Pensacola, Fla. (March 13, 2026) – Pensacola Bay will host one of the fastest-growing competitions in modern sailing this March when the 2026 International WASZP Games arrive at Pensacola Yacht Club.

Scheduled for March 24–28, the championship marks the first time the international WASZP Games have been held in North America, bringing elite foiling sailors from around the world to compete on Pensacola Bay.

Adding to the significance of the event, Andrew McDougall, the Australian sailor and naval architect who designed and founded the WASZP class, will also attend the Games. McDougall created the boat in 2016 to make hydrofoiling more accessible to sailors and may even join the fleet during the event.

“The WASZP Games are one of the most exciting events in sailing because they combine high-speed foiling with a really fun international atmosphere,” said McDougall. “You have Olympic pathway sailors, rising young talent, and passionate amateurs all competing together. It creates an incredible event both on and off the water.”

The WASZP itself is part of the spectacle. The single-handed foiling dinghy lifts completely above the water on hydrofoils, underwater wings that allow the boat to reach speeds up to 30 knots. Sailors balance above the water while the boat “flies,” creating one of the most athletic and visually dramatic forms of sailing.

Among the competitors arriving in Pensacola are several standout athletes expected to challenge for the podium, including:

• Pearl Lattanzi (USA)
2025 WASZP Games Champion and Women’s Sprint Champion. Asia-Pacific Champion, America One Racing team member, and former SailGP Inspire finalist.

• Gavin Ball (USA)
Three-time Americas Champion, U.S. Champion, and SailGP Inspire Champion. Finished fifth at the 2025 WASZP Games.

• Pablo Astiazaran (Spain)
Runner-up at the 2025 WASZP Games and one of the leading contenders for the overall title.

• Antonio Gasperini, (Spain)
Third-place finisher at the 2025 WASZP Games and a former SailGP Inspire finalist.

• Bridget Conrad (Australia)
Asia-Pacific Championship runner-up and a leading competitor in the international women’s fleet.

• Andrew Chisholm (Canada)
2025 World Junior Champion and one of the sport’s rising young talents.

• Julia Gebhard (Germany)
One of Europe’s top young female sailors. Finished fifth at the 2025 WASZP Games.

• Hippolyte Gruet (France)
Multiple-time French champion and ranked third in the world in 2025.

Several North American collegiate and emerging sailors are also expected to make an impact on the fleet:

• Jacob Lentz (USA – University of Rhode Island)
One of the top collegiate sailors in the fleet with strong technical ability and growing international experience. Now beginning an Olympic campaign while remaining closely connected to the WASZP class.

• Leo Burnham (USA – University of Rhode Island)
Training partner of Lentz who has rapidly progressed from junior foiling into competitive fleet racing.

• Ethan Thompson (Canada – Nova Scotia)
A university sailor who delivered a strong performance at the previous International WASZP Games in the United Kingdom.

• Grace Poole (Canada)
One of the leading Canadian female sailors in the fleet and the first woman to win the Canadian WASZP Nationals overall.

• Bryce Huntoon (USA)
A perennial dark horse known for strong boat speed who could deliver a breakout performance if everything comes together.

“Hosting the WASZP Games is a major milestone for Pensacola Yacht Club and for sailing on the Gulf Coast,” said Tom Pace, race chair for the 2026 WASZP Games at PYC. “Bringing an event of this caliber to Pensacola Bay speaks to the quality of our sailing venue and the strength of our sailing community. We are proud to welcome athletes from around the world and showcase what makes Pensacola such a special place to sail.”

The WASZP Games are the centerpiece of a two-week international foiling series hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club that will also include the WASZP All-Stars sprint championship and a Pre-Games Regatta. The Games’ Opening Ceremony will take place at the American Magic High Performance Center in Pensacola, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a hub for elite sailing and foiling development.

Together, the events are expected to attract the largest foiling fleet ever assembled in the Americas, further establishing Pensacola as a destination for international foiling and high-performance sailing.

For spectators around Pensacola Bay, the Games will offer a rare opportunity to watch some of the world’s fastest sailing boats flying above the water.

About Pensacola Yacht Club

Founded in 1908, the Pensacola Yacht Club – located on a 17-acre site at the mouth of Pensacola Bay’s Bayou Chico – has long been known as The South’s Finest Yacht Club, promoting world-class sailing, youth development, and competitive excellence on one of the most beautiful and technically dynamic bays in North America.

About WASZP

WASZP is an international one-design foiling Dinghy class featuring a single-handed hydrofoiling dinghy designed by Andrew McDougall. Capable of flying above the water at speeds up to 30 knots, the WASZP delivers high-performance racing in an accessible and athlete-driven format. Since its launch, the class has experienced rapid global growth, with active fleets across Europe, North America, Australasia, and emerging regions worldwide. Known for innovative race formats, including fast-paced sprint racing, WASZP attracts sailors from Olympic pathways, professional circuits, and the next generation of foiling talent, helping shape the future of modern sailing.