(Click Photo to see next)
Latest News Items Committee Announcements for 2012 Club House, the new way to manage your details Full results from Bloody Mary 2012 Membership 2012 Noble Marine 29er Winter Championships Sailjuice Global Warmup Series - A Glorious start to 2012 Great finish to the 2011 Open Training Worlds and Euro's Update Camera, lights, ... action! International Travel Plans - Updated "Virtual Rigger" Sponsorship Opportunity UK 29er Class Trophy Record Worlds date changes - event ends on Sunday 29th July Open Training at Rutland Sublime 29er training for all Photos from the Inlands Great little video from Garda Sunday Racing at the Nationals Ovington Inlands Inlands results Open Training Feedback Draycote Dash - Postponed Final results from Garda 2011 Harken Grand Prix Series Overall - Report Sail The Gulf Northampton Final Results - after day 2 Committee Conference Call minutes posted ... Harken Dabchicks Grand Prix Harken Dabchicks 29er GP Results Endeavour Trophy - 29ers (well ex)..on top Let the b**** main out! Wind at the Europeans this year? latest coaching methods - the real secrets! Datchet Harken GP Day 2 report Datchet Harken GP Day 1 report Class Association Membership explained Lymington Harken GP report Class Resolutions approved at the AGM now available on the website New Class IT Manager Required Some Stats from the Europeans (Accuracy not confirmed!) The high tech way of righting your skiff 2011/12 UK 29er Class Association Committee Nationals - Final Report Topper World Champion is 29er Sailor Relive the Blog from the 2011 Zhik 29er Nationals UK 29er Class Association - 2010 Accounts Resolutions for presentation / approval at the 2011 AGM 2011 Europeans - Switzerland German Nationals Ovington Press Release - 08/07/11 Pwllheli Grand Prix Grand Prix Series Results after Pwllheli Annual General Meeting 2011 29er UK Nationals at RTYC Committee Meeting Minutes - March 2011 2011/12 RYA Volvo 29er Transition Training Squad 29er Open at Bough Beech SC Coaching Support at Europeans for Non Squad Sailors Free Training for Female Skiff Sailors! 2016 Olympic boat decision..... 2nd Harken Grand Prix at Draycote Water SC 29er Eurocup – Cavalaire, France, 22nd – 25th April 2011 New Class Association Constitution approved and published 2011 Youth Nationals - HISC 29er is the largest double hander fleet at the 2011 RYA Volvo Youth National Championships Henry & Sam receive awards Rutland Grand Prix Report Antilles Sailing Federation propose 29er as Olympic boat! The final Open Training weekend for the 2010/11 programme Grand Prix Notice of Race and Major Event Sailing Instructions 29er Northern & Scottish sailors It’s here - UK 29er Class Association Team Kit Special General Meeting – 26th March 2011 Open Training at Draycote 26th & 27th February 29erXX Superbowl - The video Jack & Chris Win the Opening Race of the 2011 Eurocup Series 3rd Transitional Squad Training Weekend Want to try a 29er?? 29er and 29erXX Online Membership Now Operational! Open Training at Grafham 29th & 30th January Open Training Feedback Transitional Training Squad at Grafham 22nd/23rd January Open Training at Draycote 22nd & 23rd January First 29er Transitional Squad Weekend Area Sailor Reps 29er Worlds - Final Blog Open Training Programme for Jan – Mar 2011 and Training Policy New Appointments to the Committee - New Rules for the New Year Latest news from the Committee Appointment of Co-opted Sailor Representatives Appointment of UK 29er Class Administrator 2011 RYA VOLVO Transition Training Squad Selection Grafham Grand Prix - January 2nd Picture Postcard Weather for DWSC Open Training International 29er Merchandise Harken support for National Youth Squad Women's Skiff for the Olympics in 2016 A Weekend of Manoeuvres.... Where are the 29er Sailors based Extreme Sailing and 49er Class Strategic Partnership Team GBR at 2011 Worlds in January What’s Happening at the ISAF Conference? 29er Facebook Group Open Training Feedback Italian Eurocup - A Bollywood Production Italian Eurocup - A Parent's View Italian Eurocup 29erXX Annual Report Have you seen the new Contacts page? HARKEN Grand Prix Series - Final Results Northampton Grand Prix - Photos Northampton Grand Prix - Results Strategy Presentation given at Northampton SC Class Strategy Paper SHOCK Accumulator Postscript 10th Anniversary Tide Ride Hayling Shock Accumulator 2011 Worlds Funding Announcement The Inlands need YOU! WPNSA Open Training Report All you ever wanted to know about the 2010 HARKEN Grand Prix series Thorpe Bay Report RYA National Youth Squad Announcement Thorpe Bay Results RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing 29er Open Training – Draycote Water SC – 18th/19th September Lymington Open Meeting- Results Lymington Open Meeting- Photos Datchet Open meeting Results Datchet Open report by Will Carlisle 2010 Junior National Champions David Conlon & Finbar Anderson 2010 National Champions. 29er XX Adrenalin Rush New website for the 29er XX 2010 Members Year Book International Review of 2009
Huge thank you to Rob Allen who steps down as Marketing Officer, being replaced by Pete Bucktrout, and welcome to Ian Hunter who is formally co-opted onto the committee to support the growth of the 29er class in Scotland. Click the heading for full details.
Ben Cooper. Chairman
Having trouble remembering which events you have signed up for?
Did I remember to pay?
Tired of typing in your entry details every time you enter another event?
THEN CLUBHOUSE IS FOR YOU.
Clubhouse is an additional functionality being offered to all 29er sailors who regularly use
EventAssistant for entering Sailing Events.
How do I enter Clubhouse
11 x 29ers had a gorgeous day out. Top 2 boats were all lasses with Vikki/Steffi in 25th and Abigail/Alice 75th. Murray/Hugh were top lads in 141st out of 249 finishers (303 entries).
Membership for 2012 is now due.
Membership is required for everyone who will want to take part in all 29er events and all 29er open training. Please click on the link to apply.
Any questions, please contact Martha Berry
membership@29ersailing.org.uk
The committee are pleased to announce that the First ever 29er Class winter championship will be held at Chew Valley Sailing Club on 25/26th Feb 2012. In recognition of the support that Noble Marine give to the Class the event has been named after them. Enter online via the title link before 24 Feb 2012.
Report from Pete Bucktrout on the Grafham Grand Prix. Next event Bloody Mary next weekend. Enter now to avoid late entry fee.
25 boats enjoyed good wind for the last Open Training of 2011
I've been advised by the international class association that the NOR for the Euro's and Worlds should be ready early January when the respective websites will go live. Good news is, unlike some classes, everyone is welcome to come and join in with both events! Sailing Sec
It's been a while since we had any news - this still isn't but it's a good watch!
Now with confirmed Eurocup dates. (NOR on the events page. Please complete revised poll with confirmed Eurocup dates. - Many thanks to everyone who has completed the poll It's really useful. The RYA are now analysing the results. Still waiting for NOR for worlds and Euros. Sailing Sec
For one lucky boat in the UK 29er Fleet ... but you have to explain why it should be you. Click the heading for more details.
After much work, we are pleased to publish a full record of the UK Class Association Trophies and all winners. Stored under 'Class Association / Technical' and also viewable by clicking the heading.
Just to confirm, there has been some considerable confusion over the dates of the 2012 Worlds in Travemunde. They are now confirmed as finishing on Sunday 29th July. Sincere apologies to anyone who had already booked accommodation or made travel plans, but this has been outside our control. Check the Events Calendar for full details.
Very popular and windy training weekend...
Open training is going fantastically well this autumn with regularly 40 or more boats attending. 45 going to Rutland this w/e. Top line coaches for every session!
Photo's from the 2011 Inlands, free to download, thanks to Ovington.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Ovington-high-performance-sail-boats/185540661494452
As we may recall - a bunch of boats went to Garda. This one has come via a link from Ian Payne we think. Loads of good stuff but particularly impressive gybe drop at approx 5.50.
Results of Survey: Yes to Sunday racing 19; No to Sunday racing 20. Didn't take abstentions but it seems it is about 50:50. Will discuss results and verbal feedback at next committee meeting. Sailing Sec.
Excellent final event of 2011....
The racing was intense. Plenty of BFD's and the wind was causing FF crews to fall out of their boats so well done everyone. Ian Payne & Chris Berry ended up pretty dominant, Ollie Cooper & James Poyner were very solid in 2nd despite a last race Black Flag and Vikki Payne & Steffi Orton were 3rd and top girls with all 3 at the top well clear of the chasers.
If you have attended the Open Training this Autumn as a sailor or parent/guardian, we would like your feedback via this online survey. Your feedback will help us to improve the training to better meet your needs. Click on the title to go to the survey. Thank you.
Martin
Just been advised that the Draycote dash planned for this month has been postponed due to water levels. The new date clashes with the 29er Winter Championship so won't put it on the 29er calendar. If anyone knows of an open meeting the 29ers can go to between now and the Bloody Mary in January let me know and I'll ask the organisers if we can put it on our calendar! - Sailing Sec
Congratulations to the whole team but in particular to Ian Payne & Chris Berry for their 4th overall here and to Jack Hawkins & Chris Thomas for third overall for the whole Eurocup series. Other results for the event are great for the team and NYS as a whole with Jack & Chris coming 8th, Vikki & Steffi 9th & 1st Ladies, Ollie & James 11th, Rob & Emma 27th and Maddy & Dominick 29th. There is a lot to build on there!
Now avaialble - click the heading.
Anyone wanting to get some sunshine at February Half term could get some 29er racing in too in Doha. Charter boats only $300.
Ian Payne & Chris Berry take it by 1pt from TK Jack Hawkins & Chris Thomas. Ollie Cooper & James Poyner keep 3rd from top Girls Vikki Payne & Steffi Orton. 7 races counting in our first ever flighted GP event and top 5 all 20 points or lower? That's tight!
For the June 2011 Committee Conference Call; September Meeting to be posted soon. See members section of Class Association Tab.
Penultimate Harken 29er Grand Prix at Dabchicks.....
Results now online from Dabchicks. Report and photos to follow. Plus the GP overall results table. Check back soon!
James Peters, ISAF Youth World Champion in 29ers a couple of years back is leading the Endeavour trophy overnight. Cool going as every single competitor is a national champion in their own right. Good luck for the final races tomorrow!
Oww!! Down the coal mine on summat bigger.
Novel camera angle, quite amusing - particularly towards the end. Austrians who came 21st in the Bronze fleet. Maybe not typical conditions, but it happened!
Video isn't of 29ers but surely the tips are just as applicable!
Still no consistency but event won through not panicking. Very tight with only 10 points separating the top 7. Cooper and Poyner do it. Link to 'official' photos posted on the Results page.
Tough, tight, tense and girl powered. Beautiful day with 4 different race winners and extremely close racing. Not bad for record breaking sized fleet.
Document posted on the Membership Section, under Class Association link explaining our membership structure and 2011/12 subscription costs.
Fast, furious, biblical, exhilarating, pumping, welcoming, mad, competitive. And a whole lot more. Read all about it! Also at http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=159495
Under Class Association / Technical
The class is looking for a new volunteer to help with the website, google apps, and operational systems.
16 countries represented
80% male or mixed teams
20% all female teams, 2/3 of which were Youth
71% all Youth teams
Big skiffs require high tech methods! Click the title for the video on how.
Click the heading to see the announcement about your new 2011/12 Committee.
Just before moving on from the great Nationals did you get to read the final event report? Relive it all by clicking on the Title.
While we all had fun in Torbay, 29er Sailor, Matt Venables wins the 2001 Sovereign Ski Topper World Championships.
Click on the title link to re-read the fantastic blog from the event - from committee boat, course and shore.
In readiness for the AGM on Thursday 18th August, please see the 2010 Accounts via the heading.
Follow the heading to read two proposed Resolutions, which will be presented for vote approval by attendees at the 2011 AGM, in line with the Class Constitution.
157 boats at the Europeans ......
Perfect event, in a wonderful location ....
Details about the new 29er forestay fitting...
Giles
25 boats enjoyed a glorious weekend at Pwllheli
Provisional results posted by Giles
Notice is hereby given of the 2011 Annual General Meeting of the UK 29er Class Association; Agenda via the heading.
Details for the premier UK 29er event of 2011
Posted by Ben Cooper
You need this if you are wanting to get into the 2011/12 Transition Training Squad.
Excellent day had by all, with perfect hosts..
James & Tims weekend.....
Six British crews travelled to the South of France over the Easter weekend dreaming of an early summer tan, and warm water sailing on the French Riviera .... (click the heading for full report).
Over 65 pople attended the Special General Meeting at Rutland SC on 26th March, at which a new Class Association Constitution was approved with no votes cast against the proposals; minutes of the meeting are here
Close racing at the Youths....
We set out to do it and we’ve done it ...
Ben (4th April 2011)
Top 29er sailors receive well deserved awards....
The first Harken Grand Prix for the year.......
The Antilles Sailing Federation has submitted a proposal for the 29er to be adopted as the women's Olympic skiff in 2016. The submission will be considered during the ISAF Conference in St Petersburg on 4-8 May. The submission is not likely to be adopted, but underlines the degree to which the 29er has been adopted around the world.
Our team (Chris, Charles & Jerelyn) will be attending this conference again to promote the adoption of the XX.
Giles
The last winter Open training session...........
Robert
All members should check out the Grand Prix Event websites accessible via the Events and Results to read the latest Notice of Race for the series, and now published, our Major Event Sailing Instructions 2011 which will be used as a base for all events organised by the Class Association this year. Members should note specifically that entries for events MUST be made via the event website prior to the event, as we will not be accepting entries on the morning of an event.
Ben
14th March 2011
We hope to start a small joint Scottish and Northern England circuit to encourage 29er sailing in these areas. The initial idea is to select a small set of existing events that other youth classes or the Scottish Skiff fleet are attending. If enough 29ers are identified we would also like to set up some training events with the support of the 29er assocation.
Can anyone who would be interested in joining in either racing or training events please get in touch ASAP with Emily Robertson (Scottish sailor rep) through the 29er group on Facebook, or with Sarah Robertson (parent rep) via Martha. We would like to find out how much interest there would be and where the 29er boats and sailors are.
As the new season beckons, we are very pleased and excited to announce the launch of our new UK 29er Class Association branded kit, organised in association with Adam Larvin, and his business, Wave Clothing (www.waveclothing.co.uk).
Members now have the opportunity to purchase class branded Polo shirts and Oxford shirts, and our range will extend later in the year to cover Hoodies (and maybe Rash Vests) for the National Championships, plus Jackets and Trackies in the autumn.
Furthermore, as part of your membership benefits, we are offering all members one discounted shirt (either Polo or Oxford), per membership year at a price of only £10 – a discount of £6.00 off the normal price.
The shirts, which are available in both male and female fit, and in a whole variety of colours, are embroidered with a new UK 29er Class Association logo, plus (on each arm), Ovington and Noble Marine logo’s; they are finished off with a Wave Clothing logo on the back below the collar.
Ovington of course are our builder and supplier, whilst Noble Marine provide discounted insurance to 29er owners, which, based on the number of policies that members place with them, then generates an annual commission payment back into our class funds which we can then plough back into the development of the class.
So how do you order the kit …??
First have a look at the range – the website address is here – www.waveclothing.co.uk , and the Class Association kit is accessible via the ‘Club Kit’ tag. You may recognise a few faces on the website, not to mention the good looking models wearing the kit at the recent RYA Volvo Dinghy Show!
Before ordering your discounted shirt, contact our Class Administrator, Martha Berry, on email – membership@29ersailing.org.uk and ask for your unique, ‘once only use in 2011’, discount code. Use the code when placing your order to get your £10 shirt, and Wave Clothing will do the rest and your purchase will be delivered within 12 days.
Presentation and vote on the proposed new Class Association Constitution
The elected members of the UK 29er Class Association Committee give notice that there will be a Special General Meeting of the Class Association at Rutland Sailing Club on Saturday 26th March 2011.
At this meeting, a proposed new Class Association Constitution will be presented and discussed. This will be followed by a vote of the membership in attendance, to accept or reject this proposed new Constitution. Any such vote to adopt the proposals will require a two thirds majority to be successful.
Given the potential significance of this, two documents have been prepared for the membership to download, read and consider prior to the Special General Meeting. These are:
1. An explanation document detailing why a revision to the Class Constitution is proposed, and what the proposals seek to address. This document also presents the existing Constitution clause by clause with details of amendments that are being suggested in the new proposed constitution. The document also explains the second document.
2. The second document is the proposed new Class Constitution, presented in a way that should help readers understand the proposed changes.
3. Lastly the Agenda for the meeting can be seen by clicking on title link.
The elected members of the Committee believe that this proposed new Class Constitution represents a major step forward for the Class as a whole, encompassing best practice from other similar classes, whilst also making provision for the 29erXX Class – a necessity now especially given that it seems likely that there will be a Women’s Skiff event at the 2016.
Ben
An excellent Open Training weekend at Draycote SC
Giles
Sant Carles De La Rapita in Spain held the first round of the 29er Eurocup series, Jack Hawkins (Restronguet SC) and Christopher Thomas (St Mawes SC) were the only team from Great Britain to join teams from 14 other Nations. The duo aimed to start their first ever Eurocup Series in the top ten.
The three day event opened on Friday 18th in a modest 9 knot wind, and a relatively smooth sea. The first day recorded a mix of fortunes, a first race win set the pace, however a 2nd was then replaced by an OCS. The next two race results of 18th and a 3rd positioned the team in 7th place on day one. Saturday the teams spent 3 hours on the water waiting for the wind to increase above 5 knots to enable a start but the wind remained light and no racing could take place.
Sunday was going to be the day to determine the final results. The first of the four races started in light airs, three results in the middle of the pack and the disqualification on the first day would mean that the final race had to be good to give them a top ten placing. The last race was a battle of tactics in an increasing breeze, a second place was held until the last leg of the two lap race when GBR were passed by the team from Tenerife and 3rd place had to be. This gave our GBR team a respectable 11th place overall and in a good position for the series. Last years champions JULE GÖRGE, LOTTA GÖRGE proved once again true form and controlled the fleet with seven of the eight races in the top four, Champions of the event and current leaders of the Series.
James
Report from sailor Maddy Anderson
Click on the title link to see details of demo days at Rutland, Hayling & Grafham. Please send this leaflet to anyone transitioning from a Junior Class or anyone you know who is interested in trying the fastest Youth boat around!
Angie
Please click on the title link to use the new online membership system to renew or join the UK and International 29er Class Associations. By default you’ll be joining the UK Association (which covers both the 29er & 29erXX) plus International 29er Association. If you would like to join the International 29erXX Association instead, please join in the normal way and then send Martha an email asking for your €10 to be sent to the International 29erXX Association. If you would like to join both, please join in the normal way and then also join the International 29erXX Association (set boat type to 29erXX) at a cost of an additional €10.
Giles
Another good turnout of 29ers turned up this bitterly cold morning eager to get out sailing in the decent 10 to 14 knots of breeze. The 16 boats were expertly coached by Phil Walker & Rob Partridge, who had all sorts of starting formats going on. The group focused on trigger starts and transits.
Sunday was thankfully a much milder day, however the wind had dropped, with only around 5 to 8 knots most of the day. The session consisted of a straight 4 hour session on the water, with a short “play” session in the middle, with some boats having from one to three sailors at a time on their boats. The day finished with a two lap race to bring all they had learnt together.
Rob
Sailors/parents/guardians, we are very keen to hear your feedback on the open training for Dec & Jan, and your thoughts on the syllabus we are using as a guide for the sessions through to the end of March. Please take a few minutes to complete the 6 question survey by clicking on the article title.
Thanks
Martin
This was the first full on residential weekend for the 9 boats in this years TT squad, with Ian Martin the head coach and Chris Rashley ensuring they had the maximum time on the water, over the weekend
With a good brisk wind, time was spent improving boat handling, with special emphasis on leeward mark rounding’s, finishing off with a few races at the end of the day, with over 5 hours sailing under their belts.
Sunday morning started with running & core fitness joined by the 420 squad also staying at the same venue, before a hearty breakfast. Then back onto the water for “V” course exercises, outside boat tacks, with a couple of pursuit races with the 420 fleet. Finally a couple of 29er only races finished off the weekend, and most of the sailors, as they all seemed exhausted but happy.
Rob
This weekend, Draycote Water hosted the second of the open training events of 2011, with 13 boats attending.
The subject of the training was Roles and Communication.
Saturday morning started with a briefing by Phil Walker and Rob Partridge, we talked about properly defining roles in parts of the race course e.g. Pre-start; Post start; Beat; Windward mark; Downwind and Leeward gate. After that we got changed and headed onto the water.
We quickly got into a few ‘rolling starts’, which helped us on ‘pre-start’ communication.
Then we did a few short races, where we were to establish roles in the boat around the course.
In what seemed a very short time, it was time to come in for lunch.
In the afternoon we did more racing to put into practise what we learnt in the morning, this was slow because the wind was tailing off. It was quite a relief to come off the water because of this fact.
On Sunday, we had an earlier start, with a short briefing. When on the water we went straight into a windward/leeward course, where we were to practise anything we were uncertain about from Saturday. Once we were ready, we did some hunter-hunted starts, where we learnt about protecting our leeward gap. Although they didn’t go quite to plan, we got the gist of what was needed by the exercise.
On completion of that, we went into having 2 top marks, where we practiced quick sets and settling down before having to drop, and go back up for the second time and finishing on a longer run to the finish line. This got quite congested around the 2 marks, but quite good fun.
After having come in for lunch, the wind increased, and Phil set up a few races to finish off the weekend I do believe we are yet to hear the results of those.
All in all a good weekend and looking forward to Grafham.
Adam
The first squad weekend took place this weekend at Grafham Water Centre, with sailing on Saturday and the Land day on Sunday, including the dreaded fitness tests !.
With winds around 20+ knots, and gusting around 30 knots, the sailing was postponed to the afternoon, where 4 boats went out to try the conditions. Going downwind seemed great and lots of fun, however turning and hardening up to come back seemed a different matter, one crew member did perform a perfect dive through their jib, which has been captured by Ian Martin on video, which will be shown on many occasions in the future I am sure. Keep an eye on Youtube.
Sunday was very informative with talks from Nutritionist, Psychologists, Coaches & Sport Science experts. All of the sailors took part in a logged trial, which tested all of the fitness attributes you need to be a good sailor, which showed in their red and sweaty faces at the end of the day.
Next weekend is back to Grafham Water Centre for a residential weekend.
Rob
The current list of reps are:
Jeremy Williamson – South Area Rep (Elected Committee Member)
Nicola Smith – South East / London Area Rep
Ian Payne – Midlands Area Rep
Tom Bucktrout – East Area Rep
Catrin Drake – Wales Area Rep
Emily Robertson – Scotland Area Rep
Vacant – South West Area
Vacant – North Area
Contact Sailor Reps via Facebook Group “29er UK” in the Members List
Ben
Hi all ... a final post-script has been posted on our Worlds Event site; just a few thank you's and a final wrap up to our Adventure. To see the whole blog, go HERE .
To read, or re-read the Blog from the event itself go here http://www.29erworlds.org/ and click on the Replay button in the middle of the page.
To view all the official event photos from an amazing photograper go here truely inspiring pictures. We will certainly be looking to get hold of a few.
... and the next Worlds (2012) are in Travemunde, Germany ... its a whole lot closer, and you won't get those waves!!
Congratulations to Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten - 2nd Youth Boat (13th Overall in the 25 boat Gold Fleet), Ollie Cooper and James Poyner - 5th Youth Boat (8th overall in the Silver Fleet), and Jack Hawkins and Chris Thomas - 6th Youth Boat (9th overall in the Silver Fleet), and huge huge thanks to the RYA for their support, and specifically, Coach, Ian Martin, for all his support and advice out there (and for being great company).
Ben
The Class Association have an exciting programme of Open Training for the New Year through to the end of March. There are a variety of venues with training led by Phil Walker, and aimed at all levels including recent newcomers to 29ers through to more experienced or older sailors (Team Dave).
While the events are open to anyone to join in for one or more, there is also a plan or syllabus to cover a range of topics over the 5 events to the end of March based on the syllabus used for the RYA Transition Squad. Details of the syllabus are in a new training policy document, which we have developed with the class coaches to set out the aims of the class training and to try and make it clear to 29er sailors what is available. We would welcome any thoughts and comments on the policy which is available through the title link.
Please note that bookings should be done 21 days prior to the events to allow arrangement of coaches and safety boats etc. The booking conditions, which are required to allow time to arrange the resources for each event and provide financial safeguards, are also detailed in the new training policy.
Martin
I am very pleased to be able to announce a number of new appointments as co-opted members of the UK 29er Committee.
Junior Classes Liaison Officer - I would like to welcome Angie Alloway as our Co-opted Junior Classes Liaison Officer. This role will primarily focus on building relationships with our key feeder boats in the RYA Junior Classes Programme, namely the Cadet, Feva, Mirror, Optimist and Topper. This will involve two key activities; first offering advice and support to aspiring 29er sailors, advising them where there are meetings they can attend to try out the boat, meet current 29er sailors and introduce parents to current parents in the class so as to share experiences on the transition, understand the costs involved and get advice on boats and equipment etc. This will further include working with Nathan Batchelor at Ovington Boats to help identify where they new entrants can find a boat.
Second, the role will involve organising actual promotional introductory sessions at both 29er events and at Junior Class events. To this end we already have two such sessions planned, one at the first 29er Grand Prix event of the season at Rutland at the end of March, and the second at the Topper Inlands at Grafham at the start of May. These sessions will provide potential new entrants with the opportunity of meeting current sailors and parents, along with potentially having trial sails (weather permitting). We will also seek to create a database of potential new helms and crews, with contact details and location / sailing clubs so we can work to introduce prospective helms and crews, and ultimately track how effective we are at bringing new sailors into the class.
Marketing and Publicity Officer – Into this role I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Allan. Marketing and Publicity are a key aspect in the promotion of the class to the wider sailing audience, presenting a strong image of a healthy and developing class, and indeed a class that is attractive to new sailors, whether at Youth level or older sailors. Rob will take a lead in ensuring that we have a regular flow of information going out to publications / websites such as Yachts and Yachting, that our own website and the class Facebook page has a regular flow of news items, notably both pre and post events. In addition, Rob will assist in developing other key promotional opportunities and media such as the Dinghy Show. He will be supported in this role by Valerie Clabburn.
Publicity ultimately is something that we can all assist with, so Rob and Valerie will be seeking support from sailors and parents alike to generate a regular flow of material, which will almost certainly mean a continuation of the unwritten rule that the sailors finishing 3rd at events produce an event write-up … you have been warned!
Sailor Reps – I am also very pleased to announce that Tom Bucktrout has volunteered to be the Sailor Rep for the Eastern Area … essentially East Anglia, Herefordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, and Emily Robertson has volunteered to be the Sailor Rep for Scotland. Tom and Emily join Jeremy Williamson (South), Nicola Smith (South East including London), and Ian Payne (Midlands). Great to have you all involved … we’re still looking for Reps for the South West, Wales and North … anyone interested, please contact Jeremy Williamson via the 29er UK Facebook page.
Ben
You should be aware that the class rules have changed slightly as of 1st January. A fuller explanation of how these are being interpreted will be posted once we see how they are implemented in Argentina.
Giles
It can sometimes seem like there is not much going on in the Class at this time of year however you might be surprised just how busy it gets. Over the past few months there has been a lot of activity as the new acting committee members find their feet and have resolved a number of issues such as handing over the class finances and administration ready for the New Year.
The 2011 calendar is almost complete with the majority of the Grand Prix events now fixed and the Nationals organized. With the principal events set the next step is to organise regional open meetings. There has been a lot activity on the Class IT front over the past few months especially with the development of the microsites allowing open training bookings and event entries to be managed online. By the 1st of Jan the plan is to also have membership online as well. This has been a real challenge however will add real benefits to the class.
We have a new addition to the Acting Committee and would like to welcome Angie Alloway in the role of Acting Junior Liaison Officer. This is a really key role in promoting growth of the class. Angie’s role will involve coordinating principally with the junior classes that feed into 29er‘s such as Toppers and Feva’s.
Finally a lot of work has gone into sorting out the Class ET rib. The trailer needs some remedial work being undertaken and the intention is to have the trailer modified so it’s easier to carry two 29ers. We are also looking at multi boat transport options as a way reducing the cost of competing at European events. We are getting greater European participation at our UK events, so its time team GBR took up the European challenge!
Martha
I am very pleased to announce that, with the help of Jeremy Williamson, we now have two additional Sailor Representatives who are being co-opted onto the Committee. These are Nicola Smith and Ian Payne.
In line with a proposed new ‘structure’ for the Sailor reps, we would like to have a representative from each region of the country, so Nicola is kindly representing the South East (including London), and Ian will represent the Midlands. Jeremy as an existing elected sailor rep will represent the South. Splitting the country up into sensible regions is a challenge, but my suggestion is that we have eight regions, and therefore we are still looking for reps to cover the South West, Wales, East, North and Scotland. If you are interested, please could you contact Jeremy, Nicola or Ian via the Facebook page "29er UK".
An immediate task that we would like to get off the ground is a Social Event for the evening of the Dinghy Show, at Alexandra Palace, London over the weekend of 5th/6th March. We will be looking for sailors to assist on the stands at the show over the weekend, so why not combine a good social event with helping out the class at the show. There are lots of potential new members out there, especially sailing Feva’s and Toppers at the moment who will be wanting to know more – so come and help convince them to join in.
Another idea we are investigating is a Start of Racing evening event at Rutland for the first of our 2011 Grand Prix events; ideas to the sailor reps please, along with any other suggestions for things to do, both on the water and off?
Ben
Your committee are very pleased to formally announce the appointment of Martha Berry as the UK 29er Class Administrator. As many of you will already know, Martha has been supporting the class in a voluntary capacity for the last couple of months, and we are now pleased to announce her formal appointment to this role.
The intention going forward is that this role is a formal contracted role with a clear description of responsibilities, but it is not a Committee Position. The responsibilities will encompass all Class Administration, including Membership management, admin support in organising our Class Training programme and our Racing Events, and Event support for our National Championships. There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to run the class, and we are really pleased to have Martha now in post.
Ben
Congratulations to the following sailors who have been invited to join the 2011 RYA VOLVO Transition Training Squad following a hard autumn of training.
Ruth and Tess Allan,
Maddy Anderson and Hugh Ward,
Ben Batten and Luke Burywood,
Rob and Emma Loveridge,
George Meredith and Ashley Greenhall,
Rob Morris and George Shelley,
Gavin Page and Thomas Scott,
Vikki Payne and Stephanie Orton,
Sam Smith and Dominick Burke
Good luck to you all with the forthcoming Training Camps.
For those who missed out on selection, the Class Association will now be looking to organise tailored training specifically for your needs in line with the training that this new squad receives, using much of the same syllabus and exercises, and with a team of coaches who will work specifically with you. In due course we will also look to develop this group into a 29er Class Squad with its own identity and some allocated funding from the class. Details will be announced in the new year.
Adrian
This year, the Grand Prix forms Round 1 of the SailJuice Global Warm-Up. The Warm-Up brings together four of the biggest winter handicap racing events into a unified series, with its own generous prizes. The four events of the Series are the Grafham Grand Prix, the Bloody Mary, the Steve Nicholson Trophy at Northampton Sailing Club and the John Merricks Tiger Trophy at Rutland.
Adrian
26 boats made it to Draycote for 27/28 Nov Open Training and the last Transition Squad selector. Snow dusted the hills surrounding Draycote providing a very scenic backdrop, perhaps more appropriate to a Christmas card.
Martin
Looking for Christmas present ideas or just fancy some warm stuff to wear? Take a look at the hats, shirts, t-shirts, jackets & bags available from the Merchandise page on the international site. I’ve confirmed with Jen & Jerelyn that they are happy to ship items to the UK and they can be purchased with a UK credit/debit card. The current exchange rate makes these items good value for money, shipping is very reasonable and they expect to deliver to your door within a few days.
Giles
I’m pleased to announce that Harken have agreed to provide a 30% discount on their fittings, clothing range and selected rope & dyneema products for RYA NYS members. They also have a very useful technical backup service if you’re having problems, or just need advice on how to select the correct item for the job. Contact Loretta Cuoghi (Lo@harken.co.uk, 01590 689122) at Harken for details. If you wish to update your entire boat, ask Loretta about their special full boat package! In addition I can occasionally provide a delivery service to the next NYS camp, as we live close to Loretta at Harken UK in Lymington; contact me if you want something picked up.
Giles
The ISAF 2010 Annual Conference in Athens has confirmed the initial line up of sailing events for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, included for the first time is a women's skiff. Although there are still several hurdles to be cleared, this is potentially great news for the 29er Class as the 29erXX will now be a contender in the evaluation process to select the actual boat. Good news certainly for the 29er class and for female sailors sailing the boat now - you have something BIG to aim for!
Charles
Click on the title to read about a busy open training weekend at Grafham on 6/7 Nov. Many thanks to the coaches Phil Walker and particular thanks to Dave Hall, who after many years of coaching with the class has decided to step back from regular coaching at our open training. Thanks Dave, your good work has been appreciated by and benefited many 29er sailors.
Martin
Click on the title link to see where the current saiors are based. Zoom in th see the details. Email the membership secretary if your details are missing.
29er sailors looking for a career path into professional sailing may be interested in this…
Giles
I’m pleased to announce that Great Britain will be represented by the following 3 teams:
- Henry Lloyd Williams & Sam Batten
- Ollie Cooper & James Poyner
- Jack Hawkins & Christopher Thomas
They will be supported by RYA coach, Ian Martin, plus various parents. The whole team fly out on Boxing Day via Toronto and Chilli but don't get to Mar del Plata (200 miles south of Buenos Aires) until the 29th. The first race is on 1st January. Many thanks to Amy, Roy & Duncan at the RYA for helping with logistics & funding to make this expedition possible.
Giles
The ISAF Conference kicked off last Thursday (4/11/10) in Athens and runs until Sunday (14/11/10). This annual event is where recommendations to the International Olympic Committee(IOC) are formulated, the direction of competitive sailing world-wide is discussed, and hence the format of the ISAF Youth Worlds and the RYA’s Youth Racing Programme strategy are influenced. Our team (Chris turner, Charles Glover & Pippa Wilson) flew out early last Tuesday (9/11/10) to meet up with Jen Glass, Jerelyn Biehl and Lizzi Rountree from the International Association to promote the 29er and XX to the various sub-committees at the conference.
There are a number of interesting conference submissions from the RYA and International 29er Association plus one from the Swedish Sailing Federation requesting separate 29er girls & boys events at the Youth Worlds. The real decisions tend to be made towards the end of this week and then put forward for ratification by the Executive Committee on Sunday. One early recommendation concerning Olympic classes came out on Tuesday.
Giles
Join in, Load up (your 29er Photos) and show the other classes where the action is!
We would really like to get feedback from everyone who has attended Open Training this Autumn. Please click on the link to go to an anonymous online survey. We will use this information to try to provide good quality training to meet the needs of the sailors going forward.
Martin
This 4 day event held on the iconic waters of Lake Garda was the last on the 2010 Eurocup circuit. Sadly due to a clash with the Ovington Inlands, James & Tim were the only UK sailors flying the flag for Team GBR in the 45 strong fleet consisting of mainly Italian and German boats. Despite having two DNFs in the 14 race series, hence having to count all their remaining results, James & Tim managed a very respectable 9th overall, including a couple of bullets.
Next year it’s our intention to get Team GBR on the continent and racing in numbers on the Euocup circuit. We are talking with the RYA and other interested parties to see how this can best be achieved. Next year’s UK event will be at Hayling in September, other events are detailed in the Notice of Race.
Giles
This report charts the growth of the XX across the world in the last 12 months. An interesting read with some excellent photos. The introduction of a two person, women’s high-performance event at the 2016 Olympics is likely to be one of the agenda items at the ISAF Annual Conference in Athens next month. The XX is the boat of choice for this according to most female Olympic sailors. A number of people close to the UK 29er class (mentioning no names!) will be attending the conference, so I hope we'll be the first to report any significant news. I also hope to announce the formation of a UK XX fleet soon…
Giles
We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to get in touch with those running the class at the moment - click on the title link, or select ‘Class Association’ on the left and then ‘Class Committee & Contacts’ to see who’s doing what. As you’ll see, we still have positions vacant and are looking for more volunteers to help run the class – please let Ben know if you’re interested!
Giles
The final event of the year at Northampton attracted a record number of entries with many new faces coming up from the Junior classes. Looking at the results sheets for the year, there was quite a difference in the number of boats coming to the start line at each event (Rutland–30, Brightlingsea–23, Parkstone–22, Draycote-16, Thorpe Bay-23, Northampton-32). The first and last events seem to have been the most popular, however this may be driven by factors such as location, weather, discard options etc. Draycote gets the best club prize, both in terms of numbers entering, and sailors at the top of the leader board!
Henry & Sam took the impressive looking 29er Harken Grand Prix trophy this year, achieved a clean sweep by counting only firsts towards their final score. James & Tim were second with a score of 13, and relative new comers Ian & Chris were only 2 points behind in third place after a strong end to the season. Alex & Abbie scooped the first all girl prize, and the first junior boat prize went to Ben & Luke (it’s interesting to note that these guys were still sailing Oppies only six months ago!).
I’ll be having a think about what worked & what didn’t for this and the Accumulator series in the next few weeks, if you have any comments or improvements for next year, please give me a call (number on contacts page) or send an email.
Giles
Click on the link to see the presentation given by Ben.
This document (click on the title link to see) describes everything we feel needs to be done to ensure the 29er becomes THE youth boat to sail in the UK. It’s a big document and describes lots of ideas to enhance the 29er class and hence your sailing. Take a look and if you have any questions, why not email them to committee@29ersailing.org.uk, or come along to the talk at Northampton on 23/10/10.
Giles
Following the last event at Hayling, the final results of the Accumulator series are now available on the title link. Going into the last event, Henry & Sam had a 60 point lead, and seemed well placed to take the series. However Arthur & Ed sailed very consistently in the light and shifty conditions at Hayling to win (see Sam’s report below). As a result of the unique scoring system used in the Accumulator, this allowed Art &Ed to finish the series on equal points to Henry & Sam, with the later only taking the title on count-back. Third place went to Jack & Chris who have had an excellent first year in the class. Alex & Abbie, finished in 5th place, scooping both the best newcomer prize and the first all girl team prize.
Many thanks to Simon Hiscocks of Shock Sailing, for helping me dream up this series, and then offering to sponsor it by providing all the prizes. The series was created as a bit of an experiment to generate some extra interest in the non Grand Prix events & try out an alternative scoring system. I would be interested to hear what you thought of it, and if we should do it again next year?
Giles
Phil Walker and John Mather from Wimbledon Park SC maintained their lead from Saturday to win the 29er event ahead of Joan Furness and Will Carlisle from Draycote Water SC. Third place went to Adam Kitchen and Cam Stewart of HISC (click on title link to see the full results)
Giles
This event was the final one in the series, ‘Shock Accumulator’, a first year for this series with each event’s importance increasing as the year went on. The event had a good turnout of 11 boats, all eager to get out on the water.
The first race was a mixture of conditions, with big waves left over from some strong winds sailing out. As well as continually shifting winds, meaning a strong tactical head was needed. During the race positions were swapped regularly, with Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten clinching the first place, closely followed by Arthur and Ed Romano and Jack Hawkins and Chris Thomas taking third.
Race two saw a big wind shift to the left with about 30 seconds to go before the gun. This turned the race in to almost a reaching race, with the left hand side of the course massively favoured. Meaning that great boat speed was required to do well. James Briggs and Chris Peel took the bullet in this race by a considerable margin. Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten finished second, closely followed again by Arthur and Ed Romano in third.
The final race of the day saw the steadiest winds as well as much flatter water, making the light conditions much easier to sail in, and tide becoming the main factor. Taking the bullet this time was Arthur and Ed Romano who had stretched out such a lead that they finished in and amongst the International 14’s that were also racing on the course. Taking second place was Briggs and Chris Peel, followed by Ollie Cooper and James Poyner in third.
The second day of racing saw high winds reaching 40 knots and a big sea. This meant that that there was likely to be no sailing and at 11 o’clock the decision was cast to abandon. This left the overall standings as:
In first place, Arthur and Ed Romano
In second Place, Briggs and Chris Peel
In third place, Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten
Sam
Please click on the title for details of the funding available.
Ben
The Ovington Inlands are rapidly approaching and as always we need volunteers to help with event safety. We need RIB helms, crews and possibly a couple of shore based helpers armed with a VHF for beach duties. RIB drivers would require power boat level 2. Crews should be suitably attired to assist in the recovery of sailors and equipment should it be required. If you could let me know either by dropping me an email or giving me a call I would be very grateful. It does not matter if you can't do both days or only half a day as we can mix and match crew.
Looking to the 2011 season I would like to to create a register of volunteers for on and off the water safety duties. The safety fleet is a great way to get involved with events and an opportunity to see the racing up close. As mentioned above helms do require power boat level 2 as a minimum and have some VHF experience. If you have not been involved in safety before its not a problem as through the season we will have opportunities to move crews and helms around to share experience and knowledge.
email: safety@29ersailing.org.uk
Phil
18 relative newcomers came to the Open Training/Transition squad selector at WPNSA keen to continue their progress with 29er sailing. Click on the title to read more...
Martin
After a bit of digging I came across the rules for this series, here they are:
1. Six events make up the series, with the best four results to count (2 discards)
2. The last event at Northampton is non-discardable
3. The same helm & crew must sail together in all events
4. Helm & crew may change boats during the series
5. A low-points scoring system is used, utilising finishing positions from each event
6. Tie breaks are decided using the usual count-back method
I’ve also made up a few rules of my own since taking over results calculation for this:
1. The first discard is applied after 4 events & the second after 5
2. If you don’t enter an event, you’ll score the total number of entries in the whole series plus 1
The penultimate Harken Grand Prix event brought 23 sailors to Thorpe Bay Yacht Club to conduct what will certainly be remembered as the adrenaline rush of the year. Wind readings for the first day were up to 20-25 knots, with one of the locals convinced that it was blowing a force 7 on the other side of the river. Click on the title link to read more...
Chris
RYA Volvo 29er National Youth Squad 2010-11
Congratulations to all our 29er sailors who have recently gained selection to the 2010-11 RYA Volvo 29er National Youth Squad.
The following sailors have been selected to the squad following their performances in the various recent indicator events including the 2010 European Championships, the Parkstone Harken Grand Prix Event and the 2010 29er National Championships.
Henry Lloyd-Williams & Sam Batten; Callum Ellis & Will Harris; James Bolingbroke & Tim Walton; Ollie Cooper & James Poyner; Ian Payne & Chris Berry; Tom Bucktrout & Will Glover; Jack Hawkins & Chris Thomas; Alice Kent & Lucy Childs
Well done to all those selected to the squad, and good luck for a hard winter's training!
Ben
Well done to the sailors who competed in the Thorpe Bay HARKEN open meeting, which was sailed in 20-25 knots constant and 6 feet of water!
Click on the title to see the results
A great racing event for Juniors and Youth sailors, with teams entered from various classes and clubs. Why not put a team of 29er Sailors together?
13 boats, many relative newcomers to the class, and the majority being female crews converged at Draycote Water SC over the weekend of 18th/19th Sept for the second of the scheduled Autumn Open Training weekends. Thanks go to coaches Phil Walker and Dave Hall, ably assisted by Chris Peel and Fin Anderson for their support and advice over the weekend, to Barbara Walker for the organisation, and to Draycote Water SC for hosting. Please click the title to link to the full report.
Click the title link to see the full results.
Click the title link to see photos from the event.
CLick on the title for a link to the DWSC Results page.
Thank you to everyone who came to Datchet 9er open, the turnout was moderate but nevertheless worthwhile ( there was an open training running the same weekend). A special thanks to the race officer who was very welcoming and friendly and provided interesting racing in the light and shifty conditions. No-one was at the front for all races and most of us had good and bad races. The hospitality and organization was very nice and relaxed which we as sailors like. A special mention to James Poyner who landed at Gatwick during the first race and made it into the boat for the third race, this just shows how much we all just like sailing the 29er! Well done to the winners Jack Hawkins and Chris Thomas.
This years winners of the junior division of the UK National Champioships are Luke Burywood and ben Batten
The 2010 29er National Championships, generously sponsored by Zhik and held in Pwllheli were a great success. Pwllheli looked after us very well and the race officer held 14 races in varying conditions which made for a challenging week. Open Champions are Gael Jaffrezic & Julien Bloyett with David Conlon & Finbar Anderson first British boat in third place overall.
The event closed with a black tie prize giving dinner and disco. The sailors were loud and gracious in their applause during prize giving and made the French feel very welcome. Congratulations to David & Finbar, the 2010 29er Nationals Champions. Please see title link for full results.
Our ISAF reps, Henry & Sam got a chance to try out the new XX last weekend in some brisk & gusty conditions. It definitely seems faster than an RS800, but still retains the responsiveness of the 29er. Henry’s comment after a 2-lap windward leeward race against a couple of 29ers in 18kts, gusting to 24, was “this is the biggest adrenalin rush I’ve had all year!”. Click on the title link to see video clip.
The 29er Class is proud to announce www.29erxx.com, a website for all things 29erXX. We are particularly excited by the growth this part of our class has seen. Now sailors will have one place to go for the latest news, event information, tuning, photos, and to communicate with other 29erXX sailors. Make sure to keep coming back to the site as the content will continue to change and grow over time.
-Jen Glass, 29erXX Class President
The 2010 Members Year Book is now available to look at online. The Year Book contains essential information abou the UK 29er Class, as well as the Class Constitution and the Class Rules. This would previously have been sent with your membership card, so don't forget you must join the association whether you are helm or crew in order to take advantage of all that the class has to offer. Click title link, or follow the link from the Member's only section, Class Documents.
Each year the International class association prepare a report of activity for the year. Read the report by clicking the title link