29erXX chosen by the Women's Committee at ISAF

by Event media on 12 Nov 2008
The 29erXX was chosen by the Women's Committee at ISAF by one vote over the women's 470 as preferred equipment for the women's double handed boat for the 2012 Olympics.

Also the ISAF Equipment Committee is reported to have selected the 29erXX as preferred equipment for the doublehanded women's event by an 11 to 2 vote over the 470.

Although not a done deal, the support of these committees and others hopefully to come, is an indication of great changes for the world of sailing.

The 29er was also supported unanimously for addition to the ISAF Youth Worlds and will go to Council for the final vote by this weekend.

These results, reported on the 29er website, are only recommendations and have to be agreed by the ISAF Council at its meeting at the end of the week. If confirmed this would be a huge change, removing the long serving 470 from its Olympic spot.

The XX version of the popular 29er has an enlarged rig and took part in the trials in 2007 to evaluate a new boat for the Women's Olympic sailing disciplines. Female skippers already compete at the highest level in the 29er class and have won two world championships a good point in the 29erXX's favour.

Earlier the Committee recommended the Elliott 6m, already used widely in match racing events in Oceania including at the 2008 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship in Auckland, as their top choice. for the Women's match racing choice.