Editorial illustration of WASZP WASZP (one-design foiling dinghy)

WASZP · One-design foiling dinghy / singlehander

WASZP (one-design foiling dinghy)

The WASZP is a purpose-built, one-design singlehanded foiling dinghy that aims to make foiling accessible, affordable and raceable in a strict class format. It uses a moulded hull with removable wings (platform), T-foils front and rear, a two-piece carbon mast and four rig sizes to cover light juniors through heavier adult sailors. The class emphasises simple, repeatable setup and strict equipment control for fair one-design racing.

Editorial illustration of WASZP WASZP (one-design foiling dinghy)

Overview and design purpose

  • The WASZP is designed as a one-design pathway foiler: a simple, robust and repeatable platform to introduce sailors to foiling and to race on equal equipment. The boat balances performance and accessibility through fixed foil geometry, standardised parts and multiple sail/mast combinations for different weights and skill levels (including the junior WASZP_X variant). (https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Designer, builder and production background

  • The WASZP grew from foiling development aimed at delivering moth-like performance with lower cost and simpler handling. The brand operates globally with factory-controlled parts and a formal class structure including class rules and controlled manufacturing of hulls, wings, tramps and gantry components. The class maintains up-to-date class rules and a support/document system for owners. (https://waszp.com/, https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf)

Construction and hull design

  • The WASZP hull is a moulded, lightweight composite designed to be stiff and durable while keeping weight low for early foil lift. The boat uses a removable wingframe and tramp system that provides platform width and righting leverage when needed and packs narrow for transport. The hull and class components are produced and identified under the class manufacturing regime. (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf)

Dimensions, displacement, draught, rig, engine and tankage

  • Length overall (bare hull): 3.35 m. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Beam while sailing (wings extended): 2.25 m. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Width folded / packed: reported 1.00 m (folded) and 0.43 m packed for transport. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Draft for launching (daggerboard/rudder retracted): ~0.20 m (20 cm). (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Draft while foiling depends on trim settings; the class describes a typical low-riding draft around 1.0 m when foiling. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Manufacturer/ class minimum complete dry weight (boat without mast, boom, sail and ropes inside sail foot pocket): 41 kg (class rule minimum). Typical complete rigged weight quoted around 48 kg fully rigged with foils. Where class rules and showroom numbers differ, the class rule minimum applies for racing eligibility. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WASZP_Class_Rules_r14.2.pdf, https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Rig: two-piece carbon mast (removable), adjustable aluminium boom, and a choice of four sail sizes to suit sailor weight and progression — 5.8 m2 (junior pathway WASZP_X), 6.9 m2, 7.5 m2 and 8.2 m2 rigs (senior). (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/get-in-touch/)
  • No engine or tankage (pure sail/foil dinghy). (https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Cockpit, deck layout and sail handling

  • The cockpit is minimal and purpose-built for a single crew. Control layout centres on an unstayed mast stepped into a mast socket, sheet and traveller arrangements via the boom and simple control runs to cleats and ergonomic fairleads. The wings/tramps provide a stable hiking platform and the boat is designed to be wheeled ashore with foils fitted. The sail, mast and boom are designed to stow between the wings for transport/ storage. (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/get-in-touch/)

Interior layout and accommodation

  • The WASZP is a singlehanded dinghy with no accommodation — a single open cockpit with room for the helm and stowage for small items beneath the deck. The WASZP_X variant shares the same hull but uses a modified wingframe and smaller rigs intended for lighter junior sailors. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Sailing and handling characteristics

  • The WASZP is a true foiling singlehander: with the right wind and sailor weight it lifts onto T-foils and transitions to high-speed foiling. Minimum foiling conditions are quoted around 5–7 knots (depending on settings and rig), with top speeds described in marketing over 30 knots in strong conditions. The platform offers significant righting leverage through the wingframe; in “race mode” the wings can be positioned to increase righting moment and upwind height. The boat is intended to reward precise foil trim, rider position and sailing technique rather than equipment tuning. (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/news/waszp-update-2/)

Typical Australian uses and suitable sailing conditions

  • Typical uses in Australia are fleet one-design racing, club foiling events, pathway junior foiling (WASZP_X) and day-sailing for experienced singlehanders. Best suited to sheltered bays to coastal race areas with steady sea-breeze conditions where wind strengths are sufficient to allow the chosen rig to lift the boat onto foils — generally light-moderate winds for bigger rigs and lighter winds for the smaller rigs as sailors progress. The class structure supports regatta racing across state and national events. (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/)

Principal strengths

  • One-design control and a clearly defined progression through rig sizes make the WASZP an accessible pathway into foiling for juniors and adults alike. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Lightweight, packable hull and removable wings make transport and shore-handling straightforward compared with some other foiling skiffs. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Factory-controlled parts and active class rules reduce tuning arms races and emphasise sailor skill. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf)

Known limitations and compromises

  • The WASZP is a high-performance foiling dinghy; foiling requires a learning curve and can be demanding physically and technically. Minimum wind requirements for foil lift mean there will be many days where foiling is marginal depending on the chosen rig. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • As a singlehander there is no accommodation or heavy-weather comfort; seaworthiness is limited to coastal and inshore racing/ sailing within the expected operating limits for small foiling dinghies. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Ownership, maintenance and refit considerations

  • Owners should expect regular checks and careful maintenance of foils (T-foil surfaces and connections), foil bearings, foil control gates, mast socket and the tramp/wing attachments. The class requires specific parts to be produced by authorised manufacturers; confirm serial identification on hulls and class equipment for event eligibility. Store and transport the mast, sail and boom carefully; the mast is carbon and the foils are precision components. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf, https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Model-specific items to inspect before buying

  • Confirm the hull serial number and WASZP Original Equipment marking as required by class rules. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf)
  • Inspect foils (main T-foil and rudder assembly) for delamination, impact damage, correct tolerances and secure bearings/ bushes. (https://waszp.com/showroom/)
  • Check condition of wingframe, tramp attachment points and any cleats or control runs for wear or unauthorised replacement. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WASZP-Class-Rules-v16.1-2026.pdf)
  • Verify mast and boom condition — correct two-piece carbon mast, step and connection hardware — and that the sail area matches the boat’s registered rig (5.8, 6.9, 7.5 or 8.2). (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/get-in-touch/)
  • Confirm whether the quoted complete rigged weight (around 48 kg) or the class minimum dry weight (41 kg) applies when assessing modifications or missing items. (https://waszp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WASZP_Class_Rules_r14.2.pdf, https://waszp.com/showroom/)

Who the boat is best suited to

  • Active singlehanded sailors seeking a pathway into competitive foiling and one-design racing. The WASZP suits juniors progressing through the WASZP_X to senior rigs, club racers wanting foiling race nights and experienced dinghy sailors prepared for the physical and technical demands of foiling. It is not suitable for cruisers or sailors wanting accommodation or extended offshore passages. (https://waszp.com/showroom/, https://waszp.com/get-in-touch/)

Research sources