Nine Australian teams from NSW, WA and Queensland travelled to Riva del Garda, Italy to compete in the 29er European Championships from 1-8 July 2025. It was the second largest 29er regatta ever hosted with 251 boats from 29 nations competing across six fleets on three course areas.

Hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva, the spectacular setting did not disappoint.

Conditions in the lead up to the regatta were perfect - with the prevailing winds, the Peler and the Ora providing textbook sailing conditions.

Unfortunately, these conditions did not continue for the duration of the regatta creating some challenges for the race committee and the sailors. Of the scheduled nine races on the first three qualifying days, five races were completed. This was enough to be able to sort the fleet into six. Reflecting the highly competitive nature of 29er sailing in Europe, Australia had two boats in the silver fleet, four in the bronze fleet and three in the emerald fleet.

After some long and challenging days on the water interrupted by intermittent storms resulting in snow fall on the nearby Dolomite mountains, racing on the last two days was scheduled in the typically lighter morning breeze, fitting in eight of the scheduled nine races in the finals series. This meant sailors launched at 6:30am, with the first race signal promptly at 7:30am.

Australia featured prominently on the podium amongst the fleets.

Fleet Team Overall place Podium within fleet

• Silver Lucas Patrick / Joel Beashel 47 2nd
• Christian Spencer / Sebastian Spencer 73
• Bronze Hugo Stoner / Zann Scrimgeour 89 2nd
• Mia Austin / Max Nearn 90 3rd
• Alice Travlos / Klara Travlos 109
• Ona Rafart. /Lia Rafart 123
• Emerald Kai Lawson / Andy Alt-Graham 130 2nd
• Lucy Ferguson / Charlie Snell 137
• Chuck McKechnie / Josh Duncan-Andrews 151

All teams learnt a lot and had an amazing time, and would like to thank their coaches and parents. 

Overall results are available at: https://www.29er.org/events/2025-european-championships/#results

A large selection of photos from the regatta at: https://29ersailing.smugmug.com/Photos/Photos-LR/2025/2025-European-Championship

Words by: Jane Gibbs

Photos by: Sander van der Borch