29erXX Downhill Skiff Cross in Amsterdam
by Jerelyn Biehl 5 Aug 2010 12:04 BST
19-20 August 2010
Top teams from across Europe get ready for the 29erXX DOWNHiLL SKiFF CROSS: high-action slalom racing with shoreline grandstands featured at this year’s Sail Amsterdam festival. 6 ISAF World Cup Sailors from 3 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.