Introducing the WASZP Youth Performance Squad with ASC Performance Academy and the WASZP Class UK
by Andrew Simpson Foundation 23 Oct 2022 08:30 UTC
WASZP upwind © Duncan Hepplewhite @ sailingfast
The WASZP Class UK and ASC Performance Academy has proudly launched their new WASZP Youth team training programme.
The programme aims to develop the emerging youth talent within the class, providing a performance training environment and support. Many of these sailors have goals set for competing at the front end of the international fleet in the 2023 European and world championships. The programme also aims to have larger impact within the sailing industry. With the growing number of opportunities in foiling, young sailors are drawn to the WASZP class as a stepping stone to professional sailor opportunities (69ff, SailGP and other new programmes). The programme is designed to offer support and opportunities that keeps pushing these sailors to the highest levels and supports them reach these goals.
The nine sailors that have been selected for the first year of this programme are Tom Pollard, Ben Harris, Alice Senior, Eve Kennedy, Bella Fellowes, Lewis Clark, Arthur Fry, Hattie Rogers and William Heathcote.
The first weekend was a great success with the nine U25 years sailors coming down to the ASC Portland centre based at WPNSA. The light forecast for Saturday meant the team could spend the morning on the shore getting deep into some setting adjustments on foil calibrations and then they ventured out for some lowriding boat speed practise in the afternoon.
The forecast for Sunday looked much better, so the team had an early start to make the most out of the 15-20 knot conditions focusing on some rig setup element of their boat speed before heading in for a lunch time break and video analysis session. The afternoon saw a reduction in breeze and a change in focus, looking at the breaking down some key elements of executing the best possible start.
The weekend was supported by an expert coaching team made up of Sam Whaley (UK WASZP Class Chairman and silver medallist at the 2022 WASZP Worlds) and James Parker Mowbray, ASC Performance Academy Manager.
Alice Senior, sailor, said;
“Our first training weekend with the ASC Performance academy was fantastic! It’s great to have a dedicated team learning from each other and James encouraging us to question why what we do works and to exploring new techniques.”
Ben Harris, sailor, said;
“Excited to be part of a squad environment with an awesome group of sailors and coaches. Looking forward to developing as a squad over the winter ahead of the 2023 season!”
Lewis Clark, sailor, said;
“Over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of November, it was the first weekend being apart of the ASC Waszp Performance academy, with 2 great days of learning. With the Saturday having relatively little breeze we all rigged and started comparing our boats set up and getting some great advice from World Number 2, Sam Whaley… On the Sunday, we had an early start being on the water for 9.30 looking to be a glamour session, with a key focus on boat speed. With a great first weekend over, I certainly can’t wait to get back on the water in November and see how we progress as a group”.
To find out more about the ASC Performance Academy, head to ascperformanceacademy or get in touch with the team on enquiries@ascperformanceacademy.org