Summer 2025 WASZP Foiling Season Recap

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2025
By Tyler Bjorn


From Winter Momentum to a Summer for the Ages

The summer of 2025 in the WASZP foiling dinghy class didn’t just happen, it erupted from a winter of extraordinary developments. Pensacola not only hosted the largest NA WASZP Regatta in History with 44 competitors it was also confirmed as the host city for the 2026 WASZP Games, promising the largest foiling spectacle North America has ever seen. FOILFAST was announced as the new North American distributor, instantly setting a higher standard for sales, service, and community engagement. And perhaps most significantly, the U-21 North American Race Team was launched signaling a generational shift toward the future of foiling.

With that foundation, the summer became a showcase of speed, precision, and new talent.

The Regatta Trail: Four Pillars of North American Foiling.

Closer competition, rivalries declared, technology introduced…a new age in sailing and a generation to be reckoned with.

1. U.S. Nationals & SailGP Qualifier

Hawaii Sweeps the Nationals—Ball continues winning streak

The season ignited with the U.S. Nationals, doubling as the U.S. Qualifier for the 2026 SailGP Finale in Perth, Australia. The stakes were sky-high, the breeze was on, and Hawaii delivered a stunning podium sweep. At the center was veteran sensation Gavin Ball, stamping his authority with a dominant, stylish victory that set the tone for the entire summer.

2. Atlantic Coast Championships – Tom’s River YC

“Canada’s Young Guns Rise—Chisholm Takes the Crown, Thompson Breaks Through”


Tom’s River Marks the Rise of Canada’s Young Guns

The longest-running WASZP regatta in the world came alive once again, with Tom’s River delivering its trademark blend of dependable breeze, razor-close competition, and heart-pounding tactical duels. But 2025 will be remembered for the arrival of two new Canadian forces. In the U-21 ranks, Andrew Chisholm exploded onto center stage, his winter of relentless training transforming him into a sharper, faster, and more ruthless competitor. With flawless boat handling and fearless commitment, Chisholm seized the ACC crown, sending a clear message: he’s not just here to race—he’s here to own the future. At the same time, the rise of Ethan Thompson signalled the growing strength of the U-21 North American WASZP Team. His breakthrough performance made one thing undeniable: the next generation is no longer knocking on the door—they’re stepping inside.

3. U.S. Singlehanded Championship

Foiling Breakthrough: WASZP Marks a New Era for U.S. Sailing

History was made in Marion as U.S. Sailing’s prestigious Singlehanded Championship welcomed a foiling dinghy for the first time—and the WASZP rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. The format, course setting, and fleet management reached new heights with the integration of Vakaros RaceSense, enabling race committees to lock in a perfect two-hour racing window with surgical precision. “RaceSense allowed us to focus on having the best two-hour window per day and executing amazing races,” noted WeCANFoil leadership.

Once again, Gavin Ball proved himself the class’s dominant force, securing his third title of 2025. But the victory didn’t come easy. The return of American superstar Tommy Sitzmann Jr., the College All-American sharpening his game for a run at the International Crown later in the summer, added even more talent to the training mix and pushed Ball to the edge. Yet the two young Canadians would not relent—Ethan Thompson claimed silver, while Andrew Chisholm finished just shy of the podium in fourth. A mere three points separated second through fourth, underscoring how razor-thin the margins had become. With Weymouth looming, it was clear the swarm’s skill, depth, and intensity were reaching a fever pitch, and preparations were beginning to taper toward the biggest stage in the world.

4. Americas Championship – Kingston, ON

“Kingston Crescendo—Ball Sweeps, North America’s Contenders Defined”

The drama peaked in Kingston, Canada’s sailing capital, as the continent’s finest lined up for the ultimate prelude to the WASZP International Games. Against a backdrop of fierce competition, the final battles carved the pecking order into sharp, undeniable focus. Gavin Ball once again stood atop the podium, completing a flawless summer sweep—but the challenge was real. Veteran Thomas Sitzmann pushed hard to claim the runner-up spot, while Andrew Chisholm stayed tight on their heels with a rock-solid third. Rising star Ethan Thompson, leader of the U-21 North American Team, delivered a breakout fourth-place finish, cementing his status as a future force. The picture was becoming clear: these sailors would be the favorites to carry North America’s banner across the Atlantic and fight for the crown.

With rivalries sharpening and momentum surging, the stage was set for the ultimate test: Weymouth 2025—the largest foiling event in history and the biggest WASZP gathering since the class’s inception—where North America would step boldly onto the sport’s ultimate international proving ground.

WASZP Worlds 2025 – Weymouth, UK

22 Sailors, 2 Titles, World-Class Results—North America Arrives on WORLD Stage

North America sent its largest-ever contingent—22 sailors from Canada and the U.S.—to the WASZP International Games. It was a defining moment for the class, backed by A1R and WeCANFoil’s investment in development pathways. The results spoke volumes:

  • Pearl Latanzzi (Hawaii) – Women’s Sprint World Champion & Women’s WASZP World Champion

  • Andrew Chisholm (Canada) – 4th Overall and Top Junior

  • Gavin Ball (Hawaii) – 5th Overall and top CORE

These performances not only placed North America firmly on the world stage but also validated the season-long focus on nurturing the next generation.

Other notable results:
🇺🇲 Hoel Menard 12th
🇺🇲 Thomas Sitzmann 15th
🇨🇦 Jackson Macaulay 19th
🇨🇦 Ethan Thompson 22nd

WASZP Games...The full Story

Technology, Training & Traction

Foiling's Future Forged in Data, Training, and Talent

Four major North American events successfully implemented Vakaros RaceSense, producing some of the cleanest, most efficient foiling race management the class has seen. This technology, paired with the leadership of  WeCANFoil, has transformed the competitive landscape, ensuring sailors maximize quality racing over quantity.
             


 


The North American WASZP Teams emerged as true forces, delivering results, energy, and a vision for where foiling is headed. From the dominance of Ball to the rising confidence of Chisholm and a host of new faces, the class has never felt more vibrant.

A Summer That Raised the Bar:
A Season of Breakthroughs, A Future of Champions

From Pensacola’s 2026 Games announcement to FOILFAST’s debut, from historic championships to the world-class performances in Weymouth, summer 2025 will be remembered as the moment North American WASZP sailing shifted gears. With stronger fleets, cutting-edge race management, and a fresh wave of talent, the path ahead is clear: faster, cleaner, and more competitive than ever.

The next generation is not just coming—they’ve arrived.




Results:
US Nats
ACC
US Sailing Singlehanded 
Americas
Women's Sprint Championship 
Pre Games

WASZP GAMES
Photo and Vids


Media Contact: Tyler Bjorn
WASZP North America
514-209-5953
Tyler@WASZP.com
Event Dates:  July 21-25, 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

 

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