A milestone was achieved last week – McConaghy Boats shipped out the first 20 WASZP foilers to customers in Italy, Spain, UK, Bermuda, New Zealand and the USA.
The joint McConaghy-KASail project was conceived five years ago by Andrew McDougall, designer of the world beating MACH2 foiling Moth.
The concept was for a simple foiler that was not just a cheaper Moth, but re imagined the whole idea:
– Cost – the WASZP is less than half the price of a fully optioned MACH2.
– Epoxy / Glass / Carbon infused hull – super tough.
– Foils – Alloy struts with injection moulded tips and titanium connection for 100% repeatability and low cost replacement.
– One design – no arms race.
– Adjustable wing angles – low to learn, high to race, up for storage.
– Easy launching – retractable foils.
– Free standing rig – ease of rigging and no stays to hit.
– Simple control systems – reliable and elegant.
– Ready to Race – the aim is to quickly establish the WASZP as an ISAF international manufacturer controlled class.
McConaghy has further developed its contract manufacturing facility for the increased production requirements of the WASZP, the initial order is for 200, and our annual production is planned at 600.
Mark Evans, MD of McConaghy said: “My aim has always been to have a part of our business in straight out production mode, constant flow, high efficiency, consistent quality. Our investment over the last two years in equipment including additional autoclaves, and robotics, means we can now build these complex high performance boats at a very competitive price, to an exact standard.”
On the partnership with Andrew McDougall (AMac) Mark said “Anyone that knows AMac or me will know that we both drive very hard for what we believe in, and take no prisoners to get results. And the truth is, that is why we work so well together. It’s a mutual respect and shared belief in pushing for the best.”
For more information on the WASZP see www.waszp.com. Build slots are available from September 2016.