Inaugural Waszp Raid at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club

by Iain Calder 15 Aug 2018 18:13 NZST 11-12 August 2018

Waszp Raid took at Dalgety Bay © Abbie Hewitt

The inaugural Waszp Raid took place at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on 11th & 12th August. The concept came out of a chat over a couple of beers to try something a bit different that would be a lot of fun. We all enjoy racing round the cans, but how often do you get the chance to take part in a long distance race around one of the iconic structures in the British Isles along with your mates in the most talked about foiler in years?

Saturday's light wind forecast unfortunately put off some of the travellers from further afield but a mention must go to our hard working secretary, Victoria Payne, for making the trip north from Hayling Island. Ten boats gather at the club and launched in 6kts of breeze after bacon rolls and coffee, to set off to round the Forth Railway Bridge. The 128 year old bridge is several miles west of the club on the Firth of Forth. Low riding was the order and close racing was enjoyed all the way to the bridge and part of the way back, until the wind fizzled out. Thanks to the club ribs the boats were towed ashore, one even managed to foil while holding a tow rope! (see the video below)

On returning to shore, event sponsors Sailingfast and Stewart Brewery supplied the liquid refreshment. You can't beat being handed a cold beer as you hit the beach! As the BBQ was lit and everyone gathered for an enjoyable evening the wind filled back in. Keith Bedborough and Andy Marshal couldn't resist and spent the next hour flying around Inchcolm Island while the rest of us enjoyed Dalgety Bay Sailing Clubs hospitality.

Sunday saw very different conditions. From light winds and bright sunshine it had changed to low visibility, rain and 15-20 knots of wind. (Real Scottish weather!!)The plan had been to run 'The Raid' again but due to low visibility the fleet chose to have a day's training instead. After more bacon rolls and coffee Jamie Calder led a video and interactive session on shore before the fleet headed out for some foiling fun. Some of the sailors launched their boats while others went out in the rib to watch and learn. All had a chance to jump into a friend's boat for a blast to put the new skills learnt into practise.

Once ashore everyone got together for a late lunch, debrief of the day and a fun prize-giving. Although no racing was completed the spirit of the class was upheld with fun prizes for all that took part, generously supplied by Sailingfast and Waszp UK. The Raid trophy went to Jack Aitkin (first sail in a Waszp) for being first boat to the bridge on Saturday.

This weekend has further emphasised the fun, inclusive nature of this exciting class. Everyone out to help each other get the most fun out of their boat, whether flying around above the waves or low riding. You buy a foiler to foil but lots of the sailors commented on how close and good fun the low riding race to the bridge on Saturday was.

The next Waszp UK event is the Scottish National Championships at Loch Lomond on 1st & 2nd September, with training on the Friday for anyone interested. If you own a Waszp get it packed, get in the car and come to the Scottish Championships... you will not regret it!