WASZP Games
Day 4 on Pensacola Bay was the biggest racing day of the regatta – and it reshuffled the top of both fleets just when it mattered most.
A challenging playground
Pensacola is not giving anything away. Subdued, unstable conditions are applying equal pressure on technique and tactics, and consistency has been the hardest thing to find all week. The ability to link pressure across the course has proven decisive – and even local sailors who know these waters best are not immune. Several frontrunners have watched their scorelines climb as the bay continues to expose the margins that separate the good from the great.
Hoppstock locks in, Lattanzi now on the hunt
Martinius Melleby Hoppstock (NOR) continues to fly in the 7.5 fleet, dominating the day with three bullets and two seconds. The Norwegian appears to have cracked the local conditions and now leads on 20 points.
Defending 2025 champion Pearl Lattanzi (USA) remains firmly in contention, but a mixed day sees her slip back to 29 points.
Behind them, the fight for the final podium place is tightening. Americans Small and Stitzman sit within eight points of each other, with multiple sailors still within striking distance of third.
Gasperini charges, Ball retakes control
The depth of the WASZP fleet continues to rise – and nowhere is that clearer than in the 8.2 division.
Gavin Ball (USA) moves back into the lead on 24 points, capitalising on an off-day from Thomas Sitzmann (USA), who drops to second on 28.
The chasing pack is closing. Spain’s Pablo Astiazaran sits third on 33 points after a consistent performance, while fellow Spaniard, Antonio Gasperini delivered one of the standout days of the regatta. With three bullets, a third, and a discard, he surges into contention on 36 points.
Set for a final-day showdown
Pensacola has one final act to play.
With stronger breeze forecast and up to 5 races to round out the regatta, everything remains in play. Across both fleets, the podium is wide open. A cliffhanger day to settle the 2026 WASZP champions awaits.
