Waszp Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Waszp's journey began in 2016 with its first production launch in Lake Garda, Italy. The innovative mind behind the Waszp Class is Andrew McDougall, an Australian designer with a strong passion for sailing. His design philosophy aimed to create a high-performance foiling dinghy that offered the excitement of foiling at a fraction of the cost of more complex boats like the Moth. McConaghy Boats, known for its history of pushing boundaries in composite construction and innovative design since 1967, was a natural fit for building such a craft. The builder's ethos, which includes perfecting vacuum-formed foam sandwich and fiberglass techniques and being an early adopter of prepreg carbon, aligns perfectly with the Waszp's lightweight, high-performance requirements.

McDougall and his team invested significant effort into design and testing, continuously evolving the boat up to its initial production. The Waszp is a strict one-design foiler, meaning that all boats are built to the same specifications to ensure fair racing, a fundamental objective of its class rules. While the core hull design remains consistent, the Waszp class includes four different rig sizes, all utilizing the same hull with varying wing designs to provide a comprehensive foiling pathway for sailors of different skill levels. There have been continuous reviews and upgrades to components like the rudder and foils to enhance performance and manage common issues, with the goal of creating a high-performance version of the Waszp.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Waszp is engineered for pure performance, focusing on its foiling capabilities rather than traditional displacement sailing characteristics. With a lightweight displacement of just 106 lbs and a length overall of 11.0 feet, the boat is designed to lift onto its foils and fly above the water Notes. It features a daggerboard keel type and a single rudder, which are crucial for stability and control when foiling Notes. The boat can also be sailed in a "low riding" mode, making it relatively easy to go upwind, though consistent tacking in this mode requires practice.

The design prioritizes ease of use for foiling, with a wing-frame design that helps prevent water from getting trapped, aiding in easy capsize recovery and providing a more stable platform for takeoff. Owners and reviewers often praise its ability to deliver the thrills of foiling, describing it as a well-designed and well-built foiling dinghy. The Waszp's performance is further enhanced by its cat rig, boasting a reported sail area of 88.26 sq ft, though a smaller 6.9 sqm (74.27 sq ft) sail is also available, offering versatility for different conditions and sailor weights Notes. Its agility and responsiveness make boat handling a key factor in competition, as demonstrated in events where sailors showcase smooth handling and smart decision-making across varied conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance, open foiling dinghy, the Waszp is designed for sport and racing, not for cruising or overnight stays. Consequently, it does not feature any interior accommodations or enclosed spaces. The focus is entirely on the cockpit and deck layout, which are optimized for single-handed sailing and foiling maneuvers. The open design facilitates quick capsize recovery and provides an unencumbered platform for the sailor.

Owner's Perspectives

Waszp owners consistently praise the boat for its ability to deliver an exhilarating foiling experience that is more accessible and affordable than many other foiling classes. Many appreciate its one-design nature, which fosters fair competition and a strong, friendly global class community. The boat is often highlighted as an excellent entry-level foiling dinghy, offering a clear pathway to advanced foiling skills.

However, as with any high-performance craft, there are learning curves and specific maintenance considerations. Some owners have noted initial variations in parts and challenges with components like the ride height adjuster, although continuous design reviews and upgrades have addressed many of these. Maintaining the boat in top condition is essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent issues. Sailors are actively engaged in forums and online communities, sharing tips on everything from launching and recovery to mastering foiling techniques, indicating a dedicated and enthusiastic owner base.