First ever Foiling Race Coach course launched by the Andrew Simpson Performance Academy, WASZP & RYA
by Martin Evans 18 Mar 23:05 PDT
15-16 March 2025
Last weekend marked an exciting step forward for foiling coaching with the first-ever RYA Foiling Race Coach course. The course was run at the AS Performance Academy, based at WPNSA, in collaboration with the WASZP class.
Following the rapid growth of foiling racing in the UK, there is high demand for skilled foiling coaches that are in tune with the challenges and intricacies of foiling racing. The course takes the RYA Race Coach Level 2 syllabus, and tailors it to a foiling environment.
Led by James Parker Mowbray, RYA Race Coach Tutor and AS Performance Academy Manager, six candidates took part in a program designed to equip coaches with the skills to run safe, structured, and effective foiling sessions. The course began with an online workshop, followed by a day of coaching in conventional displacement boats, before moving onto a final day focused on running sessions in WASZPs.
This new foiling endorsement explored the adaptations needed for effective foiling coaching, from session design and safety considerations to specific coaching techniques. The candidates now have the tools to run coaching sessions on key racing topics such as starting, boat speed, boat handling, and decision-making. The newly accredited Foiling Race Coaches can now take their skills back to their clubs and help to further develop foiling sailors in the WASZP and other foiling class.
"The UK WASZP scene is booming. The WASZP Games in Weymouth in July already has 230 boats on the entry list, and you can expect the UK nationals to exceed 80 boats in the autumn. The class is proud to work with the Performance Academy and the RYA to evolve coaching training to meet the needs of so many current and future foilers in the UK. We look forward to seeing many more foiling race coaches accredited around the country using the WASZP" - Martin Evans, WASZP Class Manager.
There is already interest in running further RYA Foiling Race Coach courses later this year, marking an exciting step forward for foiling coaching in the UK. If you would like to enquire about a Foiling Coaching course at your club, contact James Parker Mowbray on james@asperformanceacademy.org.