29erXX - Europe’s top sailors going Downhill

by Jerelyn Biehl on 5 Aug 2010
29erXX Downhill Skiff Cross: high-action slalom racing with shoreline grandstands featured at this year’s Sail Amsterdam festival has top teams from across Europe getting ready.

Six ISAF World Cup Sailors from three countries have already signed up – Holland’s own Olympic 470 sailors Margriet Fokkema and Marieke Jongens, and Team GBR’s Gold Medalist Pippa Wilson – to name a few.

And why are they signing up? 'What could be more perfect than having a go at a fantastic event in a fantastic city, have some fun, show case the sport and enjoy the atmosphere... a dream!' explains Pippa Wilson. Norway’s Helene Næss says, 'It will be awesome to do [the Downhill Skiff Cross] in the middle of Amsterdam with so many spectators!'

The 29erXX racing will be featured as part of the 'SailSation' program bringing this year’s theme into action: ‘a nautical encounter between the past, present and future’. The festival showcases ancient sailing crafts, tall ships, and naval history drawing 1.8 million visitors in 2005.

The one-design 29erXX has a carbon rig, twin wires and masthead kite to get up and go fly. Square-topped fully-battened mainsail, self-tacking jib and self-launching asymmetric spinnaker for more powerful and elegant manoeuvres. Complete compatibility with the internationally renown 29er hull makes it easier for sailors to step up to the next level.

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