Dear 29er sailors, families, coaches and friends,
As the year comes to an end, we wanted to send you our season’s greetings  in a slightly different way.

We asked our sailors and friends from all over the world to open their fridges, turn on their cameras and share a simple message of joy and good vibes — and this is the result.

Behind every clip there is the same passion that connects us all: sailing, friendship, commitment and fun, on and off the water.

Thank you for being part of the 29er Class and for making this season unforgettable.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a fantastic start to the new season.

The 29er Awards

This time of the year felt like the perfect moment to celebrate the people who made the 29er Class so special in 2025.
The 29er Awards were created to recognize performance, commitment and contribution to the class — both on and off the water.

Here are the winners:

Coach of the Year
Caroline Atwood

Congratulations to Caroline Atwood, voted Coach of the Year 2025.

For her outstanding dedication, leadership and impact on sailors’ development, Caroline will receive a one-year Vantage Sailing Coach subscription(valued at €179.99), providing advanced tools to analyse and monitor sailors’ performance.

Well done, Caroline — your commitment continues to inspire the next generation of 29er sailors.

Values First

Sportsmanship Award
Jocelyn Le Goff

For outstanding fair play, respect on and off the water, and for setting a positive example within the fleet.

Best Team Spirit
João Joppert

For embodying teamwork, positivity and the true spirit of sailing every single day.
To recognise their achievements, both winners will receive a £50 Musto voucher.

Because in sailing, how you race matters just as much as the results.

Sustainability Award
Zion Brandão da Cunha Faria

Awarded for his commitment to environmental responsibility and for actively promoting sustainability within the sailing community, on and off the water.

Zion receives a Sailors for the Sea certificate, recognising sailors who take action to protect the oceans we race on.

Because protecting our environment is part of being a sailor.

29er Awards 2025 – Kidzink Special Awards

Creativity Award
Tomasz Zawadka

Awarded for his creative mindset and innovative approach.
Tomasz recently took part in the Kidzink internship in Dubai, turning ideas into real-world experimentation and innovation.

As recognition, he receives a physical Kidzink Award, celebrating curiosity, originality and the courage to explore new paths.

Most Stylish Sailor
Jules Vidor

Awarded for bringing personality, confidence and unmistakable style to the boat park — expressing individuality both on and off the water.

Jules also receives a physical Kidzink Award, celebrating self-expression and the unique ways sailors represent themselves beyond performance alone.

Because in sailing, creativity and style matter just as much as performance.

Performance & Progress

Team of the Year
Giulia Bartolozzi & Pietro Rizzi

For outstanding performance, consistency and dedication throughout the entire season.

Most Improved Team
Alexandre Mostini & Raphaël Allain

For remarkable progress driven by hard work, determination and continuous improvement on the water.

Both teams receive a £50 Musto voucher, supporting their continued journey in high-performance sailing.

Top Performance by Continent

Celebrating sailors who stood out across the globe during the 2025 season:

Asia: Ethan Kiu & Louis Polson
Africa: Lena Holm & Thomas Slater
Europe: Alexandre Mostini & Raphaël Allain
Oceania: Will Leech & William Mason
North America: Isabella Calzadilla & Julia Pantin
South America: Felix Llauro & Juani Crespo

Each team will receive an Ovington voucher, recognising top-level performance across the international 29er fleet.

One class. One season. One global community.

Rookie of the Year
Jessica Liu

For an impressive first season in the 29er Class, showing talent, commitment and great potential from the very beginning.

Jessica receives a £50 Ovington discount voucher, supporting her next steps and continued development in the class.

A strong start is just the beginning.

Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 season unforgettable.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic start to the new season.

Fair winds,
The 29er International Class