My name is Zaak Beekman, I am a long time Annisquamer, member of the AYC and current president of the US WASZP Class Association–the organization responsible for arranging regattas in the United States and North America for the exciting one-design foiling sailboat, the WASZP. This exciting young class is the feeder program for SAIL GP and the AMERICAS CUP. While it’s not in Gloucester, I thought your readers may be interested in this upcoming event since it is not too far away on the North Shore. Some may want to participate, and some might want to make the trip by boat to spectate.
On August 3, 4, 5, and 6 we will be holding the 2023 WASZP North American Championship regatta in Swampscott MA on Nahant Bay. (Wind and weather permitting.) The event is hosted by the Swampscott Yacht Club, with the Eastern Yacht Club providing the Race Committee.
Gloucester locals have the opportunity to experience foiling close to home in the following ways:
1. If you are new to foiling and would like to get your feet wet [pun intended], then please attend the ‘First Time Foiler Clinic’ offered on August 1st and August 2nd. Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQzboggXGGwzzg14tAlqKSYkxqU9NtadNllUonJ4yepyf0Vg/viewform (You must have some sailing experience, but this can be limited to optis/420s lasers, etc.)
2. If you are even more adventurous and have the appropriate experience, then you can charter a WASZP, attend the pre-regatta clinic and attend the regatta while getting coaching for July 31 to August 6.
Sign up at https://wecanfoil.org/event/waszp-pre-north-americans-clinic/#tribe-tickets . Prices are marked in Canadian Dollars. Please note that charter availability is limited, and that you should have ILCA/Laser and/or 29er, or comparable experience.
3. Spectate! The races will be held in Nahant Bay August 3-6. Regatta website is here: https://racehub.waszp.com/eventdetail/154
Thanks,
Zaak Beekman,
WASZP USA President, 2023 WASZP N. American Championship Regatta co-chair
Good Morning Gloucester 