentum.
Zach Severson (30th), Jaxson Hottinger (48th), Adrian De Pas (58th), and Bryce Huntoon (60) are each turning in career performances in a fleet of 250 WASZPs. Many of these sailors are just getting started, having come through the ranks in the past two seasons. But their presence in the Gold Fleet, and their resilience on the water, makes one thing clear: this isn’t just a flash. It’s a movement.
The day wrapped up with a moment of inspiration that lit up the entire room. After a dynamic fleet debrief with North America’s own Gavin Ball, the spotlight shifted to three former WASZP sailors who’ve since carved their names into the professional sailing world: Hattie Rogers, Matt Beck, and Elliott Savelon. Their stories weren’t just compelling, they were a testament to the power of the WASZP pathway. Hattie, who launched her foiling career with a WASZP Games win in 2023, has gone on to claim a Moth World title in 2024 and a silver in Garda this year and a spot on the GBR AC40 Women’s AC program. Beck and Savelon both transitioned from the WASZP to AC40 campaigns, representing Great Britain and the Netherlands in the Youth America’s Cup. Each credited their WASZP experience as a defining edge during Cup selection, highlighting how the class not only builds skill, but unlocks doors to the highest levels of foiling competition.
As we head into the final push, lighter breeze is forecast, but the intensity will only build. Now it’s time for Gold Fleet to take center stage. For the North American sailors, it's a chance to show they can not only hang with the best in the world, but beat them.
Let’s go. It's game time.
FINAL RESULTS LINK
PHOTOS LINK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025
Weymouth, United Kingdom
2025 WASZP Games – Day 1 of Gold Fleet Racing
Chaos, Rain, and the Same Culprits at the Top
After days of intense qualifying and unpredictable weather, the 2025 WASZP Games officially entered the Championship phase today as Gold Fleet racing got underway in Weymouth. While the format remains the same, the stakes are now higher and yet, the storyline is all too familiar: Italy’s Federico Bergamasco continues to dominate with clinical consistency, extending his overall lead to a commanding 10-point advantage.
But it wasn’t without a fight.
Spain’s Pablo Astiazaran Perez Cela, one of the pre-regatta favorites, remains firmly in the hunt just behind Bergamasco, with fellow Spaniard Antonio Gasparini now sitting in third after another high-pressure day on the water.
The conditions on today’s racecourse were nothing short of chaotic.
With dark rain clouds looming on either side and unstable breeze sweeping through the bay, the wind proved frustrating for both sailors and race committees alike. Sudden shifts in direction, inconsistent pressure, and unpredictable gusts made it nearly impossible to plan a clean race yet the race committees and sailors rose to the occasion. Through relentless adjustments and tactical ingenuity, they managed to deliver three races that pushed every sailor to their limit and tested their ability to stay composed under pressure. It was a day where Mother Nature didn’t play fair, but the racing still mattered.
Ball keeps it ROLLING
The performance of the day came from Gavin Ball of the USA, who lit up the racecourse with two emphatic bullets, briefly threatening the top of the leaderboard. In the final race, he was caught in a savage wind shift just meters from the finish, which dropped him down the rankings in that heat, but his performance sent a clear message: he’s in this title fight. Canada’s Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm also showed resilience, climbing into fifth overall only .5 pts behind Ball and leading a strong North American contingent that continues to rise to the occasion.
Top 10 Watch: Menard Regroups, Eyes Comeback
After a strong qualifying performance that had him sitting fifth overall going into Gold Fleet racing, Hoel Menard faced a challenging day on the water. Despite a standout 2nd place finish, a pair of tough results dropped him down the order, but he still holds firm within the top 10 heading into tomorrow.
“I really didn’t perform the way I wanted to today,” Menard admitted. “But I’ve got to put this behind me, come back tomorrow, and keep fighting. There’s still a lot of racing left, and that keeps me focused and motivated. I want to stay positive and keep pushing for a shot at the championship.”
With two more days of racing and plenty of points still on the table, Menard remains one of the key contenders to watch. Meanwhile, Zach Severson had a breakthrough day, vaulting up to 21st place with a series of clean races, putting himself well within striking distance of a top-15 finish.
Lattanzi Extends her lead right out of the gate
On the women’s side, Pearl Lattanzi delivered the breakout performance of the day. Launching herself from 56th to 36th overall in a single day, she now holds a commanding lead in the women’s division over Bermuda’s Rachel Betschart, the next closest female competitor. Pearl’s day was punctuated by a brilliant top-10 finish in the first race, her best of the regatta so far, which vaulted her up the standings and made a massive impact on her event. With that momentum, she continues to show why she’s one of the most promising female foilers in the sport. Three women remain in the Gold Fleet, and with two days of racing left, the race for the top woman is becoming clearer.
Despite the fatigue and frustration seen onshore after today’s difficult conditions, the mood remains upbeat. As one coach put it, “The conditions are the same for everyone: adaptability is the name of the game.”
Silver Fleet Spotlight: Gebhard Shines, Americans Climb
In the Silver Fleet, Germany’s Julia Gebhard continues to impress currently holding second place overall in the Silver fleet. Her consistent sailing has been a standout, and she’s proving to be one of the most composed competitors in challenging conditions. Among the North Americans, two standout performances came from the USA’s Roman Fenchner, who closed out the day with a brilliant 5th place finish, and Harry Prager, who opened strong with a 7th place and remains well inside the top 25. As Silver Fleet racing intensifies, these sailors are making their mark with smart, resilient sailing.
Bronze Fleet: From Legends to Learners
The story of the day in the Bronze Fleet belongs to none other than Andrew McDougall, the visionary designer of the WASZP itself and a proud “super master” competitor. In a field filled with rising stars and young talent, McDougall turned heads by delivering a third-place finish followed by two bullets, rocketing himself up to second overall in the Bronze standings.
Just behind him is Henry Krieble, a U-21 North American team member and rising star who has steadily climbed the ranks through a combination of skill, focus, and determination. With two days of racing still ahead, Krieble holds third place overall, a position that reflects not only his talent but the tireless effort he’s invested in his development. His performance is a testament to the strength of the youth pipeline and the bright future of foiling in North America.
The contrast between McDougall’s decades of design experience and Krieble’s youthful ambition beautifully captures the essence of the WASZP class, a one-design foiling fleet where sailors of all ages and backgrounds can compete, learn, and inspire one another.
North American Coaches Feeling the Momentum
Reflecting on today’s performance, several North American coaches shared a growing sense of optimism:
“It’s really gratifying to see that we might actually be in a better position than we thought. Coming into this regatta, we had high hopes and knew there was a chance to compete for the title but we didn’t expect to see this many of our sailors in real contention. It’s a great feeling knowing that all the hard work and preparation is showing results. Not only are we in the hunt for the 2025 championship, but what excites us even more is the trajectory we’re on. This gives us real belief in what’s possible heading into the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola.”
Post-Sailing Inspiration: A Visit from a Legend
Today’s racing wasn’t the only highlight—SailGP’s own Hannah Mills, two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished female sailors in the world, paid a special visit to the WASZP Games fleet. Representing Great Britain on the SailGP circuit, Mills spoke passionately about the league’s rapid evolution, shared behind-the-scenes moments from last weekend’s electric SailGP stop in Portsmouth, and teased the fleet with exciting, mysterious developments, particularly who might be helming one of the brand-new teams entering the league next season. Her presence electrified the boat park and left the next generation of foiling talent buzzing with inspiration.
With a better breeze expected tomorrow and four races on the docket, anything is possible. The points are still tight, the energy is high, and the world’s best foilers are ready to go again.
Stay tuned—this championship is far from over.
RESULTS LINK
PHOTOS LINK
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July 24, 2025
Weymouth, UK
WASZP Games – Final Day Preview
A Showdown for the Ages: Weymouth Prepares to Crown the Champions at the Largest Foiling Event in History
As the curtain begins to draw on the 2025 WASZP Games, there is one word that defines the final day ahead: electric. Despite Weymouth not delivering its famed sea breeze today, the racing has been anything but dull. In fact, it’s been ferociously unpredictable and thrilling. And yet, in true WASZP fashion, the best sailors continue to rise.
With up to four races scheduled for Friday, the battle for the championship across gold, silver, and bronze fleets, is wide open. In the gold fleet, Italy’s Federico Bergamasco is inching toward the top step of the podium, showing class, calm, and consistency in a fleet filled with chaos. But he’ll have to fend off some familiar names and hungry challengers: Pablo Astiazaran Perez Cela, Antonio Gasparini, Casper Ilgenstein, Gavin Ball, Andrew Chisholm, Mose Ballomi, and Jasper Camenzind, all well within striking range.
The points are razor-thin with only 20 points separating second through sixth in a 70+ boat fleet, and a three-way tie currently at tenth. Even Hoel Menard and Thomas Sitzmann, who came out blazing early in the week, sit just outside the top ten in 14th and 15th. A solid final day could launch either sailor into the top tier, and they know it.
Further down the leaderboard, Pearl Lattanzi sits 37th but with the Women’s World Title nearly locked, she’s pushing to break into the top 30 overall. That kind of finish would mark an incredible result in a mixed fleet of this calibre and would be a fitting capstone to a brilliant week.
In the Silver Fleet, Leonardo Centuori of Italy holds a comfortable 33-point cushion over France’s Noé Dumas, but the door remains ajar with Germany’s Julia Gabbard still capable of stealing silver. One of the day's biggest moments came from American Madilyn Anderson, who claimed a third-place finish in Race 1, a massive result that highlights the growth and grit of this rising star balancing training and college prep.
Meanwhile, in Bronze Fleet, it’s the legend himself, Andrew “A-mac” McDougall, who finds himself locked in a dead heat just 0.1 of a point ahead of the UK’s Pia Rabber. The creator of the WASZP now has a chance to win a title of his own. Storylines don’t write themselves any better than that. Canada’s Henry Krieble is sitting sixth overall just 12 points shy of a medal. A strong finish could earn him a place on the podium and a well-deserved reward for a year of steady progress through the U21 ranks.
As for what’s to come: Organizers have it that Gold Fleet will aim for four full-fleet races, while Silver and Bronze fleets will take part in a crowd-favorite Sprint Championship. The buzz on shore is palpable. Three fleet titles are still very much up for grabs. Anything can happen. And in the WASZP class, it usually does.
Off the water, the community came together this evening to watch Breaking the Mold, a powerful film charting the birth and evolution of windsurfing. The documentary’s message hit home: sailing is freedom, innovation, and expression — all values embodied by the WASZP fleet.
As North American Class Manager Tyler Bjorn shared after the screening:
“The journey’s been incredible and yet we’re only getting started. What’s happening in this class — around the world — is nothing short of a movement.”
Weymouth, already historic in Olympic sailing lore, has now cemented its legacy in foiling history by hosting the largest foiling dinghy event ever. And all eyes now turn to Pensacola, Florida in 2026 where the WASZP Games will aim to raise the bar yet again.
Stay tuned. The final day is going to be unforgettable.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2025
Weymouth, UK
DONE AND DUSTED: WASZP Games 2025 Come to an Incredible End
North America Shines with a Women's Title for Lattanzi as well as Ball and Chislohm in the Top 5 Overall
Weymouth once again proved why it sits atop the world’s most iconic sailing venues, closing out the largest foiling dinghy event in history with drama, determination, and the kind of energy only the WASZP class can deliver.
Going into the final day of the 2025 WASZP Games, anticipation was sky-high. The weather forecast pointed toward a classic four-race showdown to decide the world’s best. With the sea breeze building in the afternoon, tension filled the boat park with anticipation of an epic battle. By 1:00 PM, the southwest breeze filled in and the race committee jumped into action, ready to make the most of the final opportunity.
What unfolded was nothing short of electrifying.
Spain’s Pablo Astiazaran Pérez-Cela threw down a final-day charge, clawing back the lead from Italy’s Federico Bergamasco in a relentless pursuit that had the entire fleet holding its breath. In a last-race thriller, needing a victory for the championship Pablo posted a fourth and Federico held strong with the composure of a true champion. And with that, the WASZP Games title heads to Italy for the first time, an incredible triumph for the DryLaps team and a clear reflection of Italy’s surging foiling program. With America’s Cup hosting duties in Naples, the new SailGP Italian Team and now a WASZP Games title, Italy has cemented itself as a foiling powerhouse.
Rounding out the top five were two North American standouts: Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm in fourth and Gavin Ball in fifth. Both sailors sailed a gritty and impressive regatta, showcasing not just talent, but a relentless drive developed through months of training and preparation. They now set their sights on Pensacola 2026 with confidence and purpose.
Further down the leaderboard, Hoel Menard (12th) and Thomas Sitzman (15th) demonstrated consistency and determination in a fleet of over 250, proving they belong among the world’s best. Their hunger to climb higher was evident and with continued development, they’re certain to be future podium threats in 2026.
But perhaps the most celebrated moment of the day belonged to Pearl Lattanzi, who sealed her first WASZP Women’s Games Championship before the final race had even started. With commanding performances all week, Pearl delivered under pressure and stood tall as the face of a new era in women’s foiling. The pride of Hawaii, Pearl has become a true role model for female sailors around the globe and the sailing world is watching closely as her career accelerates.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had one final card to play. The Sprint Championship for Silver and Bronze fleets couldn’t be completed, with the breeze never fully materializing on their course. While disappointing, their week was already packed with fierce racing and phenomenal memories.
The Games wrapped up in true WASZP fashion with a sunset prize-giving, an outdoor food festival, and a spontaneous soccer match in the parking lot as sailors finished packing and prepared for their departures. It was everything the class stands for: fast boats, fierce racing, and a community like no other.
Congratulations to all competitors, and to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy for hosting an unforgettable championship.
NEXT UP: PENSACOLA MARCH 17–27, 2026.
The countdown begins!
After setting a sky-high standard in Weymouth, the torch now passes to Pensacola Yacht Club and the North American WASZP Class, who are ready to take it to a new level. Expect tighter racing, an even stronger community vibe, and the ultimate showdown as a new world champion is crowned…
Will Federico return to defend his crown?
Will Pablo make another run for a Title?
Can North America win on home waters?
…or is there an unknown champion ready to spring on to the scene…
The story is unwritten. The battles will be fierce. The energy? Unmatched.
You’ll have to be there to feel it. Pensacola awaits.
Media Contact: Tyler Bjorn
WASZP North America
514-209-5953
Tyler@WASZP.com
Event Dates: July 19-20, 2025
Weymouth, UK
Hosted by: Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
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 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