Shifty sea breeze rewards the smart as WASZP European Championship reaches halfway
Spain celebrated another memorable day of sport on Tuesday, and on the waters of Mar Menor the home team had plenty to cheer about as the 2026 WASZP European Championship reached its halfway point.
While Spain booked its place in the FIFA World Cup Final, the local WASZP stars continued their own charge, with Antonio Gasperini taking control of the 8.2 Championship after another outstanding day of racing.
But unlike the football, nothing came easily.
An 8-12 knot sea breeze fought to establish itself all afternoon as intense heat over the land disrupted the airflow. Small shifts constantly reshaped the racecourse, rewarding patience, positioning and tactical decision making over outright speed.
The 7.5 fleet managed four races before the breeze faded. The 8.2 fleet completed three, with two further attempts abandoned as the wind finally gave up.
Credit also belongs to the race management team, who extracted every possible race from a difficult weather window while maintaining the outstanding standard of organisation that has defined the championship both afloat and ashore.
Gasperini Finds Another Gear
Antonio Gasperini is beginning to look every bit the championship favourite in the 8.2s.
After dominating the pre-event regatta, many wondered whether he could carry that form into the Europeans. Two days in, the reigning Spanish Champion is answering emphatically.
Two race wins and a fourth moved Gasperini into the overall lead on just 12 points.
Fellow Spaniard Alberto Morales Hernandez surrendered the overnight lead after a mixed day that included a second, twelfth and fifth, dropping to second overall.
Miguel Angel Morales Hernandez remains third, ensuring Spain now holds all three podium positions as the championship moves into its second half.
Metenier Steps Up with a Materclass
If the 8.2 fleet has found its benchmark, the 7.5 Championship refuses to settle.
For the second consecutive day the leaderboard changed again as France’s Louise Metenier produced the standout performance of the fleet.
The WASZP All-Star claimed two race wins to move into the overall lead, just three points clear of Italy’s Giuseppe Chiantera.
Spain’s Sol Lopez continued one of the most consistent regattas in the fleet to climb into third overall.
With fewer than ten points separating third from eighth, the title race remains completely open.
Bombana Turns Consistency Into Control
Italy’s Elisa Bombana produced one of the performances of the championship.
Three victories from four races elevated her into the 6.9 lead, finishing the day with just seven net points after six races.
Jacopo Andrian remains within striking distance in second, while Edoardo Marcantonio completes an all-Italian top three.
Halfway… and About to Change
Two days down. Three to go.
Wednesday brings one of the most anticipated days of the championship as the fleet swaps traditional fleet racing for the spectacular Sprint Races and the iconic Long Distance Race.
With leaders established but margins still razor thin, the European titles remain very much up for grabs.