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Latest News Items 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
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.