North American Pathway Launches 2026 WASZP Games Team

AMERICAN SAILORS TAKE THE STAGE AT THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL WASZP GAMES 

As the North American WASZP community builds toward the historic moment of hosting the International WASZP Championship in the U.S, the WASZP North American Class is pleased to announce the formation of a Games-specific team within the North American Pathway for American sailors competing at the upcoming  WASZP Games in Pensacola.

Within the North American WASZP Pathway, the Class operates a defined team model that includes Youth Development teams, North American Race Teams, and a Podium Team of international competitors. These teams form the core of the Class’s long-term athlete development framework and remain the primary focus of progression within the Pathway. The World Championship event team announced for Pensacola is an event-specific group created solely for the 2026 WASZP Games and designed to complement this established structure by extending event support to American sailors during the World Championship.

               

This new Worlds Team operates within the broader North American WASZP Pathway, which guides sailors from early foiling experiences through regional racing, national competition, and ultimately onto the world stage. From Learn to Foil clinics and HUB-based training to Youth Development and Race Teams, the Pathway is designed to ensure sailors arrive at major international events prepared, supported, and connected to a broader community.

The Worlds Team will activate from March 19th through the conclusion of the Games on March 28th, aligning directly with the championship schedule in Pensacola. Sailors will be selected through a short application process and will participate as part of a unified team environment throughout the event. A four hundred dollar participation fee will support on-site coordination and team services during the Games.

For the first time, the WASZP World Championship will be hosted in the United States, bringing the global fleet together on home waters. To mark this milestone, America One Racing (A1R) will extend its performance-driven coaching systems and event-specific support to American sailors competing as part of the Worlds Team, providing access to the same event-level environment typically experienced by A1R–supported Class teams during the Games.

“This is about giving sailors the opportunity to experience a World Championship in a professional and supportive environment,” said Leandro Spina, Executive Performance Director at A1R. “Racing at this level is about preparation, learning, and performing within a structured team setting. Bringing that experience to American sailors on home waters is something we are proud to support.” 

This collaboration is strengthened by the continued support of the Schoonmaker Foundation and the Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY), A1R partners whose combined investment helps ensure American sailors can fully engage in the first WASZP World Championship hosted on home waters. The Schoonmaker Foundation will serve as title sponsor of the event, while the SFNY is providing direct athlete grants allocated in cooperation with A1R to support housing, travel, competition fees and equipment. “SFNY was pleased to be able to provide funding for athletes competing at the WASZP Worlds in collaboration with A1R, and to work alongside the Schoonmaker Foundation in supporting this milestone event,” said Tom Stark, President of the SFNY. “We’re excited to see sailors compete in Pensacola, supported by the generous Pensacola Yacht Club community that believes deeply in access, opportunity, and excellence in our sport.”

The Worlds Team also reflects the collaborative foundation of the WASZP Pathway and the shared goal of lowering barriers while raising standards across North American foiling.

“We have always believed in connecting access with aspiration,” said Agustin Ferrario, Program Director at WeCANFoil. “This Worlds Team gives sailors who have developed through regional programs and national racing a chance to step into a world-class event with the structure and support needed to grow and compete with confidence.”

From the Class perspective, the Worlds Team represents both a celebration of momentum and a commitment to stewardship as the fleet takes center stage at home.

“Having the WASZP Games in the United States is a defining moment for our Class,” said Tyler Bjorn, North American Class Manager. “This Worlds Team fits directly into the Pathway we have been building. It gives American sailors the chance to come together, represent the home fleet, and experience a World Championship as part of a team while competing on equal footing in a true one-design fleet.”

As the countdown to Pensacola continues, this Worlds Team reflects the shared mission of the WASZP Class and America One Racing to connect accessible foiling with world-class athlete development. By extending professional-level coaching systems and event support into the World Championship environment, this initiative reinforces the Pathway from domestic racing to international competition while preserving the inclusive and community-driven spirit that defines the WASZP.

Additional details on applications and participation will be released shortly. Sailors and families are encouraged to visit waszpraceteam.com for updates, application information, and answers to common questions. The WASZP North American Class looks forward to welcoming sailors from around the world to Pensacola for what promises to be a defining moment for the global WASZP community.