2026 29er World Championship at Kiel, Germany - Day 4
by International 29er Class 7 Jul 19:17 BST
3-9 July 2026
As forecasted, Day 4 started with some delays—but not for the Gold and Silver fleets.
With strong winds expected to build throughout the day, the Race Committee prioritized sending these two fleets on the water, while Bronze, Emerald, Purple, and White remained ashore awaiting further instructions. The plan was to complete three races for Gold and Silver on Alpha course before rotating Bronze and Emerald onto the same course, ensuring increased safety with a single race area.
Racing for Gold and Silver delivered exactly what was anticipated—and more. Conditions built steadily from around 16 knots, with persistent gusts, up to over 25 knots, creating a challenging and high-intensity environment. The Race Committee attempted to proceed with the schedule and send the remaining fleets out, but as the wind continued to strengthen, the decision was made to send all boats ashore after the third race. Racing was officially called off for the day around 15:00.
The sight on the water was spectacular: boats cutting through white-capped waves, top sailors pushing their limits, with some dramatic crashes and capsizes—but overall impressive control in demanding conditions.
Watch here the crash of the day!
At the end of the day, Argentina's Felix Llauro and Lucas Cozar (ARG 21) lead the fleet, delivering a strong scoreline of 3-9-(9 discard)-1. Close behind, the French team Alexandre Mostini and Raphaël Allain (FRA 6) climb to second overall, just one point off the lead, thanks to a 2-1-(7 discard).
Sweden's Henric Wigforss and William Drakenberg (SWE 3254) lose the yellow bib but remain consistent with a 4-6-4, moving into third place overall. Just outside the podium, Germany's David Plettner and Moritz Aigner (GER 3501) close the day strongly with a third place.
A mixed day for the New Zealand teams, who lose some ground but remain highly competitive: Matteo Barker and Leo Brown (NZL 3022) are now fifth, followed by teammates Nelsen Meacham and Oli Stone (NZL 3496) in sixth.
In seventh place are the British team Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield (GBR 25), closely followed by Dirk Rogers and William McEwen (GBR), who had an outstanding day. In their first-ever Gold Fleet appearance, they break into the top ten with a first and a third (alongside an unfortunate BFD).
Climbing to ninth overall are Poland's Szymon Kolka and Bartosz Zmudzinski (POL 10), showing solid consistency. A strong first day in Gold Fleet also for the French team Marin Rossignol and Lohan Dolibeau (FRA 3179).
Just outside the top ten, the leading mixed team USA 3458 Annie Sitzmann and Anton Schmid delivered three excellent races. A good day as well for Karolína Lojková and Kristian Bezusek (CZE 3570), who gain three positions over Italy's Emilia Salvatore and Pietro Rizzi (ITA 11).
Among the women's teams, Emmeli Gramkov and Sofie Andersen (DEN 17) stand out for their consistency, currently sitting in 23rd place. Also worth mentioning the top U17 team Ethan Kiu and Louis Polson (HKG 3519) for their strong performance.
The championship is far from over. This evening, sailors will gather for the midweek event at the club, featuring a shared dinner followed by a quiz night organized by the class, with prizes for the winning team.
Days like this are what make this championship truly special—pushing sailors to their limits, on and off the water.
Racing resumes tomorrow with three races scheduled for each fleet, first warning signal at 11:00.
Check out the results here.