Pensacola, USA – March 25, 2026 – Day 2 on Pensacola Bay raised the stakes as a new race format made its debut at the pinnacle of WASZP racing, with two American foilers now atop their respective fleets.
SailGP Style Racing Takes Flight
For the first time, the fleet raced under a SailGP inspired course, featuring a reaching start, a windward-leeward middle section, and a high-speed reach to the finish. This format resulted in simultaneous full-speed starts, launching the fleet into a drag race to the first mark, where boat handling, positioning, and split-second decisions proved critical.
Hopstock challenges Lattanzi in the 7.5 Fleet
Martinius Hopstock (NOR) claimed a race win, while Casey Small (USA) adapted quickly to the new format, achieving two firsts in the final two races, rising through the standings. Pearl Lattanzi (USA) displayed consistency with three second-place finishes, maintaining a lead in the 7.5 fleet, with Hopstock in second and Small in third, intensifying the competition.
The fight for the podium tightens in the 8.2 Fleet
Gavin Ball (USA) further asserted his dominance in the 8.2 fleet, now viewed as the benchmark. With two seconds and a race win, he stands on just 7 points after the first discard, while the chase pack faces its own challenges due to UFDs affecting their scores. Antonio Gasperini (ESP) and Thomas Sitzmann (USA) managed comebacks, yet the fight for the podium remains tight, with four sailors within a mere three points of each other.
SPRINTS & DISTANCE set to light up Pensacola Bay
Day 3 will feature the Sprint format, with five short races culminating in a single result that rewards consistency and nerve. The day will culminate with a long-distance race, expected to showcase the fleet in an exciting display across the entire Pensacola Bay.
Racing results and updates can be found via the following links:
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