2024 29er European Championships at Gydnia, Poland - Opening Ceremony
by International 29er Class 3 Jul 2024 11:23 BST
1-8 July 2024
A vibrant parade featuring young sailors, coaches, judges, officials, and fans kicked off the 29er European Championships on Tuesday evening in Gdynia.
This event is part of the 25th edition of the Gdynia Sailing Days festival. "This event has firmly established itself not only in the Gdynia and Polish sailing calendar but also in the European sailing scene. Each year, the Gdynia Sailing Days host regattas of World or European championship status. The highlight of this edition is the 29er European Championships, with 138 crews from 25 countries participating. We had the practice race and the official opening on Tuesday, the first races are scheduled for Wednesday, and we will know the medallists on Monday," said Tomasz Chamera, Vice President of World Sailing and President of the Polish Yachting Association.
The President of the International 29er Class Association recalled his previous visits to Gdynia. "We visit many great places, Gdynia being one of them. You reminded me of 2019 when I was here as a race officer. I like it here, it's a very good venue for the 29er class, so we are happy to be here," said Peter Lubeck.
The Vice President of Gdynia emphasized that this event is a showcase and excellent promotion for the city.
"This is a very important event for a seaside city that should look towards the sea in all its activities. World Sailing has entrusted us with hosting the World Championships for Olympic classes in 2027, and thanks to the Gdynia Sailing Days, we have the opportunity to showcase and promote Gdynia as a potential venue for these competitions" highlighted Tomasz Augustyniak.
The Executive Director of the International 29er Class Association Pippa Kenton-Page explains that this boat provides an excellent introduction and preparation for competing in Olympic classes. For she became an Olympic champion at the age of 22, winning in the Yngling class in Beijing in 2008. "The 29er class taught me a lot. I started sailing in the Cadet class before moving to the 29er. I think the most important thing I learned from sailing is making quick and efficient decisions and working at a high pace, under constant pressure. On this boat, close teamwork is crucial, as are the technical aspects, like preparing and maintaining the racing equipment," she emphasized.
Wednesday, 3rd of July, racing begins at 11 am with the fleet split into four qualifying fleets across two race courses. With a solid breeze 12-20 knots forecast offshore, the sailors skills will be tested in many areas, from handling to strategy and tactics and for sure the young emerging talented sailors will be immediately locked into the exciting high performance and high level racing that the 29er fleet demands.
Find out more at 29ereuropeans.org