Annual International 29er Class Report 2023
World Championships were held in Weymouth, GBR 27th July – 4th August
14 races were held across 4 fleets/2courses (Q7/F7). Wind conditions were predominantly 15 -25 knots for racing – racing was mostly in the harbour with 1/2 days outside in Weymouth bay.
Entries - 205
Countries – 25
All female teams: 51 (25%)
All male teams: 113 (55%)
Mixed gender teams 41 (20%)
45% of teams had at least 1 female onboard
Under 17 teams – 29 (14 %)
European Championships were held in Saltsjobaden, Sweden 12-19th August
17 races were held across 4 fleets/2courses (Q9/F8). Wind conditions were predominantly 5-15 knots for racing and very shifty/offshore.
Entries - 174
Countries – 24
All female teams: 61 (35%)
All male teams: 84 (48%)
Mixed gender teams 29 (17%)
52 % of all teams had at least 1 female onboard
Under 17 teams – 59 (34 %)
EuroCup Series - 11 events, 11 countries
Entries - 413
Countries – 25
All female teams: 126 (30%)
All male teams: 205 (50%)
Mixed gender teams 83 (20%)
50 % of all teams had at least 1 female onboard
Under 17 teams – 133 (32 %)
Entry Fees
World Championships 610 GBP
European Championships 650 EUROS
The International 29er Class Association considers these entry fees too high and is working with local organising authorities to reduce the cost of future Class Championships in 2024 and beyond.
Race Management
The International 29er Class Association implemented a spreader mark at Mark 1 of the course after the World Championships to try to minimise risk of upwind and downwind boats coming together and causing jury and or damage which was effective at the European Championships, although conditions were very shifty and lighter. We have introduced this new course configuration into the 29er Class Race Management guidelines.
Sustainability
Both World and European Championships in 2023 were registered with Sailors for the Seas and achieved Silver and Gold certification respectively. For 2024 this is an area of focus and development for the class and as such we have teamed up with Sailors for the Sea as the first International and Youth ‘Clean Class’. This means that all of our EuroCup, European, Asian and World Championship events will also be registered and supported by SFS, working to improve our sustainability globally.
Builders
Xtreme were approved as an International 29er Class builder in 2023 – providing further access to boats and equipment in Asia. The Class recognises the need for growth across continents and globally and is working to support and facilitate this.