Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

WASZP Australian Nationals at Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club - Overall

by Marc Ablett 9 Dec 2023 10:36 UTC 7-9 December 2023

The Australian WASZP Nationals drew to a spectacular close with a series of gripping races from the South under solid 12-18 knot winds.The stage is set for an electrifying International WASZP Games.

International sailors claimed the top four places in the overall championship, with Francesco Bertone proving consistency will be the key to winning the International WASZP Games next week. The tight racing is a feature of the WASZP class, with every sailor prone to a high score. 2nd overall went to Dane Magnus Overbeck, who completed a near flawless preparation for the games, in third place Sam Street who appears to have a speed edge came back from some poor results early to claim the final two races of the day.

The first race for the day (heat 2) witnessed local legend and 2019 International WASZP Games runner-up, Tom Trotman, staging a remarkable comeback. Trotman, initially in 4th place at the last top mark, capitalised on the right hand side of the course down the run, clinching victory in style. Following closely behind were Hawaiian sensation Gavin Ball, fresh off his triumph at the Americas Championships and SailGP Inspire Championships and France’s Hippolyte Gruet securing the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

The women’s championship saw Hattie Rogers, narrowly missing the top 10 after a losing three boats just shy of the finish line, while in the second race of the day finished in 12th, a great result nonetheless and shows that top 10 in the International WASZP Games next week is well within reach.

The excitement escalated in the second race of the day (heat 3) as 16-year-old local talent Aidan Simmons etched his name in history with a breathtaking victory. With increased wind pressure and shifting conditions, Simmons worked his way through the fleet, claiming a monumental win for the youngster. New Zealand’s Tim Howse showcased his top form with an impressive 3rd place finish, marking his best result of the regatta.

Meanwhile, the 6.9m division witnessed a thrilling showdown between rising stars. 15-year-old Norwegian sensation Pia Tveita engaged in a gripping battle with 13-year-old Callum Simmons and Australia’s Brenn Armstrong. The races showcased incredible talent, with mere boat lengths separating these young prodigies.

The final two races of the day were a clinic from Sam Street, winning both races reasonably comfortably, It was Bertone though who claimed overall victory despite not winning a race in the championship.

The Australian Championship went to Trotman who finished 5th overall, claiming his first Aussie title since 2019. In 2nd place, Louis Tilly finished 10th over all and was forced to carry a black flag in race 4 which ruined his title campaign, he will be a threat in the Games no doubt. While young sensation Simmons finished in 11th overall and 3rd Aussie.

In the Masters and Super Master, Jervis Tilly held off both Andrew McDougall and Brad Devine to win, Brad finished well up in race four only to be black flagged, which may have cost him the title. The two NZ sailors Dave Shaw and George Wills finished first and second in the masters division, followed by Aussie Richard Steedman.

The Australian WASZP Nationals served as a riveting prelude to the highly anticipated International WASZP Games. As the weather promises to warm up throughout the upcoming week, the stage is set for a return to the stunning Sorrento conditions that promise of a quality championship and fierce competition.

Results can be found here...

Related Articles

Entries open for Foiling Week Pensacola 2025
Bringing the excitement of cutting-edge foiling technology and thrilling watersports With four months to go, entries are now open for Foiling Week Pensacola 2025, the multi-class "World Sailing Special Event" to be held in Florida. Posted on 24 Oct
The Swarm Podcast Episode 22: Thomas Sitzmann
A name to remember, he shares his team sailing career highlights Thomas Sitzmann is a name to remember; he shares his team sailing career highlights, including becoming an all-American in his rookie season. Posted on 18 Oct
Congratulations Margherita Porro
WASZP sailor now a Women's America's Cup Winner A huge congratulations to Margherita Porro (Port Helm) on winning the Women's America's Cup Team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli! Posted on 17 Oct
Royal Hospital School pupils selected by Athena
Under 21 Squad nurtures elite sailing talent The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk, is proud to share that two of its talented sailing pupils, Harriet George, Year 13 and Toby Smith, Year 12, have earned coveted places in the highly esteemed Athena Under 21 Squad. Posted on 8 Oct
WASZP Swarm Podcast Episode 18
The build up to Weymouth 2025 WASZP Games begins Episode 18 of The Swarm Podcast, we feature two stalwarts of the WASZP UK class, who play equally important but very different roles in the success of the WASZP UK Class. Posted on 10 Sep
The Tide Ride is Back!
Soak Tide Ride scheduled for 5th & 6th October at Hayling Island SC In 2024 we are delighted to announce that Tide Ride is back, this year as the Soak Tide Ride! Posted on 31 Aug
2024 WASZP North Americans at Halifax, Nova Scotia
Young gun Jackson Macaulay claims an emphatic victory Young gun Jackson Macaulay from Canada has won the WASZP North American Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He claimed an emphatic victory from Ethan Thompson and Andi Kinnear. The strength of the Canadian fleet is growing all the time! Posted on 26 Aug
WASZP UK Nationals at the WPNSA
Big winds in Portland Harbour for the fleet Sam Whaley (1st overall) & Katy Jenkins (1st UK female) are your WASZP UK National Champions! A massive send off for the UK fleet in Weymouth on Sunday as 20-30 knots caused carnage throughout the fleet. Posted on 26 Aug
2024 International WASZP Games overall
Overbeck claims the holy grail after a dominant season After a week of high-intensity racing at the 2024 International WASZP Games, Danish sailor Magnus Overbeck of the KDY club emerged victorious, clinching the title by two points ahead of Norway's Markus Berthet. Posted on 12 Aug
2024 International WASZP Games Day 4
Wet and Wild Finals on the penultimate day The penultimate day of the 2024 International WASZP Games brought a dramatic shift in conditions, challenging sailors with everything Mother Nature could throw at the fleet. Posted on 10 Aug
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERSavvy Navvy 2024