AIR DROP YOUR WASZP

Moving high performance boats across a continent has traditionally been complicated, expensive, and time consuming. For WASZP sailors, that is beginning to change.

Over the past several years, Pearl Lattanzi has quietly done the hard work to make a new option possible for the class. Through persistence, experimentation, and countless hours coordinating with airlines and logistics providers, she has helped establish a system that allows WASZPs to be shipped in their factory fiberglass shipping boxes via commercial air cargo.

The result is something that would have sounded unrealistic not long ago: sailors can now move their boats quickly and predictably using the existing airline cargo network.

Most importantly, this capability is not limited to any specific team or program. It is open to all WASZP sailors who want to take advantage of it.

Instead of arranging cross country trailers or long road trips, sailors can now ship their boats to major regattas, championships, and training events with far less logistical complexity.

How WASZP Air Shipping Works

The system uses American Airlines Cargo to transport the WASZP inside the standard fiberglass shipping box used for international freight.

The base shipping box containing a WASZP weighs approximately 300 pounds, which fits within the airline cargo limits.

American Airlines accepts cargo up to 330 pounds, which means sailors can include a small amount of additional gear such as:

• sailing gear
• basic tools
• small spare parts

It is important to stay under the 330 lb limit. If the shipment exceeds that number, the airline will not accept the boat.

Once a shipment is booked, the shipper will provide:

• an Air Waybill
• a shipping instructions document explaining the drop off and pickup process

Airports That Can Accept WASZP Shipping Boxes

Because of the size of the WASZP shipping box, only certain airports currently have the cargo infrastructure required to handle them.

The following airports are approved for WASZP shipments:

ATL – Atlanta
BOS – Boston
DTW – Detroit
HNL – Honolulu
LAX – Los Angeles
MIA – Miami
MSY – New Orleans (pickup only, not dropoff)
SAN – San Diego
SEA – Seattle
SFO – San Francisco

If your origin/destination airport is not on this list and you cannot get to one of these hubs, consider reaching out to the shipper to apply for a new hub office. Generally, it needs to be a big airport where they have forklifts to move the boats. 

Typical Shipping Cost

Air cargo pricing varies depending on distance and routing, but most WASZP shipments currently fall in the range of:

$250 – $500 one way

For an exact quote, contact the shipper coordinating the movement.

Booking Timeline

American Airlines cargo bookings can be made 10 days or less before the shipping date.

However, sailors should notify their shipper as early as possible once travel plans are known.

Early notice helps coordinate multiple boats traveling on the same routes and ensures the cargo booking process runs smoothly.

You can review the current shipping coordination schedule here.

Important Note for Canadian Boats

Canadian sailors can absolutely take advantage of the system, but there is one additional step.

Boats must be transported to a participating U.S. airport hub, and the drop off and pickup must be handled by a person carrying identification with a U.S. address.

Once the boat is in the U.S. cargo network, it can move between the approved airports like any other shipment.

Requesting WASZP Shipping

To begin the process, sailors should complete the shipping request form and coordinate with the class shipping network.

LINK TO GOOGLE FORM

Once the request is received:

• the booking will be reserved
• shipping instructions and the Air Waybill will be sent to the sailor

From there, the process is straightforward. Drop off the box, pay at the airport, fly to the event, and pick up your boat when it arrives.

A System Built for the Class

What makes this possible is not a corporate logistics program or a professional shipping company dedicated to sailing. It is the result of one sailor doing the work to build a pathway for everyone else.

Pearl Lattanzi’s efforts have created a system that now benefits the entire WASZP community. By figuring out how to move the boats inside their standard shipping boxes through airline cargo networks, she has opened a door that will make it easier for sailors to attend events across the continent.

As the WASZP class continues to grow in North America, this kind of practical infrastructure matters. It allows sailors to show up, compete, and connect with the fleet without the logistical barriers that have traditionally limited travel in dinghy sailing.

And thanks to the groundwork that has been done, the process is now simple enough that sailors across the fleet can take advantage of it.