Gasperini and Melleby-Hopstock win the WASZP Pre-Games regatta. All eyes on the WASZP Games now.
Pensacola, USA – March 21, 2026 – Three racing days and 10 sail races later, the WASZP Pre-Games regatta concludes in Pensacola. The fleet had the chance to experience the venue and conditions, showcasing strong competition.
Pensacola meeting expectations
The pre-regatta welcomed the fleet with a variety of conditions that highlighted why WASZP sailors value this venue. The first two days of racing were in light breeze and flat water, offering ideal conditions for fine-tuning setups. On the final day, the breeze increased to 18+ knots, allowing for dynamic racing while the water remained relatively flat.
These conditions are what sailors expect from Pensacola: a reliable breeze combined with smooth water that allows the foiling boats to perform at their best. With sunny, summer-like weather forecasted for the upcoming week, the stage is set for the regatta ahead.
New race format introduced
This year’s WASZP Games will feature a new race format, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. The format includes a reaching start followed by a windward-leeward course, similar to the style used in SailGP.
During the final day of pre-regatta racing, the race committee tested the new format, giving sailors a first taste of what to expect during the event. The sight of the fleet charging toward the start line at over 20 knots created an impressive moment on the water, anticipated to be one of the highlights of the upcoming regatta.
The new format introduces different tactical elements. The reaching start alters the time-on-distance calculations for sailors approaching the line, while the “drag race” to the first mark makes positioning on the start line even more critical. Early impressions from the test runs were positive, with the format adding excitement and a new layer of strategy to the racing.
Gasperini wins the 8.2 Division while Melleby-Hopstock dominates the 7.5 Division
Racing was tight during the Pre-Games, with several contenders showcasing their intentions ahead of the WASZP Games.
In the 8.2 fleet, Antonio Gasperini secured victory with a dominant performance on the final day of racing. His compatriot and WASZP All-Star, Pablo Astiazaran, claimed second place, while France’s Matteo Chaboud completed the podium.
In the 7.5 Division, Martinius Melleby-Hopstock and Pearl Lattanzi were in a close battle for the top spot. A strong final day of racing allowed the Norwegian to secure victory, with Callum Ruch rounding out the podium in third place.
Vakaros RaceSense integration tested ahead of the Games
A highlight of the 2026 WASZP Games is the integration of RaceSense technology. This year, a partnership with Vakaros was introduced, bringing the RaceSense system to the fleet.
During the Pre-Games racing, the technology was tested on the water, providing sailors and the race committee the chance to see the system in action. With RaceSense integrated into the fleet, sailors now have the starting countdown directly on their devices, fully synchronised with the race committee.
The system notifies sailors if they are over the line at the start, ensuring fair racing while supporting the work of the race committee. Successful testing confirmed the potential of the system and highlighted how technology can enhance both the racing experience and race management.
Up next, the 2026 WASZP Games.
The 2026 WASZP Games will take place in Pensacola, Florida, from March 22nd to March 28th. The Swarm will race at one of the world’s most sought-after foiling venues, marking the biggest foiling event in North American history.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: WASZP Pre-Games 2026
Location: Pensacola, Florida, USA
Dates: March 19–21, 2026
Event Website: racehub.waszp.com
Photos: WASZP SmugMug
ABOUT WASZP:
The WASZP is the world’s most popular one-design foiling dinghy, designed by Andrew McDougall, making foiling accessible to sailors globally at a fraction of the cost of other classes. With over 1,700 boats in more than 30 countries, WASZP provides the premier platform for high-performance racing.
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