WASZP Games Preview (North American Sailors)

🇨🇦🇺🇸🇧🇲 WASZP North American Team Preview — 

WeCANFoil & U21 NA Team Canadians Lead the Charge for CANADA

The 2025 WASZP Games marks the debut of the U21 North American Team, a bold new initiative bringing together some of the most passionate and promising young WASZP sailors from Canada, the United States, and Bermuda. This squad represents not only raw talent, but a shared commitment to elevating performance and fostering international camaraderie.

Leading the Maple Leaf Brigade: The Canadian Contingent

🇨🇦 Henry KrIeble — Lac Brome, Quebec

The youngest member of the team and our pioneering 7.5 sail representative, Henry Krieble is charting his own course. Hailing from Lac Brome, Henry brings fearless enthusiasm and an infectious spirit to the fleet. Though still early in his foiling journey, his commitment is evident, and his adoption of the 7.5 rig signals a forward-thinking approach. This will be Henry’s first WASZP Games, and the experience promises to be the launchpad for many more.

🇨🇦 Adrian De Pas — Quebec City, Quebec

Emerging on the WASZP scene just a year ago, Adrian has wasted no time making an impact. With laser-sharp focus and a tailored training program under coach Agustin Ferrerio, Adrian has blended discipline with the signature WASZP spirit of fun and friendship. His 2025 results speak volumes,  he’s clearly found his stride and is ready to test himself on the international stage.

🇨🇦 Ethan Thompson — Halifax, Nova Scotia

A product of Nova Scotia’s vibrant sailing scene, Ethan made the leap from Opti to WASZP with confidence. His natural instincts and racecourse awareness have made him one to watch. With several strong results already under his belt this year, Ethan arrives at the Games with momentum and a hunger to prove himself against the best in the world.

🇨🇦 Callum Ruch — Ontario

Callum was dabbling with the WASZP class for several months and took the leap with the purchase of his own boat last spring. Early signs show flashes of strong skill and a fearless approach to foiling. As his training intensifies and his focus sharpens, there’s every indication that Callum has a promising future in the class and this Games could be the start of something special.

🇨🇦 Andrew Chisholm — Belleville Ontario

Another standout Opti graduate, Andrew joined the WASZP class in 2022 with one goal in mind: the WASZP Games. Arguably one of the most improved and dedicated young sailors in the fleet, Andrew has steadily climbed the ranks through relentless training and international experience, including events across Europe. His technical growth, race-day focus and tactical maturity emerging make him a serious contender. Andrew plans to set the tone, and few would bet against him doing just that.

🇨🇦 Jackson McCulley — Halifax Nova Scotia

One of Canada’s original WASZP trailblazers, Jackson returns for what could be his final shot at the WASZP GAMES title fresh off competing at the Moth World Championships. His experience is unmatched, and his long-standing contributions to developing the Canadian fleet cannot be overstated. With his foiling skill set now sharper than ever, Jackson is back in the mix, and ready to leave it all on the water.

🇺🇸 U21NA Team Builds Rising American Talent

🇺🇸 Alden Gort — Michigan

Hailing from the Great Lakes and bringing an engineer’s mindset to the water, Alden Gort is one of the most methodical sailors on the U21 squad. Known for his precision, calculated decision-making, and relentless quest for speed, Alden consistently posts some of the highest GPS numbers at every event he attends. With a strong foundation in performance analytics and boat tuning, Alden comes into the Games eager to test his approach against the world’s fastest. Expect him to bring both sharp racing and sharp thinking to the international stage.

🇺🇸 Daniel Draper & Gaetan Ismael- Severn Sailing Association (Annapolis, MD)

Daniel and Gaetan represent the heart of the U.S. program, both emerging from the vibrant foiling culture at Severn Sailing Association. As early adopters of the U21 team concept, they’ve quickly become a key part of the class’s youthful momentum. Both sailors have made notable strides in their racing IQ and foiling finesse throughout the 2025 season. While the WASZP Games will be their first time lining up against a full international fleet, their development trajectory is steep and their enthusiasm is unmatched. For Daniel and Gaetan, this week is a chance to show how far they’ve come and where they’re headed.

🇺🇸 A1R U.S. Representatives  

American Magic’s Next Generation Takes Flight

For the past two years, the A1R program, with close ties to American Magic, has been on a mission: develop elite-level foiling talent in the United States, with the WASZP class at its core. Training camps in Pensacola (host of the 2026 WASZP Games), Hawaii, and San Francisco have fueled this effort, and the 2025 WASZP Games now serve as a benchmark for how far this rising generation has come.

Led by Leandro Spina and coaches Robbie Parent and Tom Burnham, the A1R group arrives in the UK sharper, faster, and more focused than ever.

🔥 Top Contenders

🇺🇸 Gavin Ball — Hawaii

Arguably the hottest WASZP sailor on the planet right now, Gavin Ball enters the WASZP Games undefeated in North America this year. A student of the craft and natural leader within A1R, Gavin’s performance has been nothing short of dominant. This week, he’s not just looking for another win, he’s gunning for his first WASZP Games title, and he’s the one to beat.

🇺🇸 Hoel Menard — San Francisco, CA

Gavin’s toughest competition might come from within his own team. Hoel Menard has been chasing this title for two years, and with an impressive résumé of international results, he’s more than ready. This West Coast charger brings speed, consistency, and a relentless work ethic, making the battle for U.S. supremacy one of the key storylines this week.

🇺🇸 Thomas Sitzmann — Annapolis, USA

A multitalented sailor with experience across several classes, Thomas has recently doubled down on his WASZP campaign and the results are showing. Over the past six weeks, his improvement has been significant, and his name is now firmly in the conversation. A world championship podium is well within reach.

 The Hawaiian Force

🇺🇸 Zach Severson, Bryce Huntoon & Jaxon Hottinger — Hawaii

This trio of Hawaiian chargers has shown flashes of brilliance all season. With consistent appearances at training camps and a hunger to push the limits, Zach, Bryce, and Jaxon represent the next wave of U.S. WASZP talent. While consistency may still be developing, their passion, energy, and upside are impossible to ignore. Each could break through at any moment.

🇺🇸 Charlie Parsons — Hawaii

Charlie lives and breathes foiling. Whether it’s waves back home in Hawaii or flying a WASZP across flat water, he brings a contagious joy and simplicity to the sport. His pure love of flight is what defines him and with that mindset, anything is possible.

🌊 East & West Coast Rising

🇺🇸 Roman Fetchner & Leonardo Burnham — Rhode Island

While relatively new to the class, these Rhode Island sailors have juggled time between boats but are now fully focused on the WASZP. Their attendance here in the UK signals a serious shift in commitment and ambition. With the 2026 Worlds on home soil in Pensacola, these Games mark the beginning of something much bigger for Roman and Leonardo.

🇺🇸 Harry Prager — New York

One of the early adopters of the WASZP in the U.S., Harry has recently upgraded his kit and recommitted to serious training. He’s made solid gains and now arrives at his first WASZP Games, looking to test himself against the best and continue his climb.

 North American Women Ready to Fly

🇺🇸 Pearl Lattanzi — Hawaii

A standout on the world stage, Pearl is no stranger to the pressure of international competition. With multiple WASZP Games and top-tier events under her belt, she returns to chase the women’s world title  and she’s not here just to compete. Pearl is here to win. Hawaii could well be celebrating a champion this week.

🇺🇸 Madilyn Anderson — San Diego, CA

Grit, growth, and determination define Madilyn’s journey. She’s quietly built up her skillset and now enters her first WASZP Games focused on development, with 2026 in her sights. A big step in her progression.

🇺🇸 Maya Kwasniewsk — Sarasota, FL

Spending much of her summer training and racing in Europe, Maya is now fully immersed in international WASZP sailing. This week is her first global championship, and her enthusiasm is sky-high. She’s not only soaking in the moment — she’s learning fast, and looking ahead to Pensacola 2026.

 Bermuda’s Flying Pair

🇧🇲 Rachel Betschart — Bermuda

Rachel Betschart has already proven she can win and win big. A SailGP Inspire champion in San Francisco, Rachel returns to the WASZP world stage after a brief hiatus that included an epic sailing adventure aboard a tall ship around the globe. Since returning, she’s rejoined training camps with renewed focus, speed, and edge. Her goal? Push Pearl Lattanzi and the international women’s field and prove she belongs on the podium. With her tenacity and race-hardened instincts, she’ll be one to watch in every race.

🇧🇲 Oliver Soares — Bermuda

Another promising Bermudian, Oliver Soares joins the U21 team as part of the 7.5 fleet. Though limited in training time this season due to other commitments (including a surfing expedition to Ecuador), Oliver brings raw talent, natural balance, and a hunger to compete. With a few days back in the boat under his belt, he’s ready to sharpen his foiling instincts and reestablish his presence in the class. Expect him to shake off the rust quickly and challenge the 7.5 fleet with style and speed.

🇨🇦🇺🇸🇧🇲 Eyes on the Prize

With 23 sailors proudly representing Canada, the United States, and Bermuda, the 2025 WASZP Games in Weymouth marks the most formidable North American presence ever assembled. This team brings strength, tenacity, and undeniable potential, the result of years of class development, dedicated training, and a shared passion for flight.

We arrive not just to participate, but to compete at the highest level, measure ourselves against the world’s best, and fly our flags with honour and pride. And while the friendships, learning, and experience are priceless, make no mistake — we’re here to win.

The goal? Bring the title home and defend it on North American waters at the 2026 WASZP Games in Pensacola this March.