The Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) will host the Island’s 1st national-level foiling competition featuring a fleet of flying WASZP dinghies from all over the UK this coming weekend (27th/28th May).
Foiling is a recent evolution that has transformed the world of sailing and water sports that involves various forms of watercraft lifting out of the water and flying on underwater wings, referred to as ‘foils’. Due to the reduced drag and ability to hold down more power from the wind, thanks to the extra leverage the foils provide, the speeds of wind-powered craft increase dramatically as they lift from the surface.
The WASZP is a foiling sailing dinghy and one of the world’s most popular and competitive foiling classes. It is only 4m long but is capable of speeds of up to 30mph, which makes for a spectacular racing experience for sailors of all ages.
Now, with 1,500 boats globally and 150 in the UK, the class has gained recognition as a pathway boat towards the America’s Cup and SailGP programmes, both now famously sailing with foils. Over the bank holiday weekend, the Island will see some of the world’s most promising foiling talents crossing the Solent to race at RVYC in the WASZP GP event.
The Royal Victoria Yacht Club will welcome around 20 sailors from all over the UK, venturing from as far afield as Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. A selection of local sailors is also set to enter the national circuit for the first time, representing RVYC and Seaview Yacht Club.
WASZP racing is not the only major event on the calendar for RVYC this year. From 12th to 14th August, the club will also welcome the largest junior dinghy sailing championship in Island history, when 145 junior sailors from all over the country will take part in the RS Tera National Championships. The RVYC will also host the MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association) National Championships in June.
