Waszp Games 2024

A few weeks ago, our youth inspirator Maja Bergqvist went to Sandefjord in Norway to sail her very first Waszp Games. 180 boats, sailors in all ages and nations meet to race each other for 5 days. For those of you who don't know - the Waszp is an Australian hydrofoiling sailboat, designed by Andrew McDougall as a single-handed, one-design racer for both youth and adults. It was first produced in 2016 and was recognized as the Best One-Design in Sailing World's 2017 Boat of the Year Awards. Made to be fast, fun, and accessible, it has quickly become one of the most exciting classes in the sailing world. 

The WASZP GAMES is an alternative to a World Championship that offers varied racing formats and a strong social aspect. These popular events crown the best WASZP sailor in the world.

We thought it would be fun to hear Majas experience and thoughts about the regatta, so we asked her a few questions.

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How was it to be a part of the Waszp Games 2024?

It was so much fun! There was an incredible amount of sailors, all ages between 14 and 70. There was a good mix between beginners and experienced people and the atmosphere was fantastic! We were all on this small island called Seilerholmen which you went to by boat and I'm fascinated by how kind and helpful both the sailors and the organizers were. 

And of course, I had the most incredible time on the water! The conditions were perfect, very flat water with all kinds of winds. We sailed in this small fjord with loads of small islands almost the same size as the houses on top of them. 

What was the best thing that happened during the regatta?

The most fun thing during the regatta was to meet so many new sailors and learn lots of new things. But there is one thing that really stood out that I will never forget. The third day of the games, we had some sprint races and everyone was sailing very fast. The course was pretty close to land so there was only two things going through my brain - 1. Don't hit a boat, 2. Don't hit land. There was a huge ferry passing just after this and directly after came a powerboat rushing towards us and we did a rabbit start. With 180 boats! Crazy fast boats! It was amazing, I could almost feel this nervous energy rushing inside me during that start.

For how long have you sailed the Waszp and why?

I bought my Waszp in March this year and it was the best decision ever. It is fast (over 20 kts), and I believe foiling is the future. Everyone is also very kind, helpful and engaged as mentioned before, which makes it so much fun. I think it's good to understand the fundamentals of foiling as it's slowly taking over the sailing world. And lastly, it's important to embrace women doing things that are new to many.

Do you have a long term goal with your sailing?

My goals and dreams are to win any big competition, go to the Olympics and sail my entire life. Ideal would be to also work with something to do with sailing.

How was the Noora gear to race in?

The clothes I tried from Noora was the best! They're so flexible, warm, comfortable and good-looking. I remember when I tried the summer leggings for the first time at a demo event in Skanör earlier this year and I said to my parents "I need these now!". Another good thing is that you can decide if you want any extra thermo on the inside or skin on the outside to precent the wind and water from making you cold.

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Thanks Maja for a lovely story! We cheer for you and hope to see you race again soon.