In an adrenaline-fueled season of sailing, the WASZP rankings have witnessed an epic showdown between the titans of the class, setting the stage for a gripping finale at the International WASZP Games in Sorrento, Australia.

Hippolyte Gruet and Markus Berthet have been locked in a relentless tug-of-war for the top spot, exchanging the rankings lead multiple times throughout the year. Berthet’s triumphant first-place finish at the Norwegian WASZP Cup in September briefly placed him at the top, only to be challenged by Gruet’s commanding third-place victory at the first Barcelona Winter Series event, hosted at the prestigious home of the 38th Americas Cup.

This takes Gruet to the overall lead by just 154pts and with both sailors committed to the Australian Championships as a warm-up event, it will be a chance to gain much-needed points. Berthet is already in Australia training amongst other internationals and local competitors.

This thrilling battle, marked by seven lead changes this year alone. The anticipation mounts as previous rankings leaders, including Conal Green & Louis Tilly from Australia and Gavin Ball from Hawaii, gear up to compete at the pinnacle event of the year—the WASZP Games in Sorrento. The presence of each leader promises an exhilarating event

With the spotlight on Sorrento and the collective gaze of WASZP sailors worldwide fixated on this culmination of talent, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown

Stay tuned for all the action in the lead up to the 2023 International WASZP Games