AIRLIE BEACH, QLD – After three days of high-octane foiling in the heart of the Whitsundays, Louis Tilly has been crowned the 2026 WASZP Australian National Champion. The event took place in the heart of the Whitsundays from April 8–11. The Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) hosted the regatta, which showcased the best of Australian foiling talent against an iconic backdrop.
Tilly’s Tactical Masterclass
Representing the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), Louis Tilly delivered a consistent performance that proved impossible to beat. Now sailing with number 5 after this year’s WASZP Games success, Tilly secured four bullets across the 12-race series and rarely dropped out of the top three. His ability to navigate the shifting breezes allowed him to finish with a net score of 12.0 points, safely ahead of his closest rivals.
Will Troop secured the runner-up spot with 19.0 points, while Conall Green rounded out the overall podium in third.
Conrad Sweeps 7.5m and Women’s Titles
In the 7.5m Rig category, Bridget Conrad was the standout performer. The WASZP All-Star Conrad not only claimed the 7.5m title but also took home the Women’s Championship. Her performance was highlighted by a string of top-10 finishes against the larger 8.2m rigs, ultimately finishing 13th overall in the 21-boat fleet.
Champagne conditions
The first three days saw “champagne sailing” conditions, with 4 races completed each day. The picturesque turquoise waters provided the perfect flat-water runway for the WASZPs to reach peak speeds. Going into the final day, the leaderboard was tight. However, the Whitsunday wind failed to join the party. Despite the race committee’s best efforts, a lack of wind on the final day meant no further racing was possible, and the standings from Day 3 were declared final.
Eyes Turn to Europe
With the Australian Nationals concluded, the global WASZP spotlight now shifts to the Northern Hemisphere for the highly anticipated 2026 EuroCup Series. The circuit kicks off this May on the French Atlantic coast in Lanveoc, marking the first of eight world-class events.
Riders will compete across the continent—from the iconic waters of Lake Garda during Foiling Week to the season finale in Spain—with a sailor’s best four events counting toward the overall title.