Punta del Este, Uruguay - 12-17 April
29er South American Championship Showcases Elite Youth Sailing in Punta del Este, Uruguay
The South American Championship of the 29er class kicked off on Saturday, April 12, in the iconic sailing waters of Punta del Este, Uruguay. Running through Thursday, April 17, the event is a celebration of speed, strategy, and youth talent, drawing top sailors from across the continent.
Organized by the Yacht Club Punta del Este (YCPE) in collaboration with the Uruguayan 29er Class Association, the regatta is being contested in the Bay of Maldonado—an area known for its ideal sailing conditions.
This year’s championship featured 16 boats from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. For the second time, Punta del Este played host to this high-caliber event, reaffirming its status as a hub for international sailing competition.
Over five days of racing, sailors faced off across 12 scheduled regattas. The competition was fierce, with Brazil and Argentina leading a tight duel at the top.
Brazil’s Zion Faria and João Vicente Joppert claimed first place in both the general and male rankings. Fellow Brazilians Pedro and Matheus Koch secured fourth overall, while Ana Clara Mendes Carlin and Anne Hetze Scampini placed fifth in the female category. Heloisa Ruschel Gonçalves and Isabella Hermann Zorzi followed close behind, further asserting Brazil's dominance in the region.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Path for 29er in South America
The championship highlighted the growing popularity of the 29er class in the continent. With Uruguay and Chile revitalizing their fleets and Brazil and Argentina leading the way, the class is gaining traction as a foundational discipline for future 49er and 49erFX Olympic campaigns.
“The class has a bright future. It’s an essential step in developing top-level skiff sailors,” said Gustavo Gonçalves, Brazil’s 29er coordinator. “Events like this are key in building a strong pathway toward international excellence.”
Check out the photos: https://29ersailing.smugmug.com/Photos/Photos-LR/2025/South-American-Championships
Check out the full results: https://viramos-production-app.s3.sa-east-1.amazonaws.com/5282a6b6-f5a3-4f13-aaf2-717126e4a84d/49f345c7-38a3-4490-809c-976fa5bd86a7