2014 29er North American Open Championship - Australians win

by Peter McIntosh on 26 Jul 2014 2014 29er North American Open Championship - Watch out for these two young Aussies, they are a real force to be reckoned with both now and in years to come.

As the World 29er series kicks off today in Kingston, Canada, there’s no flying under the radar for Kurt Hansen and Harry Morton, who just won the North American Open at the same venue.

The 17-year-olds, who were fourth at the last Worlds in Denmark, already had danger written all over them even before they arrived on the shores of Lake Ontario.

They warmed up for their next big challenge at the Queensland Youth Regatta stylishly winning 10 out 10 on Moreton Bay a few weeks ago.

The final day of the North American Open wrapped up four days of strong competition between 69 boats from 10 countries. Competitors were competing for the North American, United States and Canadian Championships.

With highlights of three wins in the qualifying series and another three in the gold fleet, the teenagers showed more great consistency. The wind did not co-operate on the last day, providing very shifty, light conditions. The gold fleet was only able to complete one race, with the silver fleet not completing any.

Skipper Hansen (from Davistown on the Central Coast), and Morton (Belmont) won on 8 points well clear of nearest rivals Carla Munte and Marta Munte of Spain (30) and third-placed Canadians Lloyd Lyall and Andrew Moreno (39).

The 29er World Championship officially begins today (July 26th). The opening ceremony and a practice race are scheduled for Sunday, July 27th and the qualifying series is scheduled to begin Monday, July 28th. More than 100 boats from 14 countries will be competing.