(Click Photo to see next)
Latest News Items Weston Skiff Open 11/12 July Draycote Harken Grand Prix 4th/5th July SAIL NUMBER COMPLIANCE - Taken from International site Tom Durham and George Hand win at Parkstone Good end for GBR boats in Kiel! Draycote Grand Prix Good start for GBR boats in Kiel Parkstone Open URGENT - WORLDS POLO SHIRTS Parkstone 29er Open (27/28 June) Excellent turnout at Oxford - Results on this link ZHIK sponsor UK 29er Nationals 29erXX Gold Cup – Lake Garda. Boats and rigs available. An opportunity to improve your skills before the Summer Events Nationals website goes live Datchet Open 23rd/24th May HARKEN Grand Prix Event 9/10 May at HISC Photos from Day 1 of Youths Disappointing End to Youth Nationals Blustery Day 3 in Largs Long Day for 29ers on day 2 of Youth Nationals Day of 2 halves for 1st day of Youth Nationals On-line Entry for Grand Prix Series 2 & 3 Are you thinking of going to the 2010 Worlds in the Bahamas Are you going to the Worlds in Garda? Enter On-line for 9er Open at Derwent 4/5th April Last call for entry to RYA National Youth Championships Some great Photos of the Grand Prix at Rutland Good Turn out for first Harken Grand Prix Event RYA Announce New Youth Selection Policies Don't forget your membership! The 29er class is moving up in The Netherlands. On-Line Entry for First Grand Prix Event at Rutland Harken - Title Sponsor secured for 29er Grand Prix Series 2009 2009 29er Worlds Website now up and running Have your say! YOUR CLASS NEEDS YOU! 29er Demo Days - Come and have a go! *** HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP YET? *** Youth National Championships and Trials 2009 Kieler Woche 2009 -29er class became the centre of interest in the International Part of Kieler Woche in 2008 29ers Entertain the Crowds at London Boat Show 29er Sailors crowned Raymarine Young Sailors of the Year Tiger Trophy - Rutland 7th/8th Feb Attention all North & Midland 29ers! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL 29er SAILORS! Piam Brown Ward Boat Show Grand Prix 2009 Funky Monkey Designs Noble Marine Insurance 29er - ISAF YOUTH OPEN CLASS FROM 2010 - Almost Unanimous decision! 29erXX misses selection by narrowest margin Peters in frame for 2008 BBC Young Sports Personality award Even more exciting - 29erXX at Weymouth 2012??? 29er back at the ISAF Youth Worlds? 2008 Eurocup results published Inlands results overall Team GBR dominate Garda Eurocup Inlands at Grafham Day 1 Garda Eurocup Day3 Garda Eurocup Day 2 Friday THANK YOU HELP REQUIRED AT INLANDS Garda Eurocup Day 1 Tide Ride Photos GBR Team at Eurocup #7 Northampton Open Oct 25/26 HISC Tide Ride Leigh and Lowton Open Meeting On-line Entry for Ovington Inland Championships Flight sytems at Major Events Garda Eurocup Thorpe Bay Open Report Holt Tide Ride 29er Open Training season Starting Soon Photos from the Nationals Nationals 2008 Final Silver Fleet Results Nationals 2008 Final Gold Fleet Results Final day of qualifying at the Nationals Exciting racing on Day 2 of the Nationals A Blustery Start to the Nationals! Free Waterproofing for 29er Spinnakers 29er Class AGM Calling all 29er SAILORS Trophy Returns Open Training 2008-2009 Notice of AGM at WPNSA National Championships Measurement Double Gold at the ISAF Youth Worlds ISAF Update Eurocup at WPNSA on 12-13th July ISAF Worlds update after 2 days. Weymouth Eurocup this weekend James and Ed take bronze at Kiel No racing on day 3 at Kiel Day 2 at Kiel Kiel Week - Great start for Brits German Youth Nationals - Open Urgent, New Committee Members Required. ISAF 29ers ready to go! Team Shirts for the Europeans Online Entry now available for Weymouth Eurocup Team Shirts for the Europeans Red Wharf Bay Open Extreme Conditions at Lymington Polo Shirts for the European Champs. Dutch Youth Nationals Fat Face Night Sail Good turnout in shifty conditions at Datchet Fat Face Night Sail RYA Youth Nationals - Overall Draycote Open Meeting A big thank you from Ovington Boats and the 29er class. Ever wondered when you can sign up for an event? On-Line Entry now available for Rutland open Draycote Open Meeting Nationals NOR RYA Dinghy Show - Your Class Needs You! ISAF 29ers 29ers make their presence known at the Tiger Trophy! On-Line Entry and NOR now available for RYA National Youth Championships Europeans Website now up and running Training at Pwhelli Message from David and Kate Wood Richardson & Groves strike gold in Australia! Snakes and Ladders on 1st day of Finals at Worlds 7 GBR teams qualify for GOLD fleet! 8 out of 16 race wins for GBR on day 2 of Worlds! Solid Start for Brits at World Championships HAPPY NEW YEAR! Austrailian update Ovington Boat Show Skiff Grand Prix Open Training at Pwllheli in March 2008 2008 Membership London Boat Show Grand Prix 29er Training at Holyhead S.C. 2012 Olympic Classes decided By ISAF in Estoril Track the Container! Inland Championships at Grafham Water Worlds 2008, Class Membership Class Membership for 29er Inlands 3/4th November IMPORTANT. Inland Championships – Grafham 3rd-4th November 11 UK 29ers heading for Aus Class Membership Requirements for Inlands On-line Entry for Inlands at Grafham Calendar Updated Top 10 for Brits at Garda Classic Garda 2008 Fixtures Open Training Update Great start for Brits in Garda 2007 Grand Prix Series UK Boats set off for Garda Eurocup 29er Inlands 3rd/4th November 2007 Thorpe Bay Open Meeting 29/30 Sept Important Change to Class Rules re Membership. Change of Venue for 2008 Europeans Charter Boats available for 2008 Worlds in Melbourne RYA Propose change of classes for ISAF Youth Worlds Late September 29er Events Hayling Open Results 29er Open Training 2007/08 Tide Ride Results 29er Nationals - Final Day European Championship Report ISAF Youth Worlds - Final Results
This is always a fun event, this year with a separate 29er class start. Weston Sailing Club is located on Southampton Water which provides a large but fairly sheltered racing area. The club have organised a Chinese meal for all on the Saturday evening (starting 6:00-6:30) for only £6 a head (pay at registration). Camping is also available in the field next to the club; contact 07596 439177 for details. Registration at 10:00, Briefing at 12:00, First start at 13:00, more details from Giles Lloyd Williams, gplloydwilliams@o2.co.uk.
The NOR for this event can be found on the title link, or on the events page. Entry will be on the day for this event
Worlds Competitors - Make sure you arrive with proper number and ID on your sails before measurement. We cannot guarantee extra numbers or a sail loft availability in Garda.
29er Class Rules
C.1.4. The sail number shall be either:
(i) If either of the crew have finished in the top 50 in the preceding 29er world championship then their sail number shall be that place, 1st to 9th single digit, otherwise two digits.
(ii) Otherwise, the number shall be that shown on the ICA class plaque and shall be three digits. Boat # 15 = 015 or Boat # 2345 = 345. The digits that precede the last three digits shall be red.
Were you at Parkstone? - See the photos on the Event Results page. Full results on title link
The British team did us proud in Kiel with all 7 boats finishing comfortably in the Gold Fleet. With the top 4 boats finishing with only 2 points to split them, Bleddyn Mon and Nick Redding, and Max Richardson and Alex Groves pushed hard finishing on 15 points each in 2nd and 3rd place, and only 1 point behind the winners Kevin Fischer and Glenn Gouran of France. In 6th place, and 1st girls, successfully defending last year's title and 41 points ahead of their nearest rivals were Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire. Art and Ed Romano had a great International debut finishing in 14th place. James Norris and Max Buerger had some impressive individual results to put them in 21st place, and Lilly Carlisle and Becky Wallbank sailed a consistent series to finish in 22nd. James Bollingbroke and Matt Heathcote had an impressive day 3 when the wind blew 18-20knots with 3 top 10 positions, finishing 24th overall. Congratulations to them all. The team now move on to Lake Garda for the 59th Intervela regatta on July1st
Please not that the 4th Harken Grand Prix event to be held at Draycote is on JULY 4th and 5th, next weekend- NOT this weekend as reported on the Yachts and Yachting website. - hope to see you all there.
There was a solid start for the British boats at Kiel on the first day of racing. In the 80 strong fleet, after 2 races Bleddyn Mon and Nick Redding are 3rd with 5 points, Max Richardson and Alex Groves are 4th with 6 points, and also with 6 points in 5th place are Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire. There were also top 10 results for Art and Ed Romano, James Norris and Max Buerger, and Lilly Carlisle and Becky Wallbank. Reports are of a soggy campsite as more rain is due overnight.
– Last Chance to enter…
…at the discounted rate. Entries received before 25 June qualify for a £4 discount over the normal entry fee, so get your entries in now (you can email or fax the form with your credit card details up to 5:00pm on Wednesday).
PYC are also organising a ‘9ers barbeque on the club lawn overlooking the harbour on Saturday after sailing. Tickets for this will be available at registration in the morning.
Adam Larvin has manged to get a great deal for White Cotton Polo shirts for anyone going to the Worlds in Garda. They are £16 each and will have a logo on the left (see logo by clicking title link). The shirts are availabe in Mens sizes XS (36") S (38") M (40") L (42"-44" ) XL (46")
and Ladies Sizes XS (8 , 30") S (10,32") M (12,34") L (14,36") XL (16,38"). As time is short you must place your order by 22nd JUNE. Please place your order with Barbara Walker (Walkers@draycote.org) and send your cheque payable to UK29er Class Association to Barbara Walker, Sunrise Cottage, Draycote, Rugby, CV23 9RB.
As time is short, please pass the word on to anyone you know going to the Worlds so that people don't miss out on this opportunity. It's great if everyone looks part of the team at the se events especially at the Opening Ceremony.
Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole has kindly offered to run a ‘9er Open for the first time this year. This is a great opportunity to sail in the biggest natural harbour in the world (yup, it’s bigger than Sydney!) and in the crystal clear waters of Poole Bay. PYC is a large club offering extensive facilities similar to HISC, racing will take place in the bay or harbour as conditions dictate.
Poole is a great holiday location on the south coast with sandy beaches, the Purbecks and spectacular Dorset Coast close by. The club have provided me with a local accommodation list consisting of nearby camp sites and club members offering low cost B&B. They don’t want this list put on the internet, but if you are looking for somewhere to stay, email lymington29ers@O2.co.uk with the subject as 'Please send me the Parkstone accommodation list'.
PYC have offered a generous discount on the normal entrance fee for those who enter before 25 June, the entrance form available on the event website.
Report to follow
We are pleased to announce your committee has secured sponsorship for the 2009 29er Nationals. ZHIK are to be title sponsors of the nationals and will provide a fantastic set of prizes 1st Place: 2 x wetsuits, 2nd Place: 2 x Lifejackets, 3rd Place : 2 x Zhik Technical Sailing Tops, 4th Place: 2 x ZhikDry Tops, 5th Place: 2 x hiking straps, 1St place womens: 2 x wetsuits. also Various Encouragement awards: hiking straps, tee shirts, gloves, caps, boots.
ZHIKs Dan Watterson stated “Zhik is proud to be sponsoring the UK 29er Nationals this year. The 29er is a brilliant class for breeding future Olympic champions, and we like to be associated with the fastest sailors.”
The Combined 9er class associations and 9er builders are making available 29erXX boats and rigs for the 29erXX Gold cup to be held at Riva – Lake Garda from the 12th to 15th of July.
Whilst most of these boats and rigs have been spoken for there are a few available if anyone would like an exciting weeks sailing in Italy.
If you have a 29er it is simple to add the rig, if you do not have a 29er complete boats will be ready to sail.
For details of the event look on www.29erworlds.org and for information on rigs and boats contact Dave Hall at niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Cambridge University Sailing Club are holding a silent auction to boost their sailing club funds. Sarah Martin (ex Youth & National Girl 29er Champion) and Henry Maxfield, also a leading 29er helm, both Cambridge students, have each offered a weekend coaching to the highest bidders. Why not gather a group and make a bid. See title link for more details.
HISC have set up a website for the 29er National Championships (Aug 24 -28) where you will find all relevant information for the event, including NOR, and on-line entry details. This promises to be a great event with sponsorship secured (details to be announced soon), and a great social programme including a fun filled last night prizegiving party. Put the dates in your diary and enter now!
Adam Larvin and Phil Walker win the open meeting at Datchet. See title link for results.
This weekend saw a good turnout at Hayling Island Sailing Club for the
3rd Round of the 29er Harken Grand Prix and 49er Open Meeting. In spite
of GSCEs and A Levels over 30 boats competed in this event, which also
counts towards the Harken Grand Prix series. See full report, photos and results on the Results page.
Follow the link for some photos taken by Fotoboat.com on Day 1 at the Youths
Apologies for the delay in reporting on the finish of the Youth Nationals - (laptop charging issues and complicated logistics to & from Scotland), however, as it happens there was not much to report. The Easterly breeze continued to challenge the Race Teams with gusts on the course up to 49 knots and from every direction, throughout the last 3 days. Consequently the finals results were those that stood at the end of Tuesday. Congratulations to the new Youth Champions, Bleddyn Mon & Nick Redding and Lilly Carlisle & Becky Wallbank.
A special mention should go to ex 29er Youth Squad sailor Oscar McVeigh who, having won the Laser Radials will be representing GBR at the ISAF Youth Worlds in Brazil.
The 29ers were unable to race on Day 3 of the Youth Nationals. Following a delay to the start to allow for the strong Easterly to drop, and allow HRH Princess Anne to mingle with the sailors, the fleet were launched at 12.45. The wind was all over the place gusting 25 knots from anywhere between 310 to 030 degrees. The Race Officer was unable to set a course in the unstable wind, and as the fleet struggled with the gusty conditions, they were sent ashore.
After the strong winds overnight in Largs, the breeze gradually decreased during the morning, and by the time the fleet launched at 1.00pm after waiting for the RS.X's to complete their 3 races, there was just a steady 10 knots from the East. Race Officer Peter Saxton got 4 races underway without delay, although the final race had to be shortened because of the risk of losing the breeze altogether. Bleddyn & Nick increased their lead with a 1,5,1,1, and after discarding their OCS from race 3, Max Richardson and Alex Groves finished the day in 2nd with 2,2,3. A consistent performance from the Romano brothers, Art & Ed counting 2,1,6,6, sees them in 3rd overall. Lilly Carlisle & Becky Wallbank are 1st girls on countback from Becky Diamond & Fiona Hampshire. See title link for full results.
Day 1 of the Youth Nationals in Largs saw 2 very different races sailed for the 29er fleet. The first race was sailed in tricky shifty 8-12 knot SE breeze. Bleddyn Mon and Nick Redding, Tom Durham and Rupert Jones-Warner, and James Bollingbroke and Matt Heathcote pulled away from the fleet to finish 1,2,3. As the rest of the fleet approached the finish the wind shifted right 90 degrees and dropped to 4-6 knots. The second race in the lighter breeze was won by Alex Mothersele and Hamish Ellis with the rest of the fleet packed in close behind. After Day 1 Bleddyn and Nick lead, with Henry LLoyd-Williams and Sam Batten, and James Brigg and George Hand 2nd and 3rd. Becky Diamond & Fiona Hampshire lead the girls in 5th place. Full results on title link.
On-line entry is now available for Grand Prix Series 2 at Sunderland on 2/3 May, and Hayling Island on 9/10 May. See event list.
The 2010 29er World Championships will be taking place in the Bahamas in January 2010. Whislt we have not yet had the 2009 Worlds, arrangements will need to be made soon to organise a container etc. if there is sufficient interest. Could anyone who may be interested in going please contact Dave Hall at niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk so that a suitable co-ordinator/organiser can be appointed.
A number of people have contacted us looking for available spaces on trailers that might be going to the Worlds in Garda in July. If you are going and you have a space on a trailer, or if you are going and could trail a trailer, or if you are planning to take a single trailer but could take a double or triple, please contact Dave Hall at niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk.
On-line entry is available for the open meeting at Derwent Reservoir on April 4/5. See events page or click title link
Don't forget to get you entry in on-line - entry deadline is midnight 29th March
Bleddyn Mon and Nick Redding claimed victory in the first of the 2009 Harken Grand Prix Series events at Rutland Water this weekend. See full results and report on results page or on title link.
The RYA have published their new selection policies for Youth Squads, team selection and International Competition Grants.
Key points:
- introduction of class squad indicator events,
- sailors who turn 19 between 1 September and 31 December may now enter National Youth Championships
- clarification on International Grant allocation, and RYA and parental responsiblities for competition abroad
- primary & secondary squad review indicator events to identify bespoke training and suport needs
See title link for details.
There's a great entry for the first Grand Prix at Rutland this weekend, so don’t forget your 2009 membership if you want your score to count in the Grand Prix series. Membership forms will be available from committee members at Rutland. Both Helm and Crew must be members of the class association.
2 of the biggest events have included the 29er in their entries.
www.united4sailing.com (series of 4 ) www.dutchyouthregatta.org (Eurocup).
(email from skiff centre Holland - this is a great development in Europe illustrating the increasing profile & popularity of the 29er in Europe - see Events for dates)
On-line entry for the first of the 6 Grand Prix series events, to be held at Rutland Water on March 21/22, is now available through the event website on the title link or from the Event Calendar. Enter now and make sure you get a good start to the series!
We are pleased to announce your committee has secured sponsorship for the 2009 National Grand Prix Series. Harken are to be title sponsors of the six events across the country through the season. The series will be made up of 6 regattas and will culminate in September at Northampton Sailing club. Great prizes, regatta support and a big prize giving will all form part of the series.
Four events will count out of the six with the Northampton event being non –discardable.The big prize giving party will be on the Saturday night of the Northampton event. In a slightly novel move only Saturday’s racing will count towards the Grand Prix while Sundays racing will still count for the Open.
The six events are;
Rutland SC 21/22 March
Sunderland YC 2/3 May
Hayling Island SC 9/10 May
Draycote Water SC 4/5 July
Lymington 12/13 Sept
Northampton SC 26/27 Sept
The Fraglia Vela Riva and the 29er International Class Association cordially invite you to attend the 29er World Championship July 18 - 25, 2009 at Riva del Garda, Italy. Included on this website, you will find:
Official Notice of Race
Online registration form
A listing of current entries
Information about the Venue & Lodging
Information about Charter Availability
In addition, the 29er XX Gold Cup Championship will be held the week of July 12-19th in conjunction with the 2009 49er World Championship. Registration for this event is also available through either this site or the 49er Worlds Site.Since many details regarding this event are still being finalized, please check back often for updates, and new information.
We want your views on what sort of prizegiving you want at the Nationals this year. If you haven't already done so, why not join the facebook group 29er Sailors UK (follow title link), and have your say on what sort of social you want, as well as having the opportunity to express your views on any other aspects of the class in the UK. (The group is monitored by our sailor reps - so relevant discussion and genuine 29er sailors only please)
The 29er UK class association will have 2 boats on show at the RYA Dinghy Show to be held at Alexandra Palace on the 7th and 8th of March. We need volunteers to be on the stands and simply talk 29er.
All we need is a few hours of your time, a rota will be set up so you can choose half a morning or half an afternoon.
If you would like free entry and a T shirt courtesy of Ovington Boats please contact Dave Hall on 077 19 59 49 49 or e mail him on dave@ovingtonboats.co.uk
We have had alot of requests from people keen to try sailing 29ers but not having access to a boat to try out. Dave Hall and Ovington Boats have organised 3 demo days to give people the chance to experience the thrills and spills of 29er sailing for themselves, with a 4th to be organised somewhere on the South Coast. Details are on the events calendar. With the 29er now an Open ISAF Youth Worlds class, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved in this exciting class. Come and have a go - you won't look back!
2009 Membership became due on January 1st. Please send your membership form (available from the Class Association Page) to Jane Furness and in return you will get the New 2009 Member's Handbook and a free sticker and of course you will then be able to take part in all the exciting events organised for 2009 both here in the UK and abroad. And don't forget you can then take advantage of our other Member's benefits such as cheaper Insurance from Noble Marine, and deals on graphics from Funky Monkey.
Entry is now available on-line for the RYA Youth National Championships and Trials to be held in Largs April 12th-17th. Click title link or go to Events page.
Jobst Richter, Chairman of the Kieler Woche Race Committee was presenting the highlights at the traditional Kiel-Treff at boot Düsseldorf, the biggest international boat show worldwide which lasts until the 25th of January. In his presentation he said:
"There will also be more space for the aspiring 29er class which along with the 505er and 420er will get their own race area. We are fulfilling the demands. Together with the 420er , more than a hundred 29er were racing in the same area. That is why this year the race area Hotel will be cleared for the 29er class. Then, the spectators will be able to follow the skiff class from ashore"
(GBR were 3rd,5th & 6th in 2008 - see link for full results)
Once again the weather Gods were kind to the competitors at ExCel for the Ovington Boat Show Grand Prix. 7 29ers raced alongside the Must Skiffs and B14's and last year’s winners Phil Walker and John Mather were able to repeat their performance and take the 29er title. However it was not without a struggle, with three different winners from each race it was right down to the last leg to see who would come out on top. Adam Larvin & Siobhan Escritt counted a 1,2,4 against Phil & Johns 1,2,3 who only just finished behind Adam & Siobhan in the last race. 3rd place was even closer with the result going to count-back, it was Henry Lloyd-Williams and Sam Batten who got a first place in race 1 stealing the final podium place from Alex Mothersale and Hamish Ellis. A glitzy price giving took place on the main stage in the show with prizes from Harken.
Congratulations to James and Frances Peters, who as a result of their performances at the ISAF Youth World Championships in the 29er class have been crowned Raymarine Young Sailors of the Year 2008. Congratulations must also go to their crews Ed Fitzgerald and Claire Lasko. We are sure that James and Frances would like to acknowledge all their fellow 29er sailors for pushing them all the way, raising their game against a competitive fleet.
Congratulations also to Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humphries, who jointly win the Wales Regional Young Sailor of the Year award.
On-line entry is now available for the Tiger Trophy via the Events page or the title link. With 15 29ers already entered, now is the time to get your entry in. For those who have never done it before, this is a great fun handicap event with all proceeds going to the John Merricks Sailing Trust. Handicap races on Saturday are followed by the famous 'Tiger Dinner' in the evening. One big pursuit race is held on the Sunday which cannot be discarded from the overall results.
We hope you have all looked at the updated events calendar! Many thanks to all of you who made the Leigh and Lowton event a success last year and as a result this year we have four in the north at great venues including a GP event on the sea at Sunderland.
It was good to see midland sailors “up north” and we hope that you will return with others to join in the fun this year at Derwent, Ullswater, Sunderland and Leigh and Lowton.
There are also four events in the midlands including a one day at Oxford for those close enough, for some light relief in the middle of the examinations.
If you would like any information about these events please don’t hesitate to email
Steve_larvin@hotmail.com (northern rep)
Happy New Year to all 29er Sailors and we hope you all have a fun year on the water.
Your committee have been working hard to organise a full and exciting calendar of events this year - see the Events page for details.
With the 29er selected as the Open ISAF Youth boat from 2010 opening the way for more mixed crews, and more people discovering the exhilaration and fun of sailing the 29er, we expect 2009 to be a great year.
As many of you know Holly Tucker has had to give up her place in the RYA 29er National Youth Squad due to ill health. She is currently receiving treatment at the Piam Brown Ward in Southampton; please click on the title link to see more. We hope to see Holly on the water again as soon as she is able.
Once again we have been asked to hold skiff racing at the London Boat Show , for the last three years it has been a tremendous success and a real crowd puller. We will have a live commentary again and a feed back into the show – it is a must for anyone who needs exposure for their sponsor.
The event will take place in the docks next to Excel on the last Saturday of the show – 17th Jan.
We can only take up to 10 boats and there are only a couple of places left.
If you would like to come there is free parking and free tickets to the show – we can usually get extra free tickets for family and friends.
The time table is 3 ( no discard) races starting at 12 with a prize giving on the main stage in the show at 4.30.
Launch from the west end of the dock – full map and instructions available!
Don't miss your opportunity to take part and give your sponsors an excellent day of exposure . Call Dave Hall O77 19 59 4949
dave@ovingtonboats.co.uk
We are pleased to announce that Funky Monkey have agreed to continue their support of the 29er Class by offering a 10% discount to Association members for boat name, event & sponsorship graphics plus their extensive range of ProRainer marine clothing complete with a 29er International Class Association insignia. Click on the title link to see more.
We are pleased to announce that Noble Marine have agreed to continue their support of the 29er Class by offering a £5.25 discount to Association members for new and existing policies. Click on the title link to apply.
This morning the ISAF council voted 31-2 in favour of including the ‘Open High Performance’ discipline at the ISAF Youth World Championship. The boat chosen to be used is the 29er.
So from 2010 the 29er will be at the Youths every year – none of this backwards and forwards.
('Open' crews means male/female, male/male, or female/female combination)
The ISAF General Council today voted by 19 to 16 to keep the 470 as the women's two handed class for 2012 despite the recommendation of 3 specialist committees - Women's, Equipment, and Events - to selelect the 29erXX. However, this signifies that change is on the way, and there must surely be a skiff for the girls in the future.
The 29erXX was chosen by the Women's Committee at ISAF by 1 vote over the women's 470 as preferred equipment for the women's doublehanded boat for the 2012 Olympics. Although not a done deal, the support of this committee and others hopefully to come, is an indication of great changes for the world of sailing.
Keep watching this space............................
ISAF report the following from the ISAF Annual Conference currently being held in Madrid.
"In the Youth Worlds Sub-Committee meeting, there was support for Submissions 101-08 and 105-08 to expand the event by adding an additional two-person event to be sailed in the 29er dinghy. Sub-Committee chairman Fiona KIDD stressed the championship must remain on the cutting edge, "Our challenge for the future is to target our events and make sure they are what our competitors want to be sailing in their future.""
Watch this space..........
Follow the link to see the results of the 2008 Eurocup Series. The winner was the only entrant to complete 5 qualifying events. Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire finished a creditable 4th overall completing 4 events. 222 different helms competed in one or more events.
Tom Durham and Rupert Jones-Warner are crowned Inland Champions at Grafham. Lilly Carlise and Becky Wallbank are 1st girls.
The 3 British boats have all finished in the top 5 of the final Eurocup of the year on Lake Garda, Italy. Only 3 races had been completed in the first 3 days of the event, and so it was an early morning for the 62 competitors, rigging their boats before daylight with the first start at 8.30am. The sun rose, and a nice 12 knot breeze was blowing justifying the early rise. 4 races were completed before the breeze died away. Bleddyn Mon & Tom Humphries were convincing winners of the event counting 5 1sts and discarding a 3rd. Max Richardson & Alex Groves were 3rd and Becky Diamond & Fiona Hampshire 5th and 1st girl team. Well Done - a great result for the GBR team!
3 races were held in challenging conditions. Tom Durhan and Rupert Jones-Warner lead from Adam Larvin and John Whelton. Well done to sailors in all classes!
There was a promising start to the day with the rain finally moving on (probably to the UK!) and the sun shining although the temperature was still cold. The fleet launched for a 12.00 start. The first race started in a good 12 knot Northerly, but unfortunately by the time the fleet approached the windward mark, the Southerly had cancelled it out. The race was abandoned. The southerly tried to establish itself, and after several recalled starts, another race was off. With the leaders (including Becky & Fiona, Bleddyn & Tom) in spitting distance of the finish the wind again died, the race abandoned and the fleet sent ashore. Racing starts tomorrow at 8.30am
GBR teams enjoy British conditions in Garda! The rain hasn't stopped all week and today there was a cold Northerly 18 knot breeeze. The 62 strong fleet sailed 3 races with the Brits revelling in the challenging conditions. Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humphries are lying in 1st place with a 1,2,1, Max Richardson and Alex Groves are in 4th place with 3,8,5 , and Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire are currently 1st girls and 8th overall with 6,12,8. See title link for full results. For anyone not out racing at the Inlands, the website makes fascinating watching with live race tracking.
On behalf of the Class Committee many thanks to all the people who have volunteered to help out in ribs at the Inlands. Your help is vital to the running of this event and is much appreciated.
Grafham needs 2 rib drivers holding powerboat 1&2 and two additional helpers. This is urgent. Will volunteers please contact Barbara Walker 01926 632239 or e-mail walkers@draycote.org.
Strong wind and rain at Garda today so no racing so far. Boats were launched at 13.45. If you want a distraction from work then have a look at the GPS race tracking being used (click on title link). Each boat is individually identified - there are some pretty high speeds being recorded!
I have been sent some fantastic photos of the Tide Ride by Tania Samus of Photoblink which can be seen on the title link. This is a copy of the email she sent back to me when I thanked her for them:
'It’s always a great pleasure for me to photograph the 29er fleet. The boys and girls are so superb sailors! They never stop to amaze me. Also, I admire their parents for the huge support they give to their kids and to the class as a whole'.
What a great class to be in!
The following teams are travelling to Garda next week to represent GBR at the Italian Eurocup to be held from 30/10/08 to 2/11/08. We wish every success to Becky & Fiona, Max & Alex and Bleddyn & Tom. You can follow their progress via the event website by clicking on the title link above.
The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions for this weekend's Open at Northampton can be found on the events page, or by clicking the title link
Thanks to Adam Hilton for this report on the tide ride last weekend. Apologies for the delay in getting it on the website. Full results can be found on the results page
Leigh and Lowton are planning a great open meeting for the 29ers on 18th/19th Oct. There will be great racing, and entertainment has been aranged for Saturday evening - Curry and Comedian. Enter on-line now, from the title link, or via the events page - let's have a good turn out for this new 'Northern' venue.
Enter now for the Ovington Inlands at Grafham on 1/2 Nov. Use title link, or go to the events page for details. 29ers have their own starts and the event is combined with other 9ers and Ovington boats, and the 420's, so there's usually a great atmosphere.
Following the discussion held at the AGM this year concerning the merits and flaws of different flight systems used for qualifying series, your committee have taken note of the views expressed by the sailors and decided to trial a round robin system for the Nationals next year. We will be looking for your comment and feedback at the event.
There is a space on a 3 boat trailer going to Garda for the Eurocup during half-term at the end of October. The trailer will be leaving on Oct 26th, and the boats should be back by November 5th. Please contact Max Richardson max_1370@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested.
Thanks to George Hand for this report on the open last weekend. George was 3rd at the event, and we want to encourage everyone who finishes 3rd at any 29er event to write the report on it.
Please enter now for the Tide Ride on Oct 4th/5th at HISC. This is a fantastic fun and exciting event. Click link for details
The Open training runs from September to March with training available in the North, the Midlands and the South. Training takes place over a weekend , costs from £70 per boat and is on a first come first served basis.
To check out the dates and venues go to the events & results page and download a booking form. Further information from Barbara Walker 01926 632239 or e-mail walkers@draycote.org
Visit this website to see some great photos from the Nationals. http://picasaweb.google.com/fiona.diamond.75/29erNationals2008
Click on the title link to see how you can get your own cd of all these photos
The silver fleet was won by Lilly Carlisle and Becky Walbank, with Anne Noble and Hayley Moran in 2nd and Alex Horlock and Timothy Walton in 3rd. A special mention to the youngest helms who were Hugo Jones-Warner aged 12 crewed by James Poyner, and Joan Furness aged 13 crewed by Serena de Nahlik who managed superbly in difficult conditions. Full results on title link.
Unfortunately the wind did not materialise on the final day of the Nationals leaving the PRO no option but to cancel racing at 1.30pm. With only 4 races sailed in the final series, this did not allow for a discard meaning that any OCS's incurred had to count. Max Richardson and Alex Groves who had sailed a near perfect qualifying series had to count their OCS leaving them 7th overall. Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humphries however continued their winning form to become National Champions once more. In 2nd place were Kevin Fisher and Glenn Gouron from France who pushed Bleddyn and Tom all the way, and third were Mike Woods and Nick Redding. First girls in 5th overall were Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire. First Under 16 pair were Michael Matthews and Thomas Stevenson in 21st overall. Full results on title link.
The last day of the qualifying series got 4 races in for both fleets. With the hint of some sunshine and a manageable 12 knot breeze the competitors were treated to some good solid racing.
Max Richardson and Alex Groves end up top of the leader board on count back to Blyddyn Mon and Tom Humpreys. Both teams have an impressive score line winning all but one of their group races. The top half dozen boats in each flight all seem to have an edge on the rest of the fleet and it was only Mike Woods & Nick Redding and Tom Durham & Alex Cooper who were able to push the boats Mon/Humpreys and Richardson / Groves. Top girls going into the finals are Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire.
The fleet is now split into Gold and Silver for the final 2 days.
A little less wind meant there was full on racing rather than just getting around the race track. It was still however a fresh day providing plenty of action, thrills and spills. Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humpreys sailed an immaculate day winning all 4 of their races getting one up on Max Richardson and Alex Groves who won all but one of theirs. Kevin Fisher and Glenn Gouron from France have had a very steady series so far putting them in third.
A wet and windy day greeted the 55 boats, many who had come from as far away as Norway and France. Three races were scheduled but as the wind increased through the day and more was on its way the fleet were sent home after two. It was a tough day for many of the fleet but for those who could handle the conditions there was some spectacular sailing to be had.
Racing in 2 flights the first of the qualifying races were sailed on the one course 5 mins apart. Max Richardson and Alex Groves won both their heats as did Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humpreys.
Qualifying races continue on Tuesday and Wednesday when the fleet gets split into Gold and Silver for the finals. See link for full results.
Mark Asquith has arranged with Graingers to provide free waterproofing for 10 spinnakers at the Nationals. The first 10 boats to apply will have their 29er spinnakers waterproofed free of charge. Only one per boat.
To get on the list contact Barbara Walker at walkers@draycote.org by 6.00pm latest Friday, 22nd August.
The Annual General Meeting for the 29er Class will be held on Tuesday 26th August '08 at 18.00 in the Main Committee Room at WPNSA. Click on the title link for the agenda for the meeting.
Your Committee needs you!
Whilst the committee are happy to make decisions on your behalf - we would much prefer that you, the sailors, tell us what you want. This is your chance to influence the direction of the class. We need volunteers to be Sailor Reps on the committee. The job is not hard - it just needs you to collect the views of the sailors and present them to the committee. Please let any of the committee members know if you would like to volunteer, and successful volunteers will be elected at the AGM on 26th August at WPNSA.
Please could all trophy winners from last year, make sure they have made suitable arrangements to get the trophies to the championship... we don't want to be handing out cardboard lookalikes!
Christine Hollis (previous trophy sorter) has only had 2 replies and is now on holiday.
Barbara Walker has kindly stepped in, and is now in charge of trophies. Please make sure she knows what the plans are with your trophy!
Good luck to all
Our Class Secretary has been working hard to organise a fantastic programme of Winter Training. The training is open to all members of the class association, and must be booked in advance using the booking form which can be found on the title link, or on the events calendar. Nearer the time, mini websites will be established for each session which will list those entered, and will give further details as required. See Events calendar for details of dates and venues.
The AGM will be at WPNSA on Tuesday 26th August. The Agenda and time will be notified at a later date. Prposed changes to the constitution can be viewed by clicking the title link. This is YOUR class, please put the date in your diary, and make sure you come along so that the class does what you want it to.
Please note that if anyone needs their boat measured prior to completing the self certification form (available on event website), Arthur Allen, the class measurer, will be available at WPNSA on Sunday August 24th to do so.
The British teams scored a double victory in the 29er fleets. The Girl’s team of Frances Peters and Claire Lasko were delighted to have the gold medal in the bag after the second race of the day. They were mostly pleased about the consistency throughout the week’s competition. Peters commented, "It hasn't sunk in yet. It is a relief because this is what we have been working towards for so long.
James Peters, brother of Frances, and Edward Fitzgerald won Great Britain’s second gold medal in the Boy’s 29er fleet.
Many many congratulations from all in the UK 29er Class to James, Ed, Francis and Claire for a fantastic performance from all of them, and in doing the lions share in helping to bring the Volvo team Trophy home to GBR.
The British girls still rule the 29er class as Frances Peters and Claire Lasko posted a 2, 1 and 3 on the fourth day of racing of the Championships now being 5 points clear of the second placed boat.
In the boy’s fleet the American’s Judge Ryan and Hans Henken had a great day with a 1, 2, 3 bringing them to the top of the pile. Henken explained how they started slow but placed themselves well in the lighter breeze. James Peters and Edward Fitzgerald (GBR) where pushed down to second but are only a point behind the leaders.
Great Britain is leading a close four-country battle for the Volvo Trophy, awarded to the best-performing nation at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship.
May I offer an apology to all who attended the above event and were as mystified as I was at the failure to have a prize giving.
I have since learnt that at previous events the entry fee funded the prizes, and this was though to be the case by the event organiser this year. Due to a misunderstanding as we all now know this did not happen.
The UK 29er Committee will look into the possibility of providing some prizes prehaps to be awarded at the Nationals.
May I congratulate all who attended on a good event with a special mention to the ladies team from Norway. Class Chairman. (results on title link)
The breezy conditions made for plenty of excitement on the 29er course and following three races in both boy’s and girl’s fleet the British and Australian teams continue to dominate the overall standings. James PETERS and Edward FITZGERALD (GBR) won the opening two races in boy’s fleet and although they dropped to tenth in race five after hitting a wave and pitch polling on the final run, they hold the overall lead.
Great Britain also leads the Girl’s 29er fleet, with Frances PETERS, James’s older sister, and Claire LASKO posting first, second and third place finishes today. After five top-three finishes the pair have built a six-point cushion at the front but are not getting carried away yet. “I am really pleased to get consistent results this early in the competition but we have a long way to go so we have to keep it up. We have to take each day as it comes,” said PETERS.
See the website for the full results so far.
The 4th Eurocup of the year is to be hosted by WPNSA this weekend 12/13 July. Already there are 24 entries, including one from Norway, and more are expected. This should be a challenging and fun weekend, with varying wind conditions expected - and hopefully some sunshine! With the Youth Worlds starting in Denmark, a number of top teams will not be present leaving the field open.
James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald pulled through to take 3rd place at Kiel Week with their most consistent day of the regatta. Organisers were keen to launch the fleet promptly to ensure that 3 races could be completed having missed a day with strong wind yesterday. The fleet was split into Gold and Silver, with the Gold fleet launching first and starting their first race at 10.35. James and Ed scored 2,2,3 in gusty, shifty conditions which few were able to be consistent in. The girls found the conditions a bit more challenging, but Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire completed a good series, which included 2 bullets, with a 4th in the final race leaving them 5th overall and first girls. Frances Peters and Claire Lasko were just behind in 6th overall putting together a consistent series.
30 knot winds prevented any racing at Kiel today. The forecast for tomorrow is for 12mph and the start has been brought forward half an hour to give the best chance of fitting in 3 more races.
A Bristish pairing still leads the fleet at Kiel. Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire head the 94 strong fleet after a 1st and 2nd in their 2 races today. Frances Peters and Claire Lasko are in 6th, and James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald in 7th, both pairs scoring a 4th and 5th today. All 3 were in the 2nd group start and had to wait ashore whilst the first flight sailed 3 races.They eventually launched and started their 1st race in a light breeze at at 15.00. A 3rd race was started, but abandoned due to the falling breeze, which turned out to be the calm before the storm which hit the fleet hard as they sailed to the shore, resulting in many capsizes!
Our 3 British teams have had a great start at Kiel today. After 3 races in gusty and shifty conditions, Frances Peters & Claire Lasko lead the fleet of 94 scoring 2,5,5, Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire are in 6th with 3,15,1, and James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald are in 7th place scoring 3,7,10. The regatta continues until Tuesday. Click title for full results so far.
The German 29er Class invites all participants of the 2008 Medemblik Europeans born 1989 or later to the Int. German Youth Nationals. This championship will be sailed right after the Europeans on the nice lake of Zwischenahn next to Oldenburg. It is just about 250 kilometres from Medemblik in the north west of Germany and especially for the Scandinavians right on their way home.
See the positions at: http://tinyurl.com/49e2wf
Racing is scheduled from 28th to 31st of July and measurements are on Sunday 27th. For further information visit www.29erkv.de/kalender-frs.html or send an email to info@29erkv.de.
Due to their children 'moving on' the UK 29er Committee will require at least 3 new members after the AGM at the Nationals.
The posts are, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Membership Secetary. We are also continually asking for male and female 'sailor reps' to give us feedback and ensure the class is run to the members satisfaction.
This is your chance to be a part of the growing 29er class and help make the correct decisions to continue its growth.
Meetings are held either by conference call or at a major event so no extra travelling is required.
For an informal chat about what is involved and be a part of the decision making for your childs sport, please contact Peter Cooper on 07712897937 or via the club web site. Go on you know you want to.
46 29ers built by Ovington Boats are ready to be shipped to the 2008 ISAF Youth World Championship. The event will boast the largest number of participating countries in its history.
Dave Hall – Sales and Marketing director of Ovington Boats says ‘ It has been a challenge but we are proud to be involved with such a prestigious and huge event. Youth sailing is where it all starts, the 29er has proved a worthy tool for today’s young sailors who want modern, exiting dynamic boats to race’
The Championship takes place in Arhus, Denmark and starts on the 12th July.
www.ovingtonboats.com
www.youthworlds2008.org
A parent has kindly volunteered to collect and deliver the shirts from the manufacturers to Medemblik and as a result we will save £5.00 on p&p. This means that the shirts will now cost £28.00. The class makes no profit on the shirts, this is the cost to us and the price reflects the addtional charges for set up, embroidery and logo costs. Final numbers have to be in soon in order for the manufacturer to deliver on time. Please contact Barbara Walker to order a shirt: walkers@draycote.org
See Event Website on the events page or click title link
If you would like to purchase a team polo shirt you need to place your order. We need a minimum order of 30 shirts and we have 15 ordered so far.
They will be in white and have embroidered TEAM 29er Medemblik 2008 on the front and a large GBR on the back. Cost £33.00. Please contact Barbara Walker: walkers@draycote.org this week if you would like one.
On-line entry is now available for the open meeting at Red Wharf Bay on June 21/22. Celebrate the end of exams with 2 days of racing at this new venue for the 29er class. A bargain at £15 for the weekend. Click title link or see Events page.
This combined training and race weekend over the spring bank holiday attracted 12 boats which included a large contingent from Draycote.
Saturday saw 25-30 knot winds and 5’ waves in the Solent. Report and pictures the the title link.
Polo shirts for the European Championships in Medemblik will be available at £33.00 each. There will be an embroidered logo on the front, similar in style to that produced for the Worlds. In addition there will be a large GBR logo on the back.
Those interested in purchasing a shirt should contact Barbara Walker at: walkers@draycote.org and place an order no later than 30th May.
Well done to our ISAF youth representatives James Peters/Ed Fitzgerald and Frances Peters/Claire Lasko who finished 2nd and 3rd at the Dutch Youth Regatta in Workum over the first May Bank holiday.
Now that the Datchet Open has taken place would those teams that wish to take part and have not contacted Dave Hall please do so ASAP.
Even if you did not finish in the top 10 or did not take part please feel free to register your interest to go on the waiting list should teams decide not to go.
Thanks
Dave Hall 07719 594949 niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Click the link to see Dave Hall's report
Fat Face are launching a new sailing event this summer, night sail. It will be part of their very successful Fat Face night surf and night windsurf events.
Night sail will be at Mount Batten, Plymouth on July 5th. 14 classes have been invited. Each class brings max of 10 boats who will race in their class from 12.00 - 18.00 each race to last 12-15 mins . At the end the top three from each class will go into the finals which will be held in neutral boats.
The results of each classes rep in each final will be added together to produce a champion class who will win £1000 to promote their class. We have booked all the accommodation at Mount Batten,at £16 a head.
The Datchet 9er Open on the 26/27th April will be used to select the 10 29ers. If the top 10 do not take up their slot the places will be awarded further down the fleet. Should any places still be left they will be allocated on a 1st come 1st served basis. Please register interest with Dave Hall. See Calendar entry for more details
James Peters (Hayling Island) and Ed Fitzgerald (Chichester) have produced almost a flawless week’s racing to claim both the 2008 RYA Youth Nationals overall and boys’ 29er crowns.
The duo won six of the 10 races in the series to romp to overall glory by eight points from James’ elder sister Frances and Claire Lasko (Thame, Oxon). However in claiming overall silver, Peters and Lasko are 2008 29er girls’ champions, Frances successfully reclaiming the title she won at Hayling Island in 2007.
Click lnk for more info
A good turn out of 25 boats enjoyed the blustery conditions at Draycote over the weekend. A convincing win by Youth World Champions Max Richardson and Alex Groves, followed by 1st girls Becky Diamond & Fiona Hampshire in 2nd on countback from Phil Walker and John Mather. Follow link for full results.
Thanks to Ian & Hannah, Aaron & Nicola, John & Paul, Pete & Paul, Fiona, Tom, Helen & Sarah, Fin & Nina who all gave up part of their weekend to help on the Class and RYA stand at the Dinghy Show. A special thanks to Hannah & Sophie who did the complete weekend and also helped set up and pack up – their smiling faces and ceaseless energy kept both stands buzzing.
The boats looked great and the stands were extremely busy – especially on Saturday. There was huge interest from many different junior, youth and senior sailors so we can look forward to seeing more teams join the fleet as it grows this year.
Or did you sign up ages ago but cannot remember if you paid or not?
Well help is at hand. With numerous clubs and classes used EventAssistant for their online entry, you can now see all these events by going to www.sailingevents.info
You can now see which events have online entry and when they will go live. Events you can enter are highlighted a bit like an airport departure board.
At the top, you can enter a surname and see all the events by name that you have entered (this will include others from your family as well as those who share your surname).
You can filter the results by using "Surname;Firstname" to limit the sailors listed. Firstname is a wildcard search using the Firstname you have supplied so that "Lasko;P" will find ALL Laskos whose first name starts with "P" . "Lasko;Jan" with find Lasko Jan and Lasko Jane and Lasko Janet ...
Get ahead of the game and enter now for the Open at Rutland on 15th/16th March. Currently 11 boats entered for the Draycote open on 8th/9th March, why not join them - enter online now. See the events page for links to the event website.
On-line entry is now available for the Draycote open meeting on March 8/9th. See the event website link from the events page.
The Notice of Race for the National Championships is now available. See the event website link on the events page
The 29er class will have 2 boats on display at the RYA Dinghy Show, Alexandra Palace – 1st & 2nd March. One on the Ovington stand and one on the RYA Youth area. We need sailors to help man the stands through the weekend. Volunteers will get free entry and a T shirt!
If you are able to spend half a morning or afternoon speaking to potential 29er sailors please let Dave Hall know. He can be contacted on 07719 59 4949 or niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Ovington Boats will have a number of 29ers available after the ISAF Youth Worlds in July 2008. These boats will have been used for one week at the championship in Denmark.
The 29ers will come complete ready to sail and include a trolley, cover and foil bag at £5695.00 including VAT. Boats will be available to collect either in Denmark or the UK.
To secure a boat deposits of £500 are required by 31st March 2008. Delivery can be arranged at an extra cost.
Please contact Dave Hall at Ovington Boats. 07719 59 49 49. niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
A great turnout of 39 29ers braved the freezing blustery conditions at the Tiger Trophy held on Rutland Water this weekend. 29ers accounted for 1/4 of the top 10% of places in the 240 boat fleet! Well done to James Peters & Ed Fitzgerald in 4th, Tom Durham & Alex Cooper in 8th, Nick Redding and Adam Hilton 12th, Frances Peters & Claire Lasko 19th, Becky Diamond & Fiona Hampshire 20th, and Adam Larvin & Graham Wheaton 21st. Full results on the title link.
On-line entry is now available for the RYA National Youth Championships to be held at Pwllheli from 29th March - 4th April 2008. Follow the link to read the Press Release, or go to the Events Page to find the link to the RYA Youth Championships Website. Please note the entry closing date is 16th March.
The Event website for the 29er European Championships 2008 to be held in Medemblik, Holland from July 20th - 26th is now up and running. Click title, or go to the events page for the link
The Class are considering providing open training in Pwhelli on 27th and 28th March, Thursday and Friday prior to the Youth Championships. We need to establish if there are enough sailors interested and would ask you to e-mail Barbara Walker, walkers@draycote.org if you are interested in taking part by Friday, 8th February. The conditions on the Welsh coast in March are likely to be testing and you should take this into consideration before booking. The cost is expected to be £85.00 per boat
As many of you will know Mike was taken ill on New Years Eve whilst in Melbourne for the 29er World Championships, and had to spend 4 days in hospital after suffering a perforated appendix. We would like to thank everyone who helped Mike during this time especially Peter and Gillian Cooper who insisted on taking Mike back to hospital when his condition did not improve and Tessa Groves and Kevin Richardson for looking after him at their house when he was discharged as well as everyone who visited him in hospital or helped him in any way whilst he was in Melbourne.
Thank You All
David and Kate Wood
Max Richardson & Alex Groves of Hastings SC and Island Barn SC today claimed Youth Gold Medals, and bronze overall, in a nail biting finish to the 29er World Championships in Sorrento. Australians Thomas and Warren clinched overall Gold with 2 1st places in the final 2 races of what has been a challenging and exciting finals. The fleet launched on time and sailed the first race of the day in a 6 knot easterly breeze. GBR scored 3 top 10 results in the race. The fleet were then sent ashore as the breeze dropped. Once the sea breeze kicked in, the fleet were again launched in a good 15-20 knot easterly breeze. The stronger wind did not suit Dutch girls Bekkering/Kisters who dropped to 6th overall. Bleddyn & Tom raised their game, in spite of an OCS in the 2nd race of the day to finish 4th overall. With James & Ed finishing 7th overall, GBR had 3 teams in the top 10 which comprised of 7 Nationalities showing the depth of competition. A fantastic result by all GBR sailors at what has been a superb event.
The first day of the finals was one of those difficult days most sailors wish to forget. The gradient offshore breeze battled with a sea breeze with neither winning, which meant fluctuating direction and strength never exceeding 15 knots. The leader board has changed considerably with Dutch female sailors Bekkering/Kisters putting in the best results in a high scoring day to take the lead. James and Ed moved up to 2nd with the leading Aussies Thomas/Warren displaced to 3rd by the game of snakes & ladders in largely unpredictable conditions. Other notable individual GBR results were a 5th from Max and Alex and a 2nd from Becky and Fiona. With most sailors carrying high scores and with 8 races still scheduled with light conditions due to continue, it is anybody’s guess as to what the next two days will hold. For full results of all fleets click on the title link.
The temperature dropped at least 10 degrees compared to yesterday to make this a pleasant summer’s day with big winds blowing in from the ocean and therefore offshore at Sorrento. Two races were sailed in the morning and then the fleet retired for a lunch break and to lick their wounds. Things were not totally straightforward at the front of the fleet with some leading boats capsizing or having trouble with spinnakers in the shifty gusts and short chop.
In blue flight Thomas/Warren (AUS) held on to two 1st places and in red Sogaard/Kristensen (DEN) pulled of a 1st and 3rd, placing these two boats 1st and 2nd at lunch break. Mixed fortunes for Peters/Fitzgerald left 3 GBR boats all on 22 points in 3rd, 4th and 5th.
The fleet relaunched after lunch, but were soon called back ashore as the wind continued to build.
GBR boats Cooper/Durham and Humphreys/Gibbs also won races today.
Qualification has concluded with an impressive 7 GBR teams making the cut for gold fleet.
Click title for full results
Saturday in Australia brought moderate to light conditions with soaring temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The wind was N/NE 10-15 knots then a weak Southerly sea breeze. Zinc sticks were applied to noses and necks.
Yellow flight today included four GBR boats with Richardson/Groves taking charge with four bullets. Race 3 was the most closely contended with the first three boats finishing within a few seconds of each other.
Peters/Fitzgerald were in red and finished second on the day’s leader board, winning the two afternoon races as the breeze weakened. They take the overall lead from Thomas/Warren.
Australian female team Natrass/Muller had a good day and are chasing the Danish and Dutch teams, closely followed by Diamond/Hampshire and Peters/Lasko, who made a bid for gold fleet by winning their last two races in green flight.
Other race wins: Australians Mighell/Llewelyn (two wins), New Zealanders Maloney/Tuke, Australians O’Rourke/Walker, Danish male team Sogaard/ Kristensen and female team Andersen/
Following an impressive and vibrant opening ceremony 2 days previously, the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay welcomed the 102 strong fleet of 29ers for the first day of qualifying at the World Championships in Sorrento, Melbourne. A 15 knot steady North Easterly breeze lead to spectacular conditions for the first races, although by the end of the day the breeze had fallen to around 5 knots. 4 flights of 25 boats raced on 2 different courses. A solid start for the Bristish team saw James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald win 2 of their races, and Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humphries win 1, although disappointingly a knot in the spinnaker halyard at the leeward mark lost them first place in another. 2nd places were recorded by Tom Durham and Alex Cooper, Max Richardson and Alex Groves, and Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire. Tomorrow's forecast is for lighter winds. The competitors and supporters are all wishing Mike Wood well following his unscheduled visit to Frankston hospital for an appendectomy.
2008 started a little earlier for some of our 29er sailors than others. 12 teams who have arrived in Sorrento, Australia, for the World Championships, celebrated the arrival of the New year on the beach in temperatures ranging from 42 during the day to a cool 28 at night! The following day the teams stripped their boats down for measurement, which went realtively smoothly. Conditions so far have been described as 'champagne sailing' by some, although the offshore breeze can be tricky. This evening sees the opening ceremony and barbeque on the beach, and tomorrow will be a day of rest before the event for some, or a chance for some last minute training before the first race on Friday 4th.
With most GBR 29er sailors now 'down under' for Christmas the first event result with a GBR 29er entery is in. Tom Durham and Alex Cooper were the sole GBR 29er boat to enter the Sydney International Regatta. Having got off the plane after a long flight they went straight into the 4 day event in a charter boat unknown to them.
The weather for the event went from hot sunshine to heavy rain, light wind to gusts of over 25 knots. The fleet totalling 31 entrants had just about all conditions during the event to contend with.
All credit to Tom and Alex for a steady improvement throught the event as they began to get used to the conditions and time zone difference from GB.
They finished the event in 10th place behind several Austrailian current and ex champions plus older sailors who knew their patch of water very well.
There are still places available at the ‘Ovington Boat Show Skiff Grand Prix’ Please note that the date is the 19th and NOT the 12th as previously published. Call Dave Hall ASAP to get a place plus free entry and parking to the show!
07719 59 4949 niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
We are looking into the possibility of providing open training at Pwllheli in the week prior to the Youth Championships. We could train for 2,3,or 4 days from Tuesday, 25th March. Anyone interested please e-mail the Class Co-ordinator at walkers@draycote.org and advise how many days you would prefer. Costs are likely to be similar to open training.
The 2008 Membership Form is now available to download from the Class Association section of the website. All those going to Australia must renew their membership before they go.
After the success of last year’s event the organisers at the London Boat Show have asked me to run a 29er and 49er Grand Prix again. The event will take place in the docks next to Excel on the last Saturday of the show – 12th Jan.
We need 8 – 10 boats so places are limited. If you would like to come there is free parking and free tickets to the show – we can usually get extra free tickets for family.
The time table is 3 ( no discard) races starting at 12 with a prize giving on the main stage in the show at 4.30. Launch from the west end of the dock – full map and instructions available!
If you would like to take part and give your sponsors an excellent day of exposure let me know ASAP.
Dave Hall
O77 19 59 4949
niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Paul Todd is organising 29er training for all abilities at Holyhead S.C.
Anyone wishing to take part should contact Paul Todd direct on 01407 817177
or e-mail paulpaultodd@aol.com.
It should be noted that this training is not being organised by the RYA or Class Association and consequently we are not responsible for any aspect, control or outcome of the training.
No high performance dinghy for the Women - Keel boat match racing instead, and no Cats either. Follow link to see all 10 classes.
See the progress of the 12 boats going 'down under' by tracking the container. Click the title for the link, then on the right hand side of the page use b/l number 3014406980.
James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald are 29er Inland Champions with Phil Walker and John Mather runners up in a fleet of 55 including 6 French visitors. An uncharacteristically warm November weekend meant light winds on Saturday and no racing on Sunday. Click title for report and results
Following the problems the class had as a result of sailors not renewing their membership prior to Argentina. Could I ask all going to Australia to renew their 2008 membership long before travelling. Thank you.
The UK 29er Class Association has had an issue with non members sailing in class events in 2007. Can I remind all sailors, both helm and crew entered for Grafham that to compete, or be eligable for any trophy or prize their Class Association membership must be current. This includes any sailor who has paid their international dues to sail a non UK event ,but not paid the UK Class Association for home events.
Please be aware the CLOSING DATE for 29er and 420 entry is SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER Enter on-line by following the link (click title above). If you turn up on the day entry will be at the discretion of the race committee so you run the risk of a long drive and no sailing.
NB. Nov 2nd was the original deadline, but this has had to be changed to tie in with 420s and allow time for resource planning.
Saturday morning saw 12 boats (inc 1 49er) from all over the UK descending on an empty factory in Andover to be loaded into a 40' container ready for departure to Melbourne next week. Revived by bacon sarnies and coffee, the crew set to loading the boats, a task which initially seemed daunting, but with a concerted effort was achieved successfully. The boats are due to arrive in Melbourne before Xmas in good time for the Worlds which start on Jan 2nd.
Please remember BOTH helm and crew must be members of the class association in order to race at the Inlands.
Rule C.7 on page 16 of your handbook states 'at least one crew member shall be a current member of the ICA or UK Class Association.
This rule was ammended by the World Council some time ago but not before the current year book was printed and circulated.
The rule now reads BOTH helm and crew shall be current members of the UK or International 29er Class Association.
In future any boat sailed where the helm and crew are not both current members at a Class or World/European event will not be eligable for any placings at the event, or National Rankings.
This has caused some problems at recent events. The class has a list of non members who took part this year, and they are advised to contact the Membership Secetary to rectify the matter asap.
Don't forget to enter on-line for the Inlands at Grafham on Nov 3rd/4th. Follow the link to the event website.
Check out the Events page for new events added for next year
After the disappointment of Saturday when rain prevented play, and the highlight of the day was watching Pearl Harbour at the yacht club, the final day saw a return to classic Garda conditions, with the Southerly breeze filling in allowing 4 races to be sailed. Solid performances by all the Brits resulted in all 6 teams finishing in the top 10 overall. The event was won by James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald, Croations Tomislav Basic and Leon Ostrez were 2nd, and Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humphries finished 3rd. Well Done everyone!
Day 2 of the eurocup saw the morning northerly breeze drop and veer right to the South. One race was started and abandoned, and after a wait on the water, the 2nd start was successful and one race completed in classic 14-15knots. All our guys finished in the top 15, James and Ed 1st, and Max and Alex 2nd. A 3rd race was attempted, but the wind dropped away to nothing. See link for overall results
Calling all clubs with 29ers, if you would like an open meeting in 2008 please contact Dave Hall ASAP. Dates are getting filled up and we would like to get a good spread of quality events around the country through the year.
niners@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Bookings for training at Grafham on 27/28th October are closed. There is a waiting list in place for any cancellations. Please do not forward any booking forms that include this weekend.
After a misty start to the day, the cloud eventually lifted from the lake alllowing the 40 boats to start racing on time on the first day of the Eurocup. The Wind was moderate from the North, with some strong gusts at times. After 3 races Bleddyn & Tom are in 1st, counting 2 x1st, James & Ed in 2nd counting 2 x 2nd, Mike & Ollie 6th, Max & Alex 7th, Becky & Fiona 11th and Frances & Claire 15th. Keep up the good work.
This year due to less open events, the series will conclude at the Inlands with the best 3 from 5. Prizes for best helm and crew (girls and boys) and best under 16 helm and crew will be presented at Grafham. Its still close so don't miss this event!
Following the open at Thorpe Bay last weeeknd, 6 boats were packed up ready for the long trek down to Lake Garda for the 29er Eurocup at Fraglia Vela Riva. Whilst the support crews set off on their long drive on Monday, the sailors are flying out today to be reunited with their boats, and prepare for racing which starts tomorrow, Thurs, through until Sunday. Good luck to all our guys. Follow the action on the event website by clicking the title
29er Inlands Website now available. Follow the link or see events page for all you need to know about this 'must do' event.
Report and Results from Thorpe Bay on the results page or via title link. Has anyone any 'decent' photos they can share?
Rule C.7 on page 16 of your handbook states 'at least one crew member shall be a current member of the ICA or UK Class Association.
This rule was ammended by the World Council some time ago but not before the current year book was printed and circulated.
The rule now reads BOTH helm and crew shall be current members of the UK or International 29er Class Association.
In future any boat sailed where the helm and crew are not both current members at a Class or World/European event will not be eligable for any placings at the event, or National Rankings.
This has caused some problems at recent events. The class has a list of non members who took part this year, and they are advised to contact the Membership Secetary to rectify the matter asap.
Received hot off the press from Paul Perrera, World Council Vice President:
''As a result of my visit to Holland this week I can now officially confirm that the 29'er World Council has approved a re scheduling of the 29'er 2008 European Championships which now will be held in Medemblik, Holland 20th July to 26th July 2008. This event now follows immediately after the ISAF's in Denmark . We are confident that by choosing this superb facility we will attract a large entry assisted by attractive charter boats arrangements.
Having received over whelming support for this change from the large European fleets , we confidently estimate a major turn out of 150 to 200 boats making this the Premier World event for 29'er for 2008.
The dates will be posted on the world website in the next few days. We hope to re schedule an event in Portugal in 2009 or 2010''
Charter boats are available for the 2008 29er worlds in Melbourne. The boats will be shipped from Canada having been used at the ISAF Youths
To book a boat please contact Peter Bjorn - peter@ps2000.ca
The RYA have made a submission to ISAF for consideration at their Annual Conference in November, proposing a change to the Youth Classes sailed at the ISAF Youth Worlds to take effect from 2009. The proposal is to replace the Open Multihull Class with an Open two person high performance
Dinghy. This could be good news for the 29er and 420 classes helping to maintain some stability, but the Cat sailors are not happy. See Yachts and Yachting forum – multihull section, and add your comments to the debate. Click link to see proposal.
Next weekend gives 29er Sailors the choice of a Eurocuo event in Athens, or a Grand Prix open at Thorpe Bay. Tough choice - see events page...
Great fightback by Bleddyn Mon and Tom Humpherys to take the series ahead of first day leaders, James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald. Click title for full results.
Open Training is available from October to March at Grafham, Draycote Water, Datchet and Mayflower. Places are available on all dates at Datchet and Mayflower, there are now limited places available at Grafham and Draycote. To book training, download a booking form from the website via the events and results link. To check availability of places at Grafham and Draycote please contact Barbara Walker before completing the booking form.
The Holt sponsored Tide Ride was sailed at HISC on 15 & 16 September by boats of Int 14, B14, RS800, RS 700, Laser 4000, and 29er (largest entry - 37 boats). The race format of qualifying series, semi-final, and final race produced a 3-way tie on points split in favour of Q-series winners Francis Peters & Stevie Wilson.
Click title above for full 29er results, scroll right for finals.
A gentle misty dawn greeted the fleet for the final day of racing. The mist soon burned off to produce a proper summers day with a 8 – 10 knot breeze from the North West.
Bleddyn Mon & Tom Humpreys made sure of their overall win with a 1st and a 2nd on the last day. Max Richardson & Alex Groves won the other race of the day to ensure their second place.
In the Silver fleet Emma Porteous & Tom Morris continued to dominate the racing taking first place by 13 points.
For full results click title or go to Events/Results page.
Click title above to read Dave Hall's report of the proceedings at Gottskar.
GBR 29er teams finished in medal places -James Ellis/Rob Partridge 3rd in boys, and Sophie Weguelin/Sophie Ainsworth 2nd in girls fleets.