Carnage at the 29er Worlds | Photo: Robert Hajduk
Teenagers from all over the world are currently competing in Wales right now during the 29er World Championships, but early days of the competition weren't exactly 'fair weather' sailing...
Broken masts, ripped sails and bruised kids were the order of day two during the 29er World Championships, thanks to the gnarly conditions on the Welsh bay. James Wilson/Oscar Gunn (NZL) and Juho Kotiranta/Akseli Keskinen (FIN) emerged from the survival session tied equal first place, with the first Aussie crew back in 6th place. Still in the qualifying rounds, the finals will be held over the weekend for racers at the top end of the fleet, where a true champion will be found.
Little sister (because boats are always girls) to the Olympic class 49er, 29er's are a One-Design youth class for teenagers. Typical progression see's kids learn to sail in Optimists or Sabots, then move up to the Flying 11 or Laser Radial class, and finally on to the 29er. After the 29er; girls, cars and kiteboarding seem to become more important and the rest is history.
But for these kids in Wales, right now the coolest and fastest thing ever, is their 29er's in 30 knots of wind. Check out the highlights reel from day 2 of the 29er World Championships.