JANUARY | FEBRUARY, 2026
The 29er Loop
Your Bi-Monthly Update from the 29er International Class
Welcome to the 29er Loop!
Your bi-monthly update from the International 29er Class, bringing you the latest news, event updates, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of 29er sailing.
From major championships to EuroCup results, tips and strategies, and class announcements, The 29er Loop keeps you connected to the action both on and off the water.
Dive in and stay in the loop!
Mark Your Calendars: The 29er Championships Road Ahead
Beyond this year’s major international events, the International 29er Class is already looking ahead to the next big challenges!
- 2027 European Championship – Lake Balaton, Hungary: 1–10 August 2027
- 2028 European Championship – Travemünde, Germany: 21–30 July 2028, as part of Travemünde Week
- 2028 World Championship – Hayling Island, UK: 3–10 July 2028
These upcoming championships promise thrilling racing, unforgettable experiences, and a chance to push your limits on some of Europe’s most iconic sailing venues. Start planning, because the 29er adventure is just getting started!
2026 World Championships in Kiel
The Notice of Race for the 2026 29er World Championship is now published, officially opening entries for teams worldwide. Set in the historic Olympic sailing waters of Kiel, this event will bring together the world’s top youth sailors for six days of high-level racing across up to six fleets and three race courses.
Kenton-Page, Executive Director of the International 29er Class, commented:
“The 29er World Championships in Kiel promises to be our largest ever, with world-class racing, social opportunities, and new experiences for young sailors. This is the pinnacle event of our circuit, showcasing teamwork, high-speed sailing, and, most importantly, fun on and off the water!”
2026 European Championships in Lake Lipno
The Notice of Race for the 2026 29er European Championship is officially released, opening the road to Lipno for teams across Europe and beyond. Set in the heart of Central Europe, Lipno Lake will host Europe’s top youth skiff sailors for a week of high-level racing in a stunning freshwater venue.
Local welcome from Jana Kostalova, President of the Czech 29er Class Association:
“Lake Lipno offers steady winds, beautiful surroundings, and challenging racing, providing an ideal stage for top-level youth sailing. We look forward to a championship filled with fair competition, strong sportsmanship, and memorable experiences both on and off the water.”
Early entries are welcome.
The organizing team is happy to support sailors and coaches with logistics and planning in advance. If you have any questions or specific needs, please get in touch early so everything can be arranged smoothly before arrival.
Championship “What To Expect”
To assist in planning and organisation, we will be issuing “What to Expect” documents on our website in conjunction with all of our EuroCup and Championship Hosts.
EuroCups Open for Entries
The 29er EuroCup series is underway for 2026, with two events already completed:
Palamós – December 2025
Held during the Palamós Christmas Race, the first EuroCup of the season saw intense racing and strong performances from teams across Europe.
Valencia – Mid February 2026
The second EuroCup recently took place in Valencia, delivering close competition and exciting on-water action.
Upcoming events – Register here:
#3 KOPER (SLO)
#4 CARNON (FRA)
#5 MALCESINE (ITA)
Jib Update
During 2025, the 29er Class Technical Committee tested improvements to increase jib durability without affecting performance or class equality.
Main wear points were identified at the leech (flutter fatigue) and lower panels (compression from the gennaker). Thicker films showed no real lifespan gains and reduced performance.
The current best solution is a modified 3 mm jib, with improved leech stability and ongoing development to strengthen the lower panels. Testing continues.
Class Representative: Welcome Dominika
Dominika Vadurova has recently joined the 29er Team as Assistant to Executive Director Pippa Kenton Page.
Originally from Slovakia and raised in a sailing family, Dominika started sailing at just six years old in an Optimist, traveling across Europe with her father and developing a lifelong passion for the sport.
After an Olympic sailing career representing the Czech Republic, she discovered a love for coaching young sailors while working with the Czech National Youth Team.
In her new role, Dominika will focus on enhancing the 29er experience both on and off the water, bringing fresh energy and perspective to events and helping guide the next generation of sailors.
Read More
"Never stop being curious," she says. "It will take you far."
Coaching & Development Update
“The start of 2026 has been a very busy period for the 29er Class development program. Following a successful first-ever 29er event at the Youth Worlds in Portugal, the class continues to expand its global footprint.
In Australia, the Australian 29er Nationals highlighted a rebuilding phase after several years without sending teams to the Youth Worlds. The 2027 Nationals in Melbourne will include a list of available charter boats, aiming to welcome international teams and help establish an Asia/Oceania circuit.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong hosted its National Championships as a lead-up to the Asia Championships during Hong Kong Race Week. Hong Kong now has the largest 29er fleet actively sailing in the Asia/Oceania region, and the class is exploring options to increase charter boat availability for international participation.
Hiroki Gotto also attended the Asian Championships and visited the Far East factory, which has been appointed as a class builder. Ahead of the European Championships, a class coaching clinic is planned at the venue — stay tuned for updates.
Regions requiring support are encouraged to contact the Class.”
Larry Cargill, Coaching & Development Manager
Strategy Document
We are close to finalising the Strategic Review summary and expect to release it imminently.
Thank you to everyone that contributed either through interviews, the survey, or other forms of feedback.
The 29er Class is at an exciting time with the amount of growth occurring in the class globally, and the Strategic Review represents an important opportunity to modernise the governance and act on feedback provided to ensure the way the class is managed is fit for purpose.
We will be outlining a series of actions to be implemented over time, with a further implementation plan to follow.