WASZP Norwegian Nationals Overall
by Marc Ablett 5 Aug 06:14 BST
3-4 August 2024
Final preparations are complete for the International WASZP Games, hosted by Sandefjord Seilforening in Norway. As WASZP Island gets ready to host 180 boats in the largest WASZP event ever, the newly branded "City of Foiling" is set to come alive with excitement.
Magnus Overbeck from Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub (KDY) in Denmark has asserted his dominance, delivering a clear message to the world's best WASZP sailors by winning the Norwegian Nationals. Overbeck secured the victory by an impressive 19 points, ahead of Spain's Pablo Astiazaran, with Italy's Enzio Savoini rounding out the podium on a countback from fellow Italian Gabriele Venturino.
With 95 boats competing at the Norwegian Nationals, the fleet will expand to 180 on Tuesday for the International Games. The fleets will be divided into two for a qualifying series, and the racing on the spectacular Norwegian Fjord promises to be thrilling, with favorable conditions forecast for the event.
"It was nice to see I could handle the light and shifty conditions," said Overbeck. "Sometimes this is not my strength, and it was good to see the work I have put in is paying off. It was tough racing and good to test myself against a lot of the potential gold fleet sailors; it was an 'eyes out of the boat' type of day."
In the women's division, Hedvig Doksrod continued her strong form, securing an all-the-way victory ahead of compatriot Marie Butler Wang and Australian Bridget Conrad. The women's division is set for an exciting battle between the Australians and Norwegians, with Nora Doksrod and Mina Ferguson also performing strongly and posting impressive overall open placings.
In the 6.9m rig category, Ben Anderson from Team GBR claimed victory, followed by Martinius Hopstock and Canadian Henry Krieble. With 25 6.9m rigs competing in the International Games, this warm-up event will be crucial for the overall standings.
After a rest day today, anticipation builds for the start of the International WASZP Games on Tuesday. This promises to be an event to remember!
Full results available here.