The 29er: Experience High-Performance Skiff Sailing

The 29er is the globally recognised, one-design, high-performance skiff for youth sailors. Designed as a stepping stone to the Olympic 49er, it offers an exhilarating two-person sailing experience for those progressing from junior classes like the Opti, P Class, and Starling. At Murrays Bay Sailing Club, the 29er fleet is a core part of our youth development pathway, providing sailors with the skills needed to excel in performance sailing.

The Ultimate Youth Skiff

Designed by Julian Bethwaite and first produced in 1998, the 29er was created to give younger, lighter crews a taste of the speed and excitement of skiff sailing. Its modern design challenges sailors to develop athleticism, coordination, and advanced boat handling skills.

Key design features include:

  • High-Performance Rig: A single trapeze and a powerful, fractional asymmetric spinnaker demand teamwork and fitness, especially during high-speed manoeuvres.
  • Efficient Sail Plan: The self-tacking jib simplifies manoeuvres, allowing the crew to focus on balance and trimming the mainsheet upwind.
  • Lightweight Construction: The sleek, hydrodynamic hull is built from a fibreglass-reinforced polyester foam sandwich. A three-piece mast with a carbon-fibre composite tip reduces weight aloft, making the boat responsive and dynamic.

The 29er is an ISAF Youth World Championships class, and Yachting New Zealand holds annual selection trials to select crews to represent the country on the world stage.

The 29er Fleet at Murrays Bay

MBSC is committed to fostering a strong and competitive 29er fleet. The class is experiencing a resurgence in Auckland and across New Zealand, and our club is at the heart of this growth.

  • Ideal Team: The 29er can be sailed in all-male, all-female, or mixed-crew combinations, with an ideal combined weight of 110-130 kg.
  • Training Schedule: Coached training takes place on Wednesday nights and Saturdays.
  • Club Racing: Join the competitive Club Points Racing on Sunday afternoons.

Key Resources

Stay connected with the 29er community and find essential equipment through these links.

Class Associations:

Equipment and Parts:

  • Builder: All class-legal equipment, including rigs and sails, can be purchased from the New Zealand builder, MacKay Boats.
  • Chandlery: Cordage, blocks, and other fittings are available from suppliers like Harken (Fosters), Burnsco, and Watershed.