Issue date
The 29er class is currently going through a resurgence, with 10-12 boats sailing together in Auckland. With more crews keen to join the action, the class is keen to locate any 29ers which might be sitting in garages or yacht clubs around the countryside which could be offered for sale or loan to new entrants to the class. If you know the whereabouts of an unused 29er, please contact Mike Simpson from the 29er class association at jam-co@vodafone.co.nz, or post the details on the NZL 29er association facebook page.
With the introduction of the Women's 49er FX skiff into the Olympics interest is being fuelled in skiff sailing, including the 29er and 49er. There are boats sailing in Auckland, Tauranga and Dunedin. In Auckland a base has been set up during winter at Wakatere Boating Club, and another is being set up at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
The 29er is an exciting boat to sail, it is one of the two double handed mono boats ( the other being the 420) sailed at the ISAF Youth World Championships which are held annually, and is ideally suited to a combined crew weight of 110-130kg with sailors generally over the age of 13, male, female or combined. Mackay Boats in Silverdale are the New Zealand agents for new boats and spares.
The fleet is preparing for the MBSC Winter Champs regatta (including some coaching before and after the event), and other regattas during summer, running into the 29er Nationals and Youth trials for next year’s ISAF Youth World Championships.
Several sailors in the fleet are on the water after successful European and World Championship regattas during winter, whilst a number of Optimist and Starling sailors have recently entered the class. There are some father and son/daughter combinations sailing competitively as well.
If you are interested in getting involved in sailing 29ers, contact Mike at jam-co@vodafone.co.nz or on the class website at or keep in touch with the action/ find out if there is an opportunity to go for a sail on the facebook page.
