29erXX spotted in the Solent
by Giles Lloyd Williams 28 Nov 2010 06:07 GMT
The 29erXX has been with us for three or four years now but is rarely seen in UK waters. Based on the popular 29er and using many common components, this twin trapeze skiff has been variously described as a ‘pocket rocketship’ or a ‘29er on steroids’. The idea is simple, just take a standard 29er and add a cut down 49er rig with masthead kite, twin trapezes and updated square headed main, plus a longer kite pole and a rudder gantry on the back for a little more stability. The conversion takes only 20 minutes to replace the mast, pole & add the gantry using a spanner & screw-driver, then you’re ready to go!
29erXX fleets have already sprung up in most European countries plus in America, Australia & New Zealand in the last couple of years. The early appearance of an XX competing in a Children-in-Need charity pursuit race last weekend at Lymington, indicates the start of the UK fleet which is due to kick off next spring. The new class is administered by the UK 29er Class Association and anyone wishing find out more should email