2025 29er Eurocup 8 in Kiel - Day 1
by International 29er Class 22 Jun 12:52 UTC
20-29 June 2025
2025 29er Eurocup 8 in Kiel - Day 1 © Kieler Woche / International 29er Class
Day 1 of the eighth Eurocup event kicked off under bright skies and light winds, providing a tactically challenging start to the regatta.
Held as part of the world-renowned Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), over 100 29er sailors from around the globe took to the water for a day defined by precision, patience, and smart decision-making.
While Kiel is better known for brisk breezes and dynamic conditions, sailors were instead met with an unusually warm and calm day. Temperatures reached a rare 25 degrees Celsius, and wind speeds hovered around just 5 knots, making it a classic light-air challenge.
Light air and high stakes
The opening races demanded complete focus and a strong understanding of the subtle shifts in pressure. With a light southeast breeze that varied significantly in both direction and strength, teams had to stay alert to pressure bands moving slowly across the course.
The water was mostly flat, with the occasional glassy patch, and shifts could be both generous and punishing. Success relied heavily on staying in the breeze, avoiding the corners of the course, and being ready to pounce when better pressure arrived — particularly at the start line.
Top 10 results - Day 1 standings
After two races, the standings remain tight, with just a few points separating the top positions. The Norwegian duo of Nicklas Holt and Philip Forslund delivered a standout performance, scoring two first-place finishes to take the lead after Day 1.
NOR 16 - Nicklas Holt / Philip Forslund (Marselisborg Sejlklub) - 2 pts
HUN 18 - Boróka Fehér / Szonja Fehér (Alsóörsi Marina Vitorlás Klub) - 6 pts
POL 3409 - Maurycy Kosmowski / Jan Marjaski (AZS AWFiSG) - 6 pts
DEN 3158 - Marie Maier / Nanna Schroll Nørgaard (Horsens Sejlklub) - 6 pts
POL 17 - Szymon Kolka / Bartosz Zmudzinski (YKP Gdynia) - 8 pts
NZL 3496 - Nelsen Meacham / Joe Leith (Murrays Bay Sailing Club) - 12 pts
SWE 3255 - Selma Hård / Lukas Wolfgang (GKSS) - 12 pts
GBR 3260 - Dirk Rogers / William McEwan (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) - 12 pts
NZL 23 - William Leech / William Mason (Charteris Bay YC & Wakatere) - 13 pts
GER 3222 - Tjelle Bonatz / Fiona Weimann (Kieler Yacht-Club) - 13 pts
Congratulations to all the teams!
Full results here
What makes Kiel Week so special?
Kiel Week, or Kieler Woche, is the largest sailing event in the world and has been held annually since 1882. The regatta is much more than just a sailing competition. It is a celebration of maritime culture, drawing over 4,000 sailors from more than 60 countries, along with more than 3 million visitors to the city each year.
The sailing program includes everything from Olympic classes and youth regattas like the 29er Eurocup, to offshore events and para sailing. Meanwhile, the city of Kiel hosts live music, cultural parades, fireworks, street food festivals, and exhibitions that make the event accessible and exciting for everyone — sailors and spectators alike.
For 29er sailors, competing in Kiel offers a unique experience that blends high-level racing with the atmosphere of a global maritime festival. It's not only a regatta but a rite of passage in many sailing careers.
29ers and 49ers: a shared stage
One of the standout aspects of this year's event is seeing the 29er and 49er fleets racing at the same venue. This proximity brings together different generations of skiff sailors and underscores the natural progression between classes. Many of the sailors competing in the 49er fleet today began their journey in 29ers, making it both inspiring and educational for the younger sailors to see the next step in action.
It's a great reminder of how tightly connected these two classes are, and how events like Kiel Week help bridge the gap between youth sailing and elite-level international competition.
Looking ahead: major events on the horizon
This summer is packed with key events for the 29er class. The 2025 29er World Championships are now just 60 days away, and registration is open. Teams are encouraged to secure their places early to join what is expected to be a world-class lineup of talent.
In the more immediate future, the 29er European Championships are set to begin in just 10 days. Many of the teams currently competing in Kiel will be heading straight to the Euros, bringing momentum and valuable race experience with them.
Both events promise challenging conditions, strong fleets, and another opportunity to shine on the international stage.