WASZP Foiling Dinghy Debut At 2025 US Singlehanded Championships

PRE-EVENT SUMMARY

June 19th, 2025 - MARION, MASS. — The 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships are set to launch from the historic campus of Tabor Academy this weekend and for the first time, the cutting-edge WASZP class joins the action in what promises to be a fast and furious showdown on Buzzards Bay.

Seventeen North American foiling athletes representing the United States, Canada, and Bermuda will line up in the WASZP, the continent’s leading singlehanded foiling dinghy, to compete for U.S. Sailing’s first major foiling dinghy championship. The three-day regatta, beginning Friday, is forecasted to bring steady daily 10–15 knot breezes with expectations of  building to 20 knots by the end of each day, a perfect stage for the WASZP and her high speed characteristics.

Gavin Ball of Hawaii is one of the top WASZP sailors on the planet and is easily this week's favorite. With a solid training program and a string of top international results, Ball has his eyes on the 2025 WASZP World Championship title and will use this championship as a key marker in his season.

Hot on his heels is Stanford University All-American Tom Sitzmann is making a much-anticipated season debut. After an incredible Sophomore Season, Sitzmann, who is also gearing up for the 2025 WASZP Games, is ready to put pressure on Ball as well as the fleet.

Newly Crowned Atlantic Coast Champs Andrew Chisholm of Canada, coming off a decisive victory earlier this month, is looking to keep his train rolling this weekend and stake his claim as a top player with the big guns in town. “I have been putting a lot of training in both Europe and North America over the past year and feel great about my improvements.”  States Chisolm.  “I look forward to this opportunity to go head to head with Ball and Sitzmann.”

Owen Hennessey, returning after a collegiate hiatus and putting up some good scores at the ACCs will look to his signature consistency on the score board to challenge for this title.  You can’t count out young gun Ethan Thompson, a standout from Nova Scotia, who is getting more and more comfortable in his WASZP and aims to build on his second-place ACC finish.

Several members of the U21 North American WASZP Team, which includes Ethan Thompson  are also competing, fresh off their first training camp in Marion as they build toward the 2025 WASZP Games in Weymouth, UK. Their presence underscores the rising talent in North America’s foiling future.

A Championship with Legacy

The U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships trace their roots to 1962, when the George D. O’Day Trophy was established in honor of the Olympic gold medalist and innovative small boat designer. The inaugural regatta, sailed in Finns on Long Island Sound, was won by Peter J. Barrett—who would go on to win Silver at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The championship has grown over decades, becoming a proving ground for elite singlehanded sailors. In 2010, a separate women’s division was introduced, with trophies honoring trailblazers like Allegra Knapp Mertz and Helen Wills Hanley. Today, the championship represents the pinnacle of singlehanded sailing in the U.S.—and now, the exciting evolution into foiling competition.

With talent, history, and innovation converging at one of the East Coast’s premier sailing venues, the 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships promises to be a landmark event. Don’t miss the next chapter in the evolution of high-performance sailing.

DAY 1 SUMMARY

WASZPs Fly in Fury: Day One of the 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships Delivers Big Breeze, Big Moments

June 20th, 2025 - MARION, MASS. — On a day that began with 35 knots howling from the west, many would have assumed racing was off the table. But if there's one thing the WASZP fleet has proven time and time again, it's that this group isn’t afraid to test their limits.

By 4 p.m., the call was made: SEND IT!

Fifteen of North America's best foiling sailors launched from Tabor Academy into a still-stiff northwesterly, determined to take flight. And fly they did.

Clocking boat speeds over 25 knots, the fleet carved across Buzzards Bay in full-send mode. It was not just a race against competitors—it was a test of control, commitment, and raw skill in one of sailing's most demanding formats.

Racing Recap:

In Race One, Hawaiian sensation Gavin Ball set the early pace, leading the first lap with signature poise. But it was Tom Sitzman, the Stanford standout, who found another gear and surged ahead for the win. Ethan Thomspon, the whilly young Canadina from Nova Scotia keeps sliding into top finishes indicating his presence can not be denied. You can never count out Owen Hennessey, recently back from a collegiate hiatus, rounded out a top 4 result with a steady, smart performance.  Rounding out the top 5 was Arian De Pas who is showing big gains with a solid training and development program under the U21 NA WASZP Race Team banner.

By Race Two, conditions mellowed—slightly—but the racing stayed fierce. Ball returned with purpose and took the WIN, while Sitzman followed closely in second. Canada’s Ethan Thompson fought into the top tier again, and rising star Adrian De Pas earned another top 5 showcasing clean roundings, confident jibes, and the top GPS speed of 25.8 knots.  Rounding out the top 5 was Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm who overcame a Race 1  break down to salvage his day and stay within contention for the title.

As the sun set and boats returned to shore, there were tales of wipeouts, full-send jibes, near pitch-poles—and, of course, post-race pizza and chicken parm. This is WASZP racing at its most raw, and most real.

Quote from Class Leadership

Tyler Bjorn, North American Class Manager for the WASZP, reflected on the day:

“I’m really impressed with the skill development and growing participation we’re seeing in the WASZP class across North America. Watching these athletes harness 25 to 26 knots of boat speed on a foiling dinghy—and doing it with such control and confidence—is inspiring. It makes me excited for where this class is heading and what it means for the future of the sport.”

Day One of the U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships was not just about who crossed the line first—it was a celebration of how far foiling has come. From a wild west wind to high-octane flight, this fleet showed why the WASZP has become the premier platform for the next generation of performance sailors.

Day Two forecast: Moderate breeze, max excitement. Stay tuned.

DAY 2 SUMMARY

High Stakes, High Speed, and One Point to Glory: WASZP Fleet Lights Up Buzzards Bay

June 21st, 2025 - MARION, MASS. — The 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships are delivering the goods, and Day Two brought the kind of racing that defines elite foiling competition. With five races completed in a wide range of conditions, the WASZP fleet showed once again why it's the hottest single handed class in North America—and why this is the proving ground for the next generation of world-class talent.

This weekend’s regatta marks stop #3 in a four-regatta lead-up to the 2025 WASZP International Games, set for Weymouth, UK, July 19–26. With only one more major tune-up remaining—the AMERICAS in Kingston, Ontario—the intensity is building and the stakes are clear: sharpen now, or be left behind.

After a slow, shifty start to the day, Buzzards Bay finally delivered. By mid-afternoon, the breeze locked in at 15 knots from 220°, and the fleet put on a show. From tight mark roundings and clean foiling laps to a dramatic nosedive at the final finish, today had it all.

Emerging Stars and Tight Margins

Ethan Thompson, the fast-rising U21 sailor from Nova Scotia, lit up the course with two bullets earlier in the day—firmly announcing that the U21 North American Team isn’t here to watch… they’re here to win. He was joined at the top of the leaderboard by fellow Canadian Andrew “Chizzy” Chisholm, who closed the day with an impressive 2-2-1 run, putting himself in perfect striking position.

Pre-regatta favorites Gavin Ball (Hawaii) and Tom Sitzman (Annapolis) weren’t far off, but just off enough to open the door. Both stayed composed, sailing with veteran focus and speed, and both remain firmly in the title conversation heading into Sunday.

One Point Separates the Leaders

Now that the dust has settled—and with one more day of racing scheduled—the math is simple:

One point separates the top three sailors.

Gavin Ball continues to lead, recovering from early missteps to keep his grip on the top spot.

Ethan Thompson is pushing hard, confident and fearless in the breeze.

Tom Sitzman sits just behind, sailing with the composure and strength that has made him a U.S. singlehanded force.

Not far off in fourth is Chizzy, who has the strongest momentum of the fleet leading into Day 3 completing his day with a score of 2-2-1 . And rounding out the Top 5, Quebecois Adrian Depas—also a U21 Team member—has quietly built one of the most consistent scorecards of the event. He’s just eight points off fourth, and with a big breeze forecast tomorrow, anything can happen.

Looking Ahead to the Final Day

With a forecast calling for 30+ knots by mid-afternoon, Race Committee has smartly moved Sunday’s start forward to 9:00 AM, aiming to capitalize on the sweet spot: 13–17 knots from the southwest, Buzzards Bay at its best.

Class Manager Tyler Bjorn put it perfectly:

“One point between three sailors, with a 20+ knot forecast? You couldn’t script it better. These sailors are showing the best of what the WASZP class represents—skill, grit, and a whole lot of speed. This is what modern singlehanded sailing looks like.”

Tonight, the fleet gathered at the Dean’s House at Tabor Academy for a well-earned group dinner—sharing stories, tactics, and a few well-earned laughs. A special thanks goes to Andy and Jen, whose hospitality has made this event feel like home. Their commitment and generosity continue to grow the Tabor legacy in sailing, and have made this stop on the tour truly special.

DAY 3 (FINAL DAY) SUMMARY

Foiling at Full Throttle: Gavin Ball Wins U.S. Singlehanded Championship in WASZP-Class Showdown at Tabor Academy

June 22nd, 2025 - MARION, MASS. — Welcome to the future of sailing.

The 2025 U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championships, hosted by Tabor Academy on the storied waters of Buzzards Bay, delivered an unforgettable weekend of high-speed, high-stakes racing in the cutting-edge WASZP class. Ten races. Four elite contenders. One champion.

With a strong southwest breeze on tap sailors launched early Sunday to make the most of the day. The scene was electric — tight starts, steep chop, and relentless speed defined the final push for the national title. The top four were separated by just four points, and the championship was wide open.

When the liquid smoke settled, it was Gavin Ball who rose above the fleet with ice-cold consistency and unmatched grit, locking in a 1-2-3 scoreline to clinch the O’Day Trophy and the title of 2025 U.S. Single handed Champion. Gavin’s performance wasn’t just about speed it was about composure, fight, and leadership. That spirit was also recognized with the Jay Barrett Sportsmanship Award, honoring Gavin’s commitment to lifting the fleet, helping newcomers, and growing the class.

The battle behind him was fierce. Ethan Thompson, leading the U21 North American WASZP Team, delivered a sharp final day to take silver, while All-American Tom Sitzman grabbed bronze just one point behind. Andrew Chisholm, representing Canada, was hot on their heels — a single point back in fourth — as the top four separated by just three points.

“This is the kind of championship that defines careers and builds the sport,” said PRO Kevin Reed, who ran a flawless series. “The talent, the tension, the tight racing — this is what the future looks like.”

Also making waves was Phoebe Chambers, named Top Female Sailor in a field full of rising stars. Phoebe’s steady improvement and perseverance made her one of the standout stories of the regatta, and a signal that more women in the WASZP fleet are taking flight.

This year’s regatta marked a turning point in how modern sailing is run. With the support of Vakaros RaceSense — led onsite by Nicholas Draper — sailors had precise starts, full-race analytics, and live tracking. In combination with the foiling tech of the WASZP platform, this event stood as a symbol of what’s possible when the sport embraces innovation from top to bottom.

Gratitude & Momentum

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of U.S. Sailing, whose commitment to innovation and athlete development allowed the WASZP to shine on a national stage. Their partnership sends a clear message: the future is foiling, and America is ready.

Huge thanks to Tabor Academy, whose unmatched venue access and world-class hospitality elevated the experience for every athlete, coach, and supporter. A special nod to Andy Cornah and Jen Lancaster — the backbone of this operation — whose tireless support made everything run seamlessly.

Finally, we tip our hats to our partners: WeCANFoil, Vakaros, and the global WASZP Class Association, for helping North America lead the way in next-gen sailing.

Next Stop: The 2025 WASZP Americas Championship – Kingston, Ontario – July 3–6

The fleet now heads north to Canada’s sailing capital for the WASZP Americas Championship, the crown jewel of the North American WASZP season. Every top sailor from this week is expected for the rematch, with national pride, Triple Crown points, and international momentum on the line — just two weeks before the International WASZP Games in Weymouth, UK (July 19–26).

Get ready. The swarm is building.

FINAL RESULTS LINK
PHOTOS LINK

Media Contact: Tyler Bjorn

WASZP North America

514-209-5953

Tyler@WASZP.com

Event Dates:  June 20–22, 2025

Tabor Academy, Marion, MA

Hosted by: U.S. Sailing

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