Feeling the buzz

After the hiatus of 2020, competitors in the Waszp class got their first taste of international action as the 2021 European WASZP Games got off to a flying start on Lake Garda on 11 August.

Conditions were perfect as a southerly Ora (Italian for ‘hour’) blew in with 10-12 knots under clear blue skies.

Day 1 was focused on slalom, with 88 competitors taking to the water in eight flights through the heats – and the heat was certainly on as Italy and much of southern Europe basks in a heatwave.

What had been a glassy start to the day was transformed by the Ora but, with a very limited window before the breeze died, the race committee got straight down to business.

With all heats sailed and four quarter final races also completed before the wind died after an hour and a half of foiling magic, the semis and final of the slalom are scheduled to be held later this week, with the winner decided from a final flight of 10 Waszps.