Sandefjord, Norway – August 5, 2024: Final preparations are complete for the International WASZP Games, hosted by Sandefjord Seilforening in Norway. As WASZP Island gets ready to host 180 boats in the largest WASZP event ever, the newly branded “City of Foiling” is set to come alive with excitement.
Magnus Overbeck from Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub (KDY) in Denmark has asserted his dominance, delivering a clear message to the world’s best WASZP sailors by winning the Norwegian Nationals. Overbeck secured the victory by an impressive 19 points, ahead of Spain’s Pablo Astiazaran, with Italy’s Enzio Savoini rounding out the podium on a countback from fellow Italian Gabriele Venturino.
Photograph: James Tomlinson – Magnus Overbeck is a picture of concentration
With 95 boats competing at the Norwegian Nationals, the fleet will expand to 180 on Tuesday for the International Games. The fleets will be divided into two for a qualifying series, and the racing on the spectacular Norwegian Fjord promises to be thrilling, with favorable conditions forecast for the event.
Photograph: James Tomlinson
“It was nice to see I could handle the light and shifty conditions,” said Overbeck. “Sometimes this is not my strength, and it was good to see the work I have put in is paying off. It was tough racing and good to test myself against a lot of the potential gold fleet sailors; it was an ‘eyes out of the boat’ type of day.”
Photograph: James Tomlinson
In the women’s division, Hedvig Doksrod continued her strong form, securing an all-the-way victory ahead of compatriot Marie Butler Wang and Australian Bridget Conrad. The women’s division is set for an exciting battle between the Australians and Norwegians, with Nora Doksrod and Mina Ferguson also performing strongly and posting impressive overall open placings.
Photograph: James Tomlinson
In the 6.9m rig category, Ben Anderson from Team GBR claimed victory, followed by Martinius Hopstock and Canadian Henry Krieble. With 25 6.9m rigs competing in the International Games, this warm-up event will be crucial for the overall standings.
After a rest day today, anticipation builds for the start of the International WASZP Games on Tuesday. This promises to be an event to remember!
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.
