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Sail Our Way Case Study: WASZP Girls & Women Clinic
WASZP Girls & Women Take Flight with Sail Our Way Clinic
Organiser: Australian + Victorian WASZP Class Association
Location: Black Rock, VIC
Contact: Peter Nolle | Peter.nolle@treadstone.com.au
About the project
On 7–8 March 2026, Black Rock Yacht Club hosted the WASZP Girls and Women Sail Our Way Clinic: two days on Port Phillip dedicated to getting girls and women up on foils. Seven participants from Black Rock Yacht Club, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, and Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club came together for a weekend that blended technical instruction, on-water coaching, and the kind of shared energy that only comes from a group tackling something genuinely challenging for the first time.
The clinic was led by instructors Conall, Peter, and Harry, and supported by WASZP designer and multi-world champion Andrew McDougall. Participants began with theory and boat setup sessions before progressing to on-water foiling practice across the weekend. As wind and wave conditions increased, sailors continued to develop their skills and confidence on the water, working towards stable foiling in challenging conditions. Sunday's sessions focused on refining techniques and allowing participants to experience foiling smoothly at speed.
A key part of the weekend's setup was the inclusion of a WASZP_ X configuration, with a smaller 5.8m rig and lower wing bars, which significantly reduced difficulty, particularly in the tough conditions. For participants new to the boat, it offered a more forgiving platform to build confidence before stepping up to the standard configuration.
Participation
- 7 girls and women participants, aged 14 to 40.
- 4 WASZP dinghies, including 1 rigged in WASZP_X configuration
- Supported by 3 coaches and 2 rescue boats
Outcomes and impact
The clinic delivered on its core goal: participants left with real foiling skills and a clearer sense that high-performance sailing is within reach. By the end of Sunday, sailors who had never foiled were achieving stable flight in building conditions, a result that speaks to both the quality of the coaching and the value of having the right equipment available from the outset. The WASZP_X configuration in particular helped dismantle the perception that foiling dinghies are exclusively the domain of experienced or highly athletic sailors.
Beyond individual skill development, the clinic strengthened connections across the Victorian sailing community. Sailors from three clubs trained alongside each other for the first time, and the event generated social media coverage that raised the visibility of women in high-performance sailing. Importantly, it also served as a proof of concept: a structured, well-supported foiling clinic for women is not only viable but genuinely in demand. The framework developed here is ready to be replicated at other clubs and in other states – built to inspire Australia's next generation of foilers.
How the funding helped
The Sail Our Way grant helped reduce barriers to participation by lowering participant costs and supporting the clinic's delivery. The funding reduced the financial risk of running the event and encouraged both clubs and the association to support and deliver women-focused foiling opportunities. It also helped overcome perceptions that WASZPs are difficult boats to learn, encouraging more women to try foiling in a supportive environment.
About WASZP:
The WASZP is the world's most popular one-design foiling dinghy. Designed by Andrew McDougall, it makes foiling accessible to sailors globally at a fraction of the cost of other classes. With 1,700+ boats in over 30 countries, WASZP provides the premier platform from first flight to high-performance racing.
Website: www.waszp.com
Instagram: @waszp.tv
Facebook: The WASZP
YouTube: WASZP TV
