29er: Kiwi crew places second in Kielerwoche, three in top 13 overall
by Sail-World.com 24 Jun 23:00 BST
The New Zealand crews launch on Day 3 - 29er class Kielerwoche 2025 © NZ 29er Assoc
Eight New Zealand crews competed in the Euro Cup for the 29er class at Kieler Woche 2025, sailed from the Olympiahafen at Kiel-Schilksee, the specially constructed venue for the 1972 Olympic Sailing Regatta.
Top New Zealand crew of William Leech and Will Mason were the top performed New Zealand crew placing second overall, in the 75 boat fleet from eight nations.
The regatta was won by the Norwegian crew of Nicklas Holt and Philip Forslund scoring 29.7pts, with Leech and Mason 13pts back on 41pts. Leech and Mason had the stronger back end of the regatta, in which the Qualifier round was marred by cautious race management.
A top performance from Nelsen Meacham and Joe Leith, who were lying 3rd overall after Day 3, they scored two race wins and two seconds in the 10 race series, but stumbled on the final day after being called as a premature starter in the penultimate race of the day, and copped a maximum points penalty, dropping them down to 6th place overall.
Hugo Smith and Louis Quere were the third Kiwi crew finishing in 13th place on the final standings.
Seven New Zealand crews placed in the top 22 overall in the 75 boat fleet.
For full results:
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New Zealand placings:
2. William Leech & Will Mason 41pts
7. Nelsen Meacham & Joe Leith 71pts
13. Hugo Smith & Louis Quere 88pts
17. Ewen Brazzle & Toby Clark 101pts
20. Bella Jenkins & Jessica Handley 117.0pts
21. Peer Kruse & Leo Brown 121.9pts
22. Blake Batten & Merrick Sanderson 131.0
34. Kate Rasmussen & Rose Dickey 179pts