Waszp GP at WPNSA
It was a combined event for the Moth and Waszp at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. It was a light wind forecast for the weekend.
Victoria Payne took the lead after the windward mark being chased by Rachel Jenkins, followed Sean Purdy. Light winds meant the Waszp sailors who started 3 minutes after the Moths were catching the back of the moth fleet in this low riding day. Stuart Appleby was sat at the window at home watching the race while looking after his new baby. With an 1 mile windward mark and 2 laps, the course was a are longer than the Waszps are used to and it gave them an opportunity to experience some race angles demonstrated by the moth fleet and enjoy the Portland harbour in the sun.
Victoria Payne pulled out quite a lead of half a leg an took the bullet for the one race of the day. As the wind dropped many of the fleet were taken in with the RIBs.
Five races and an early start were planned for the Sunday and the morning’s extra breeze brought Stuart Appleby and new waszp sailor Rory Hunter out to play. All the Waszps racked up on their start line and were off on the B of the bang. Rory and Stuart had some exciting battles at the front of the fleet, with Victoria taking a third.
The wind increased for race three with Stuart and Rory leading the fleet and Waszp Queen Rachel coming third. Victoria struggled with being overpowered and went in for an early cup of tea. Sean took fourth.
Race four Rory and Stuart who had an excellent race again with the new comer showing he had some great pace. Rory took the bullet, closely followed by Stuart with Rachel in third.
The final fifth race was left to Stuart and Rory. Rory was looking as if he had the in the bag and then he capsized with two boat lengths before the finish line attempting a jibe allowing Stuart to take the win.
1st Stuart Appleby
2nd Rory Hunter
3rd Rachel Jenkins
4th Victoria Payne
5th Sean Purdy
https://www.sailwave.com/results/WPNSA/2018_Moth_GP_May/overall.htm
Forward WIP WASZP UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018
This year saw the inaugural Waszp UK National Championships at Rutland Water Sailing Club from 10th– 13thMay. The event was generously supported by title sponsor Forward WIPalong with Sailingfast, Stewart Brewing and Hartas Productions.
Thursday 10thwas set aside from the championships racing for training and slalom racing. The sun shone, and the wind played ball for the early part of the day but sadly died away as the day progressed into the slalom racing. Fun was had by all, but no winner of the slalom was produced due to the lack of wind.
Those that couldn’t take time off work on the Thursday or in some cases have an exam on the Thursday arrived in the evening ready for the championship racing to commence the following morning.
Friday broke to sunshine and a building breeze. The fleet launched and started race one in 15 gusting 20kts. Champagne conditions producing some of the most exciting racing seen in some time. All competitors from seasoned foilers to new comers, having never foiled before, had a ball. Some impressive boat handling was witnessed at the front end of the fleet but one slip up and places changed. This was the case for all five races sailed that day. Max Todd was the overnight leader with an impressive three bullets closely followed by Graham Priestley with a race win and the third spot taken by Jamie Calder, winner of the final race of the day. Very tired sailors hit the shore but soon rallied with sponsor Stewart Brewingsupplying liquid refreshment as they stepped ashore, before sails were dropped and wet suits removed!
Friday evening brought the fleet together for a sociable meal in the club followed by drinks and helpful tips shared from the more experienced Waszp sailors. What became evident not only on Friday evening but through out the championships was how friendly, inclusive and welcoming everyone involved in this relatively new class were. There were competitors from fifteen year olds through to 50+ all sharing stories and interacting together.
Saturday had glorious sunshine but sadly the forecast proved to be correct and there was no wind. The PRO Mike Haines made the correct call and AP over A was hoisted early in the day. The fleet used this time to hold their first AGM followed by a barbeque around the Sailingfastvan and once again sponsor Stewart Brewingsupplied the refreshments. That evening the official class dinner was held in the clubhouse before those that were of the appropriate age retired to the local pub, where sponsor Hartas Productionsnot only supplied amazing film coverage over the weekend but supplied the rum for those at the pub. A great night was had by all!
Sunday’s forecast was for light winds, which was the case, although Mike and his race management team managed to run four races in 5 – 7Kts. This showed how well the Waszp can be raced in low riding mode. Maybe not what you buy a foiler to do but turned out to be extremely competitive racing and supplied the class with a worthy champion in all conditions.
Graham Priestly put a consistent series together to clinch the title by 2 points from Max Todd. Paul Bartlett took the third podium spot, Rachel Jenkins was crowned the WASZP Queen and Jamie Calder was first youth.
The bespoke trophies were designed by the talented Mark Covellalongside Reedway Precision LTD and were breathaking and unique with the WASZP Queen winning a crown which was inspired by game of thrones!
A fantastic event was had by all. From the competitive racing and the great social scene this class is set to really expand. It really is a foiler for the masses.
Thanks must go to Rutland Water Sailing Club, Mike Haines and his team, the event sponsors and our class secretary who has put in a huge amount of work to make this event a success, Victoria Payne.
I’m sure all present can’t wait for the next Waszp event.
Results: 1stG. Priestly
2ndM. Todd
3rdP. Bartlett
4thJ. Calder (1stYouth)
10thR. Jenkins (1stLady)
Photos attached.
Dinghy Show Success
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Forward WIP offer
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