A Letter From The President

 

Dear WASZP USA Members,

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your WASZP USA President for over two years, since I was elected at the Atlantic Coast Championships in June of 2023. As we approach the Annual General Meeting on March 25, 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary journey and to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have made it possible.

First, I want to thank my fellow WASZP USA Executive Committee members. Your dedication, countless hours of volunteer work, and unwavering commitment to growing this class in the US have been nothing short of remarkable. None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without your partnership and tireless efforts.

I am deeply grateful to our international partners who have supported the growth of WASZP sailing in North America. To Martin Evans, the International Class Manager, thank you for your steady leadership and vision for the class worldwide. To Tyler Bjorn, Head of North American Development, your energy and advocacy for our region have been invaluable. To our North American Distributor, FOILFAST, and Nicholas Draper—thank you for ensuring our sailors have access to the boats and equipment they need, and for your constant support of our events. And to KA Sail, the manufacturer of our beloved boats, thank you for building the platform that makes all of this possible.

A special thank you goes to the many yacht clubs, sailing schools, and organizations that have served as organizing authorities for our regattas and have hosted training sessions and clinics across the country. You are the backbone of competitive sailing, and your willingness to open your doors to the WASZP class has been instrumental in growing our fleet and welcoming new sailors into the fold.

I also want to recognize our Canadian partners, both WASZP Canada and WeCANFoil, for their collaboration and camaraderie. In particular, I want to thank Agustine “Aug” Ferrario for his passion and dedication to growing foiling on both sides of the border. The North American WASZP community is stronger because of the bonds we have built together.

But my deepest gratitude is reserved for you—my fellow sailors. Sailors of all ages, from juniors taking their first flights to seasoned competitors pushing the limits of what these remarkable boats can do. You are what makes this community so special. I have been continually inspired by your eagerness to share your experiences, your generosity in helping others with everything from boat setup and tuning to race course strategy, and your genuine enthusiasm for welcoming newcomers to the class. The WASZP community is not just a fleet—it is a family, and that spirit comes from each and every one of you.

As I look ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of WASZP sailing in the United States. The class continues to grow, the racing is better than ever, and the community we have built together is something truly remarkable. Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your President. It has been the experience of a lifetime.

With that in mind, I want to share that I will be stepping down as WASZP USA Executive Committee President, effective May 1, 2026. It is time for new energy and fresh perspectives, and I am confident that the class is in excellent hands with many new and familiar faces joining the Executive Committee.

Assuming the slate of candidates is accepted by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, I am thrilled to pass the torch to Gavin Ball. Gavin is not only a phenomenal sailor, but he is generous of spirit and deeply passionate about the continued growth and success of the WASZP class in the United States. I have every confidence that he will be an outstanding leader for this community.

We are also seeking passionate volunteers to join the WASZP USA Executive Committee. If you care deeply about growing the class, bringing sustainable, affordable, one-design, high-performance sailing to the masses, and establishing pathways from youth sailing all the way through to the elite professional level of SailGP and the America’s Cup, we want to hear from you. The Executive Committee is where the vision for our class takes shape, and your energy and ideas can make a real difference. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and email us at waszpclassusa@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved.

Fair winds and foiling,

Izaak “Zaak” Beekman

President, US WASZP Class Association