15 September 2003

From: Rob Tarboton
RE: 29ers vs 420s

Having read the comments by Brennan Robinson with interest I must agree that his comments regarding the Mirror are sound and this is a class that can provide an excellent grounding for two-handed sailing. From a 29er perspective, it is suggested that after a Mirror, young sailors can move onto a 29er just as easily as onto a 420.

I wish to correct the possible perception created by Brennan's letter that the UK has rejected the 29er as a youth class. The Royal Yachting Association runs selection processes and training programmes for 5 youth classes, namely the Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 420, 29er and Hobie 16. In the double-handed mono-hull classes, similar selection processes and training programmes are run in parallel for both the 29er and 420. The same sized youth squads are selected in both these classes to receive concentrated, special training as part of their youth sailing programme.

An important point to consider for the local scene is that there are already 15 competitive 29er's in South Africa, and there is also a mould and a builder who has shown that he can produce boats of a quality at least as good as the overseas builders. Overall, the 29er is a less costly option to follow for the South African situation.

Rob Tarboton