Sandefjord, Norway – August 5, 2024: Danish sailor Magnus Overbeck from the Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub in Denmark continues to demostrate exceptional form in the 2024 season. Following a strong performance and a 2nd place finish at the 2023 International WASZP Games in Australia, Overbeck remains unbeaten in WASZP events this year. Winning the Americas Championships, Foiling Week, Atlantic Coast Championships (USA) and SailGP INSPIRE.
WASZP Games 2024 – Norwegian Nationals – Sandefjord
Photograph: James Tomlinson
The prestigious International WASZP Games, hosted by the Sandefjord Seilforening Club, promises a week of sensational competition set against the picturesque backdrop of the Norwegian fjords. The historic club, established in 1890, is located on an island renowned for its excellent thermal winds and versatile racecourses. Club president Espen Berg and his dedicated team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring this extraordinary event to fruition, branding Sandefjord as the “City of Foiling.”
Photograph: James Tomlinson
The first day of the Norwegian Nationals presented challenging conditions with fluctuating thermal winds. After an initial race on the outside course, the wind dissipated, causing a large delay. However, the thermal winds resumed, allowing three additional races to take place on the inside course.
Photograph: James Tomlinson
Magnus Overbeck showcased remarkable consistency, leading after day one despite the demanding conditions. His main challenger throughout season 2024, Pablo Astiazaran from Spain, secured victories in heats 2 and 3, but a 22nd place finish in race one placed him in 2nd overall. Other top competitors, including the Savoini brothers from Italy, Tim Howse from New Zealand, Markus Berthet and Anders Klippenberg from Norway, also had strong showings, keeping the pressure on the leaders.
Photograph: James Tomlinson
In a notable performance, Hedvig Doksrod raced to a 6th place finish in race 3, concluding day one inside the top 10 and leading the women’s division for the Norwegian Nationals.
Photograph: James Tomlinson
With 95 boats competing at the Nationals, anticipation builds for the WASZP Games, which will see 180 competitors on the start line starting Tuesday. This event is set to be a historic highlight in the world of foiling.
RESULTS
Photograph: James Tomlinson
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About WASZP: WASZP is a high-performance foiling sailboat class that has gained significant popularity for its accessibility and exciting competition. The class emphasizes participation, diversity, and retention, making foiling more mass-participatory and widely accessible.
About Sandefjord Seilforening Club: Established in 1890, Sandefjord Seilforening Club is one of Norway’s oldest sporting organizations. Known for its excellent sailing conditions and historic significance, the club continues to be a premier venue for major sailing events.