29er used buy/sell, 7 ads listing and price

The 29er, double skiff for young crews

On the same model as the Laser, different rigging can be grafted onto a 29er hull: a standard aluminium mono trapeze rig and a more generous XX rig with a carbon mast and 2 trapezes to keep the boat flat. Whichever rigging is used the Twenty Niner is very lively and unstable.

Not much sail area for a skiff, it is particularly well padded in the breeze where its hull works wonders.

On the construction side, it is a very solid boat which does not suffer from the weight of the years, it is built in polyester and green fibre which ensures a reasonable price. In the same way its strict one-design limits the arms race and preserves the accessibility of the series.

General Overview of the 29er

The 29er, designed in 1998 by renowned Australian naval architect Julian Bethwaite, is a high-performance skiff intended for young racers and thrill-seekers. As the smaller sibling of the 49er (an Olympic class boat), the 29er strikes the perfect balance between high performance, technical challenge, and accessibility.

Racing Level of the 29er

The 29er is an international racing boat, featured in some of the biggest sailing competitions worldwide. Its level of performance makes it an excellent stepping stone toward Olympic classes like the 49er or the Nacra 17.

Key International Races and Circuits:

1. 29er World and European Championships:

   • These events attract top crews from all over the world and are organized annually under the supervision of

     World Sailing

     (the international sailing federation).

2. World Sailing Youth World Championships:

   • The 29er is one of the official classes in this event, representing the highest level of competition for young sailors.

3. French Espoirs Glisse Championship:

   • In France, this competition gathers the best youth crews and serves as a gateway to the elite level.

Target Crews

The 29er is primarily designed for youth crews, typically aged 14 to 22, although lightweight adults may also enjoy it for leisure or racing.

Ideal Crew Profile:

• Crew weight:

  • Optimal weight is between

    115 and 135 kg

    combined (skipper and crew). Heavier crews may find it challenging due to the boat's sensitivity.

• Required skills:

  • The 29er demands good coordination between the helmsman and the crew, particularly for managing the

    asymmetric spinnaker

    and navigating with the trapeze. Prior experience on more traditional dinghies like the 420 is highly recommended.

Construction Quality and Sailing Characteristics

Construction:

• Builders:

  • The 29er is built under license by several approved builders to ensure consistency for racing. Key manufacturers include:

    • Ovington Boats

      (United Kingdom), one of the most reputable builders.

    • PSA (Performance Sailcraft Australia)

    • Zim Sailing

      (United States).

• Materials:

  • The hull is made of fiberglass and epoxy, offering an excellent weight-to-strength ratio. The mast is divided into two parts (with a carbon upper section) for reduced weight and easier transportation.

Sailing Characteristics:

• Speed and responsiveness:

  • Designed for planing, the 29er delivers impressive speeds, especially downwind under spinnaker. Its lightweight and narrow hull make it highly responsive to helm movements.

• Advanced techniques:

  • Maneuvers (tacking, gybing, deploying the spinnaker) require excellent synchronization, as the boat is unforgiving of mistakes.

• Trapeze sailing:

  • The crew must master the trapeze to balance the boat in strong winds. This provides unique thrills but demands regular practice.

Sailmakers

The 29er's sails are standardized to ensure fairness in racing. They are manufactured by:

• North Sails

  , the primary authorized supplier for this class.

• The sail plan includes a

  mainsail of 11.5 m², a jib of 4 m², and an asymmetric spinnaker of 15 m², designed to maximize performance in all conditions.

Clubs Practicing the 29er in France

Several French sailing clubs actively train young sailors on 29ers and host local and national regattas. Among the most prominent are:

• Société des Régates du Havre (SRH):

  Known for its strong dinghy sailing programs.

• La Rochelle (SRR):

  A major hub for French sailing.

• Cercle Nautique de Saint-Raphaël (CNSR):

  Highly active in fast dinghy classes.

• ENVSN (National Sailing and Water Sports School):

  Trains France's best youth crews.

• CNBPP (Club Nautique de Pornichet):

  Regularly organizes 29er events.

Major 29er Competitions

1. 29er World Championships:

   • Brings together the best international crews every year, with fleets of over 150 boats.

2. 29er European Championship:

   • A must-attend event for European sailors, often hosted in iconic sailing venues.

3. Youth Sailing World Championships:

   • The top youth sailors worldwide compete on this boat.

4. 29er EuroCup:

   • A popular European circuit with multiple stages, highly competitive among young racers.

Price and Maintenance of the 29er

• New Price:

  • Around €15,000 for a complete boat (hull, rigging, sails).

• Used Price:

  • Between €6,000 and €9,000, depending on the condition of the hull and sails.

• Maintenance:

  • The hull and rigging require rinsing with fresh water after every outing.

  • The trapeze and halyards should be regularly inspected for wear and tear.

  • Sails (especially the spinnaker) should be stored in a dry area to prevent mold.

Summary

The 29er is a fast, technical skiff, ideal for young sailors seeking to improve their skills and progress to higher levels of competitive sailing. Its construction quality, high performance, and importance in international regattas make it a standout choice. However, it demands a solid technical foundation and regular training.

If you're looking to enter competitive skiff sailing or explore the thrills of high-speed dinghies, the 29er is an excellent option! 🚤