The Swarm

What content would you like next on the Swarm

Dual Australian WASZP National Champion Jack Ferguson takes us through the exciting new partnership between WASZP, The INSPIRE Sailfoiling Foundation and the Team Australia Challenge for the Youth and Women's Americas Cup in Barcelona. 

Jack is one of the brightest young stars in the World of Sailing, he is currently building one of the most impressive resumes in the sport. From winning an Opti Nationals in 2017, to representing Australia at the Youth Worlds, winning multiple WASZP events, including representing Australia at the SailGP INSPIRE Finals and winning the U23 49er World Championships last year. REMEMBER THE NAME!

Jack reflects fondly on his time in the WASZP Class and still reconnects with the class as much as he can. The friendships he has created over 4 years in the class continue to be his strongest. "There is nothing like a WASZP boat park in the world, you leave your ego at the door and just enjoy yourself, it doesn't matter who you are or where you have come from, the ethos of the class is such that there is always someone to talk to and everyone is so approachable" explains Jack. 

Jack is currently vying for the starting helm position for the Youth Americas Cup Team, a key instigator in getting the partnership finalised, Jack and his teammates have been ripping up Sydney Harbour on the WASZP keeping sharp and building their skillsets ahead of AC37. 

Links:
WASZP -  www.waszp.com
Team Australia Challenge - https://www.teamaustraliachallenge.org/
INSPIRE Sailfoiling Foundation - https://www.inspire-sf.com/

What content would you like next on the Swarm

One of the best discussions we have had on The Swarm! Foiling Week founder Luca Rizzotti joins us to discuss the unprecedented success of the WASZP Class at foiling week, selling out the entry quota in an hour. 

We also look back over the history of Foiling Week, the big moments and how WASZP and Foiling Week have been able to collaborate to create a successful staple on the annual events calendar. 

We look at the NEW Foiling Week event scheduled for Pensacola USA in 2025 and discuss with Luca what the new AC40 circuit is going to look like in 2025, listen to this one because it is great news for WASZP Sailors and the pathway!

What content would you like next on the Swarm

Jordan is the man behind the lens at all of our major events at WASZP. General Manager Marc Ablett joins Jordan to discuss what we try and achieve through our coverage.

It is all about the sailor and giving them the ultimate experience. When you buy into the WASZP Class, you are buying more than a boat; you are buying into a community, buying into a lifestyle, and we try to capture every moment for the sailor along their journey. 

Jordo has become more than just a videographer. He is a friend to many in the fleet, and he will go above and beyond to tell the story. We love the fact that we can build our sailors' profiles and follow their journeys along the way. 

He gets it. This PODCAST is well worth a listen. 

What content would you like next on the Swarm

A fantastic pre-season update from Class Manager Martin Evans and North American Regional Manager Tyler Bjorn. 

We re-cap the recent Americas Championships in Hawaii with interviews with:
- Bryce Huntoon
- Pearl Lattanzi
- Magnus Overbeck

Plus we re-cap the 1st leg of the EuroCup in Imperia and preview a massive season in 2024!

What content would you like next on the Swarm

We head to Norway, the home of what will be the biggest WASZP event on record with 180 competitors signed up. We speak to Thomas Nilsson who has been part of the WASZP family since 2018. It is amazing how far the class has come and it is due to the work on the ground locally by people like Thomas that have seen the class thrive. 

What content would you like next on the Swarm

Well what a week it has been for The Swarm, record numbers at events, Youth & Womens @Americas Cup selections, you hear it all here on THE SWARM! 

This week Martin & Tyler catch up with Hattie Rogers to discuss her selection, her journey and the future!

What content would you like next on the Swarm

Global Class Manager Martin Evans and North American New Business Development Manager Tyler Bjorn discuss all things WASZP as we head into the Christmas break. 

The guys take a look at the International WASZP Games in Sorrento, as well as a few new initiatives to round out the year. We look ahead to an exciting 2024, from an event perspective and analyse the hottest young talent to come out of WASZP and head to the Youth/Womens Americas Cup and SailGP. 

It is a bumper edition, Merry Christmas everyone in the Swarm!

What content would you like next on the Swarm

We speak to the new European Champion Markus Berthet of Norway and re-cap his stunning final day at the WASZP European Games in Quiberon. Markus takes us through his impressive journey to the top of the WASZP Class. He also speaks of the importance of family and the support he has received from Foiling Norway. Lastly, he touches on what makes the WASZP class a very special place to be and he can't wait to come down-under and compete in the 2023 International WASZP Games in Sorrento. 

What content would you like next on the Swarm

We take a deep breathe and look back on an insane European Games in Quiberon with Class Manager Martin Evans! Plus we look forward to the next events that will be seriously big in 23/24!

What content would you like next on the Swarm

 If you are a sailor in North America, this episode is a must-listen. So much is happening in North America, and future markets are about to explode onto the scene. We catch up with the new distribution and class development team of Trevor Parekh and Tyler Bjorn to discuss, their backgrounds and their passion for the WASZP and turning North America into a foiling powerhouse.

We explore how the business is being set up to service all corners of North America, with unprecedented access to spare parts and new boats. While we speak to Tyler about class development, new events coming in 2023 and beyond as well as new partnership opportunities to help continue the growth of the sport in North America using the WASZP as the vehicle. 

It is an exciting time to be a WASZP sailor, not just in North America but globally. With 145 entries currently for the European Games, strong entries for the Americas Championships and many internationals joining us in Australia at the end of the year for the WASZP Games it is the place to be.

Not to mention the WASZP Alumni that are achieving unbelievable things on the world stage in the professional space of SailGP, Americas Cup and other high-profile classes. 

If you are a club, team, organisation or individual in North America, contact us today by hitting the button below. 

The swarm is coming and nothing can stand in it's way!