The North American WASZP Class has released its full 2026 calendar, and Pensacola will host a huge foiling event in March.
Nautica News reports: “Pensacola will host the International WASZP Games, an event that will bring together one of the largest foiling fleets ever assembled in the Americas. The 2026 Games are positioned to showcase the depth of North American talent and the growing seriousness of the pathway available to sailors in the region.”
- The International WASZP Games also “create a perfect launching pad for the new strategic partnership with America One Racing. That partnership brings professional-level coaching, technical development, and athlete support into the heart of the WASZP ecosystem, enhancing both the racing environment and the long-term developmental pipeline.”
What? The WASZP is a lightweight hydrofoiling dinghy with retractable main and rudder foils, folding wings, and a free?standing rig that lets the boat rise out of the water and “fly” at speeds over 20 knots once enough wind is reached.
American Magic Connection
America One Racing (often abbreviated A1R) is a high?performance sailing organization focused on developing elite sailors and programs, especially in foiling and professional-level racing. It’s foiling pipeline, which worked with Quantum Racing to identify and develop some of the most successful young sailors in the United States. The development of young sailing talent is at the core of A1R’s mission.
- A1R’s Foiling Platform utilizes the following equipment: Wingfoil, Waszp, iQFoil and Formula Kite
In late 2022, American Magic and TP52 team Quantum Racing announced a formal high?performance partnership, with Quantum Racing rebranding as “Quantum Racing, powered by American Magic.”
- The collaboration links American Magic’s America’s Cup design, technology, and performance systems with Quantum Racing’s TP52 program, creating a shared platform for development, data, coaching, and athlete pipelines.
None of this would be happening without your original efforts, Tom. You would be something of an unsung hero on this, if so many people weren’t aware and grateful that without your vision and tireless advocacy working to establish the initial local relationship with Magic, none of this would ever be coming to fruition.
Also a heartfelt shout out to David Bear, who as usual was willing to take a difficult position onto his shoulders to get the right thing for our community. To those on the TDC who proceeded to their no vote with integrity, it was IMHO simply a misplaced budgetary care with decisions that are increasingly difficult due to the fog of financial war stemming from the usual suspects. Among them, the newly solidifying voting block playing the time-honored strategy of voting to starve any events of funding that aren’t to the sole benefit of putting visitors on a tunnel vision course from the airport to Pensacola Beach, and then making sure they stay put there.
It’s sad to see we are coming back to square one with that, but thankfully someone like David was willing to put himself in the crosshairs to rectify an error that could have resulted in a *huge* financial and cultural loss to our community, losses that would have never been reparable. Hats off to him for putting on the mantle of private citizen to help get a rehearing of the issue, and thank you to Chairman Hofberger also–who quite apparently saw the error in her own TDC vote, and reversed it to vote unanimously with the BCC to provide adequate and timely funding for amazing opportunity.
Increasingly there will be a magnifying glass on the TDC recommendations, and whether the funding committee rectifies the current bend towards Beach bias (once again). Not to mention solidifies objective, reasonable parameters that will preclude any more nonsense with funding one agency without what is deemed adequate financials, but turning down another which has actually provided more numbers. As long as the committee lands on something that doesn’t bias particular areas and sectors of our tourism economy, it will be a good thing. Fingers crossed…
Thanks Rick !
I am the Event Chair and have plenty to share with you any time. This will be an amazing event for too many reasons to list here !
Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas !!
Tom Pace