2025 29er Winter Championships at Draycote Water Sailing Club

2025 29er Winter Championships at Draycote Water © 29er Class Association

The sun rose on a cloudy Saturday morning as 54 eager 29ers rolled into the muddy dinghy park of Draycote Water. The still waters and lack of wind set a serene scene for the day's racing.

All but one boat managed to enter within the time limit, ensuring the first start began on schedule.

Race 1 - The first start resulted in a general recall, but after just two attempts, the race got under way. Mark one leaders, Louis and Finian, sailing Vanessa (generously loaned by sister Amelie), set the early trend by holding the kite. However, Amelie and Lila, sailing Angie, opted for a gybe set, a tactical move that ultimately secured them the race win. Dirk and Will, sailing Florence, followed in second place, with Louis and Finian finishing third.

Race 2 - Despite best efforts, this race struggled to start, requiring not one, not two, but ten attempts! With a total of 12 starts now on the board, Race 2 finally commenced. A course change and light conditions led to a swift conclusion, with Jac and Ben, sailing Robin, taking the win. Dirk and Will (Florence) remained consistent in second, while Freya and Joanna, sailing Jolene the Racing Machine (an Instagram series they promise to continue!), secured third place.

2025 29er Winter Championships at Draycote Water - photo © 29er Class Association

Race 3 - This race began with a single clean start, but a significant wind drop led to a shortened course. Ironically, the wind filled in soon after, making for a brief but competitive race. Amelie and Lila (Angie) triumphed once again, proving that the Hiscocks must have had an excellent breakfast. Louis and Finian followed in second, with Jake and Allegra, sailing Bubbles, completing the top three.

Race 4 - As daylight faded, Race 4 was a race against time. The breeze began to drop as boats rounded the second leeward gate. Sensing the urgency—perhaps driven by an Irish desire to watch the rugby—the race officer finished the fleet at the top windward mark. Dylan and Tristan, sailing Jamal (formerly Bumblebee), seized victory from Lily and Ed in Chanice. Andrew and Roo, sailing 2788, rounded out the top three.

Day 2: A Chilly but Competitive Start

The second day dawned with glassy water and freezing temperatures, but by the time the fleet launched, the wind had filled in, and the sun shone over what promised to be an exciting day of racing. With no sore heads in the dinghy park, the fleet was ready to go.

Race 5 - Following one general recall—evoking painful flashbacks from the previous day—the fleet finally got away. Overnight leaders Dirk and Will (Florence) secured another win, while Josie, fresh from a northern vacation, finished second. Andrew and Roo took third. Unfortunately, Lila and Amelie (Angie), despite their podium-worthy performance, were caught over the line at the start.

Race 6 - After a disappointing weekend for Welsh sports, Jac and Ben (Robin) seemed determined to change their fortunes. They dominated the race, taking a comfortable win. Florence followed in second, while Charlie and Jamie Gatehouse made an appearance in third place.

2025 29er Winter Championships at Draycote Water - photo © 29er Class Association

Race 7 - With the breeze picking up to a solid 12 knots, conditions were perfect for racing. Jac and Ben (Robin) capitalised on this, securing another victory. Louis and Finn (Ness) took second, while Florence continued their streak of consistency in third.

Going into the final race, it was all on between Dirk & Will and Jac & Ben for the prestigious title of 29er Winter Champions.

Race 8: The Final Showdown - Determined to secure a hat trick, Robin shot into the lead, but Dirk and Will were not far behind. The two teams battled fiercely around the course, finishing in that order. Amelie and Lila claimed a solid third-place finish.

This result was enough for Dirk and Will to maintain their lead and claim overall victory. Faster than fast and quicker than quick, Florence returned to the top after a few years away from competition. Jac and Ben (Robin) took second overall, while Louis and Finn, aided by the loaned Vanessa (a big thank you!), secured third.

2025 29er Winter Championships at Draycote Water - photo © 29er Class Association

Special Awards & Recognitions:

• First Girls' Team: Lila and Amelie (Angie), followed by Laura and Holly in second, and Freya and Joanna (Jolene the Racing Machine) in third. Keep an eye out for Part 3 of their tour series!
• Junior Champions: Dirk and Will took top honors, with Ben Greenhalgh & Tom Sinfield in second and Freya & Joanna in third.
• First Mixed Team: Eliana Edwards & Ed O'Callaghan, with Lily Browning & Ed Smith (Chanice) in second, and Annabelle Vines & Kai Miller in third.
• The Most Important Prize - The Buddy Prize: Awarded to Dirk & Will, Lily & Ed, and another deserving sailor.

Overall Results: