29 ER Information, Review, Specs

The 29er was conceived in 1992 and began production in 1998, with Julian Bethwaite leading its design. Bethwaite's philosophy for the 29er was to create a boat that would bridge the gap between traditional youth dinghies and the demanding Olympic 49er skiff, providing a user-friendly pathway into high-performance sailing. It was specifically adopted by the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships to replace the Laser 2, which was designed by Julian's father, Frank Bethwaite.

During the 29er's inception and ongoing production, builders like MacKay Boats Ltd. have focused on a manufacturing ethos centered on high-performance and a relentless pursuit of speed. MacKay Boats, founded in 1962, has a distinguished history of crafting vessels that consistently achieve competitive success, particularly in Olympic classes. While MacKay Boats began with wooden boats, they quickly transitioned to modern materials like fiberglass, which is evident in the 29er's construction. Their expertise lies in optimizing every aspect of construction and finish to produce the fastest possible boat within strict one-design parameters., 13] The 29er class maintains a strictly one-design approach, meaning there are no significant variations like "MkI" or "MkII" within the standard production model, ensuring fair competition. The hull itself is constructed from fiberglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, contributing to its lightweight yet robust structure, designed for ease of maintenance and repair.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The 29er is a true high-performance skiff, reflected in its impressive specifications. With a length overall (LOA) of 14.42 feet (approximately 4.40 meters), a beam of 5.58 feet (approximately 1.70 meters), and a remarkably light displacement of 198 pounds (90 kg), it is engineered for speed. Its design features a narrow, sharp bow that transitions to a wide, flat stern, facilitating quick planing even in moderate winds.

Interpreting its performance ratios highlights its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): With a reported sail area of 141.97 sq ft and a displacement of 198 lbs, the 29er boasts an extremely high SA/D ratio of approximately 67. This indicates exceptional power for its weight, allowing it to accelerate rapidly and perform well in light air, consistently exceeding wind speed when planing.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): As a lightweight skiff, the 29er does not utilize internal ballast; its stability is dynamically achieved through the crew's weight, with one crew member typically on trapeze. This design choice contributes to its nimble and responsive handling.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): With a waterline length (LWL) of approximately 13.91 feet (4.24 meters) and a displacement of 198 lbs, the 29er has an exceptionally low D/L ratio of around 32.85. This unequivocally marks it as a very light, performance-oriented planing boat, designed to prioritize speed over displacement-driven motion.

The 29er's handling is characterized by its responsiveness and athletic demands. It is known to be "tippy" at the dock and relies heavily on dynamic movement, precise body weight placement, and constant trim adjustments to remain upright, especially in varied conditions. Sailors often praise its speed and excitement, with the boat capable of reaching speeds of 20 knots. The rig features a fractional sloop with a self-tacking jib, which simplifies upwind maneuvers and allows the crew to focus on mainsheet trim from the trapeze. Downwind, the boat employs a large asymmetrical spinnaker (181.15 sq ft / 16.83 m2), which, combined with its long bowsprit (extending the boat's length to 20.8 feet / 6.15 meters), provides immense power for thrilling off-wind performance. While the boat offers a challenging learning curve, particularly in strong winds and during maneuvers like gybing, dedicated practice quickly builds proficiency.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance racing skiff, the 29er does not feature any enclosed accommodations or interior living spaces. The design prioritizes performance and competitive functionality over comfort amenities. The cockpit is open and self-draining, ensuring that any water taken aboard quickly exits. The deck is designed with non-skid surfaces on the wings and sandblasted areas for maximum grip, crucial for the crew's dynamic movements during tacks and gybes. Molded-in safety cockpit rails for the skipper and a "Gnav system" (inverted vang) to open up the cockpit further emphasize its ergonomic design for racing efficiency and control. The focus is entirely on providing a streamlined, efficient platform for two sailors to extract maximum speed.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailors consistently praise the 29er for its fun factor and exhilarating speed. Many are drawn to the class for its high-octane performance and the physical challenge it presents, often migrating from more traditional dinghies in search of a more dynamic sailing experience. The steep learning curve is frequently mentioned, with new sailors needing time to adapt to its inherent instability and the rapid decision-making required in apparent wind sailing. Good communication and coordination between the helm and crew are universally highlighted as critical for success and safety.

While the 29er is generally well-regarded for its robust, "overbuilt" construction, some owners have noted common maintenance issues such as leaks around joints or fittings, which typically require re-bedding. Despite these minor concerns, the general sentiment is that the 29er offers a rewarding and engaging sailing experience for those willing to embrace its athletic demands and commit to the practice required to master its capabilities. The class fosters a supportive community where sailors often share best practices to collectively raise the standard of competition.