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The 2026 International WASZP Games: A Foiling Revolution in Pensacola

In March 2026, the beautiful Pensacola Bay in Florida will come alive with excitement as it hosts the highly anticipated International WASZP Games. This premier event marks the first time North America has welcomed the world's foremost foiling dinghy championship, placing the Gulf Coast at the heart of sailing's cutting-edge, technology-driven sport.

What is WASZP?

At the center of this thrilling sporting spectacle lies the WASZP, a one-design, single-handed foiling dinghy uniquely designed to lift completely above the water on hydrofoils. This revolutionary design minimizes drag, enabling exhilarating speeds up to 30 knots. The WASZP stands out as a symbol of the significant shift towards advanced materials, precision engineering, and performance data analysis that are reshaping Olympic sailing, SailGP, and the America’s Cup.

The WASZP class has witnessed rapid growth since its launch in 2016, fostering active fleets across continents, including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. With innovative race formats like quick-paced sprint racing, this class has begun attracting sailors from various backgrounds— from Olympic development programs to professional racing circuits— and generating excitement among the next generation of foiling talent.

Event Highlights

Running from March 16 to March 28, 2026, the International WASZP Games promises a two-week showcase of competitive sailing that will captivate audiences. The championship races are scheduled to occur at the Pensacola Yacht Club from March 24 to March 28. Additionally, lead-in events such as the WASZP All-Stars sprint competition and a Pre-Games Regatta will further bolster the event's appeal, emphasizing short-format, high-intensity racing designed for today’s audience.

Tom Pace, the race chair for Pensacola Yacht Club, stated, "Foiling is redefining what competitive sailing looks like, and Pensacola Bay offers an exceptional environment to showcase that evolution." This venue allows for innovative racing courses and requires precision and athleticism from its sailors, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the water.

Pensacola: The Foiling Hub

The selection of the Pensacola Yacht Club as the host venue underscores the city’s rising status as a key U.S. hub for high-performance foiling. The area's protected waters, dependable spring winds, and continuous improvements in infrastructure enable elite training programs and international competitions across various foiling classes.

Pensacola is already home to the American Magic America's Cup team and serves as the North American training base for SailGP teams, solidifying its reputation as one of the most dynamic foiling locations in the Western Hemisphere. Moreover, the Pensacola Yacht Club has recently acted as a training ground for America One Racing (A1R), which has conducted developmental camps at the club over the past year, enhancing Pensacola's role in the athletic development pathway for aspiring sailors.

The Future of Foiling in Sailing

As hydrofoiling technology consistently transforms the landscape of sailing, the 2026 International WASZP Games will truly place Pensacola Yacht Club—and the United States—at the forefront of this exciting new era in competitive sailing. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this event is set to be an unforgettable experience that showcases the height of athletic prowess, technological innovation, and community spirit in the world of sailing.