New Era for USA foiling with Americans crowned 2026 WASZP Games Champions
Hawaiian foilers Gavin Ball and Pearl Lattanzi have made history, marking the USA’s first-ever double at the WASZP Games. Ball clinched his maiden title while Lattanzi successfully defended hers.
Pensacola Delivers a World-Class Games
The 2026 WASZP Games concluded after five days and 18 races on Pensacola Bay, showcasing thrilling racing defined by tight margins, ever-changing conditions, and innovative formats. Consistency was key, with sailors facing various challenges from unstable breezes to intense starts, keeping the leaderboard under tension until the very end.
The championship solidified its place as the premier event in one-design dinghy foiling, with its 2026 edition representing the largest foiling class event ever in North America, featuring a diverse fleet that included both newcomers and seasoned competitors.
Champions Decided Across the Fleet
In the 6.9 class, Italy’s Francesco De Santis emerged victorious after a fierce competition with Hawaii’s Bodhi Rushin. In the 7.5 fleet, Norway’s Martinius Melleby Hoppstock redeemed a second-place finish from 2025 to secure the win, with Canada’s Callum Ruch second, and Henry Krieble third, also taking the U17 title.
In the 8.2 rig divisions, Switzerland’s Micha de Weck led the junior category, while Australia’s Louis Tilly topped the youth division. Gavin Ball (USA) claimed the core title, with Declan Reilly (AUS) winning the Masters and Andrew McDougall (AUS) the Super Masters.
Lattanzi Dominates, Women’s Podium Goes to the Wire
Pearl Lattanzi (USA) controlled the Senior Women’s Championship to defend her title with a commanding performance. The battle for the podium was competitive among Annie Sitzmann (USA), Casey Small (USA), and Spain’s Sol Lopez Navarro, who finished strong to secure third place behind Sitzmann.
Ball Breaks Through in Men’s Championship
Gavin Ball (USA) showcased remarkable consistency and composure to win the Senior Men’s Championship. A thrilling final race determined the runner-up, with Spain’s Antonio Gasperini edging out Pablo Astiazaran in a dramatic finish.
USA Pipeline & Progression Gathers Pace
Both Ball and Lattanzi hail from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, benefiting from the WASZP development programme, which has significantly advanced US foiling talent. Their victories are seen not just as individual achievements but as milestones for Hawaiian and American foiling.
This Championship is a herald of the evolving North American foiling scene, backed by substantial training and support programmes.
2016 WASZP Games Supercharges the North American WASZP Season
The 2026 WASZP Games displayed tight races, a global fleet, and an evolving event format held in Pensacola’s challenging conditions. This event marks the start of an exciting North American season, bolstered by a growing pipeline led by FOILFAST and other supportive initiatives.
Five days, 18 races, and an unforgettable experience that celebrates the essence of sailing.
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