SWAMPSCOTT — The Swampscott Yacht Club (SYC) has announced that it will host the 2023 WASZP North American Championship Regatta in August, according to a Feb. 21 press release from SYC.
“Swampscott Harbor and the arena-like Nahant Bay is the perfect location to host the North American Championship,” said Zaak Beekman, WASZP USA’s North American Search Committee chair. “With WASZP racing on the rise in the U.S. and with Massachusetts — particularly the North Shore — being home to many sailors, choosing Swampscott was a natural fit.”
The WASZP, a “3.4 meter monohull one-design hydrofoiling sailing dinghy,” was named “Best One-Design” by Sailing World’s Boat of the Year Awards in 2017. It was designed by Andrew McDougall and built by McConaghy Boats.
“WASZP dinghies are made for both adult and youth sailors, and can reach a top speed of 24 knots (27.5 mph),” the press release said.
Since WASZP foiling has become more popular over the years, SYC Board member Charlotte Daher de Garcia said SYC is “really excited to be hosting something that goes beyond Swampscott.”
“Since 1933, the Swampscott Yacht Club has been home to boaters and fishermen alike,” said SYC Commodore Chris Bendicksen. “Having the opportunity to host WASZP sailors this summer is something we are looking forward to. Our harbor is beautiful, and with excellent sailing conditions and warmer waters in August, we anticipate a successful series of races.”
The regatta will take place on multiple days, from Aug. 3-6, to ensure weather conditions are optimal.
“Usually in Swampscott the winds tend to pick up in the early afternoon,” Daher de Garcia said. “It’s a little bit different of a place than others, but what is nice about it is because of the shape of it, just because it’s sort of secluded, it does have really nice offshore winds. And in August the water is a little bit warmer too, which is really nice, obviously, for the sailors.”
Marblehead’s Eastern Yacht Club, which was founded in 1870, “has agreed to partner with SYC for this exciting event,” according to the press release. Eastern Yacht Club has provided race management for championships around the world and is led by Race Committee Chair Christopher Lubeck and Executive Race Officer Susie Schneider.
SYC is a smaller yacht club that is all volunteer-based. Daher de Garcia said this is why Eastern Yacht Club’s racing committee will be stepping in to help with the regatta.
“Eastern is looking forward to partnering with SYC to provide race management for the event. Eastern’s expertise and leadership will ensure that the WASZP sailors enjoy the highest possible quality of racing,” the press release said.
