The final day of the 29er World Championship commenced early on Thursday, July 9th, with competitors heading out to the water by 8:30 AM across the Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie race areas. The day was marked by intense competition as teams vied for the title, particularly between Argentina, Sweden, and France. An unfortunate first race for Argentina, combined with strong performances from France and Sweden, led to a reshuffling of the standings, temporarily placing France and Sweden in first and second place respectively. As the races continued, the tension heightened, with the teams separated by mere points.
Race conditions fluctuated throughout the day, but as the winds stabilised, the final races were able to proceed. Ultimately, France’s Alexandre Mostini and Raphaël Allain triumphed, securing the title. Sweden’s Henric Wigforss and William Drakenberg finished in second place, while Argentina’s Felix Llauro and Lucas Cozar, who had led the fleet for several days, took third.
The sense of community within the 29er class was palpable, with sailors celebrating each other’s achievements amid tears and joy. The top ten results revealed New Zealand in fourth place, with Nelsen Meacham and Oli Stone performing steadily throughout the event. Germany’s David Plettner and Moritz Aigner took fifth, while Great Britain’s Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield finished sixth, showcasing consistent performance.
The American mixed team of Annie Sitzmann and Anton Schmid emerged as winners in the mixed category, finishing eighth overall. Great Britain secured another top ten spot with Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield, while Blake Batten and Hugo Smith completed the top ten.
In the women’s category, Denmark’s Emmeli Gramkov and Sofie Andersen claimed the title, with New Zealand’s Bella Jenkins and Jessica Handley taking silver. Poland’s Blanka Sójkowska and Julia Nagórska, previous winners of Kieler Woche, secured bronze.
In the U17 category, Germany’s Johan Mueller and Hanno Gewinn finished first, closely followed by compatriots Pollux Arnold and Moritz Lichtwer. The Hong Kong team of Ethan Kiu and Louis Polson took third.
The closing ceremony celebrated the category winners with heartfelt cheers from coaches, families, and teammates. The top 25 teams received their new sail numbers, following the tradition tied to their final rankings.
This year’s championship was historic, attracting 276 boats from 35 countries and 552 sailors, with competitors ranging from just 12 years old. The week was filled with camaraderie, rivalry, and unforgettable memories, culminating in a record-breaking event.
As the sailors depart from Kiel, they carry with them not only valuable experiences but also the spirit of competition and community that defines the 29er class. The event showcased sustainability initiatives, including workshops and clean-up efforts, further emphasising the commitment to protecting the marine environment.
The 29er World Championship proved to be an exciting and memorable event, with the next challenge already on the horizon.
Check out the results HERE
Take a look at the photos from TODAY
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