29er European Championships
It was a championship to remember …
More than 250 teams, 29 nations, six days of varied racing, and a fleet of young athletes pushing high-performance sailing. The 2025 29er European Championship, hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva, has officially wrapped, leaving behind new champions, unforgettable memories, and a legacy as the largest European Championship in class history.
The Final Day: Early Starts and Last Shots
By 6:00 AM, the boat park was alive — sails being hoisted, boats polished, final strategy briefings whispered between teammates and coaches. With a promising Garda breeze filling in, the Gold and Silver Fleets launched first, and racing got underway at 7:30 AM sharp.
In the Gold Fleet, it was all to play for. With several boats still mathematically in contention for the podium, tension was sky-high. Race after race, positions shifted. The final race of the day was snatched by Puerto Rico’s Diego Power and Izabella Calzadilla, a newly formed team racing their first major international event together. Izabella, who only started sailing the 29er six months ago, showed remarkable talent as they secured second place in the Open Mixed Division — and a top-15 overall finish.
Overall Champions
But the ultimate spotlight belonged to Germany’s Lucas and Moritz Hamm. Calm, consistent, and lightning-fast, the twin brothers sealed their victory with a strong final day and nervy wait through protest hearings. When the dust settled, they were crowned 2025 European Champions.
“We asked them a few days ago what they’d do if they won, they said, ‘Celebrate hard.’” We’ll find out tonight at Winds Bar.”
This regatta also marked the final 29er championship for the Hamm brothers, who now shift focus to the 49erFX, beginning their transition with training and competition at Gdynia Sailing Days in Poland.
In second place overall were the French Nolann Huet Des Aunay and Titouan Gresset, while the swiss Ikke Huber and Liam Berger took 3rd place.
Category Battles: Mixed, Women, and Youth Shine
In the Mixed Division, the Italians Giulia Bartolozzi and Pietro Rizzi delivered under pressure, with a stellar final day — finishing 6th, 5th, and 12th in the last three races — enough to clinch the Mixed Open European Title and finish inside the top 10 overall.
Among the Women, Poland’s Antonina Puchowska and Alicjia Dampc raced confidently, smiling ashore after believing they had done enough to win. A late protest temporarily cast doubt, but in the end, they were confirmed as the top female team, taking the Open Female European Title and finishing an impressive 23rd overall. Boróka Fehér and Szonja Fehér from Hungary were second female team, while Annie Sitzmann and Molly Bonham from the United States took impressive third place. France’s Pétronille Lescanne and Raphaëlle Kimbel (an U17 team), took 3rd place in the European Female Ranking.
The top Open Division U17 title went to New Zealand’s Ewan Brazle and Toby Clark, who impressed with their composure and competitiveness all week.
After six days of tight racing across five fleets, the overall Nations Cup went to France, recognizing their depth and excellence throughout the championship.
A Championship with Character
This week sailors dealt with Garda at its finest—and trickiest. There were epic breezes and long Ora days, but also weather delays, storm hold-offs, and patient waiting. And yet, every team rose to the occasion. From confident race winners to first-time internationals, the entire fleet showed what it means to sail 29ers: fast, focused, and full of spirit.
Sailors embraced the event beyond the racecourse too—taking part in media interviews, sustainability projects and learning more about their boats. The Kidzink Eco-Education Initiative brought creative, hands-on learning to the dock, connecting youth sailing with a broader purpose.
Gratitude & Community
The International 29er Class Association extends heartfelt thanks to the coaches, onshore teams, and support staff who kept these young athletes ready and racing. To the parents, supporters, and volunteers — your belief and energy fuels this class. And of course, to Fraglia Vela Riva, thank you for hosting this championship.
A special thank you to Kidzink, our headline sponsor, for not just supporting youth sailing, but for leading the way in blending education with high-performance sport in creative and meaningful ways.
Awards and Results
With so many exceptional sailors gathered in one room, the energy was electric and the sense of community was unmistakable. Athletes celebrated each other’s achievements, showing true sportsmanship and unity.
From start to finish, the event showcased not just competition, but camaraderie — a powerful reminder of what makes the sailing world so special. One thing’s certain: the future of sailing is fast, fearless, and full of talent. Congratulations to each and every sailor for this championship and special mentions to the award winners.
Overall Top 10
Germany – Lucas Hamm / Moritz Hamm – 58 pts
France – Nolann Huet Des Aunay / Titouan Gresset – 67 pts
Switzerland – Ikke Huber / Liam Berger – 77 pts
France – Jocelyn Le Goff / Jules Vidor – 77 pts
Italy – Giuseppe Montesano / Enrico Coslovich – 79 pts
Norway – Nicklas Holt / Philip Forslund – 86 pts
Hungary – Mór Csekovszky / Martin István Zarandy – 88 pts
Italy – Giulia Bartolozzi / Pietro Rizzi – 104 pts
Germany – Tizian Lembeck / Julian Lembeck – 106 pts
Poland – Szymon Kolka / Bartosz Zmudzinski – 107 pts
Top 3 Male Teams
Germany – Lucas Hamm / Moritz Hamm
France – Nolann Huet Des Aunay / Titouan Gresset
Switzerland – Ikke Huber / Liam Berger
Top 3 Open European Female Teams
Poland – Antonina Puchowska / Alicjia Dampc
Hungary – Boróka Fehér / Szonja Fehér
USA – Annie Sitzmann / Molly Bonham
Top 3 European Female Teams
Poland – Antonina Puchowska / Alicjia Dampc
Hungary – Boróka Fehér / Szonja Fehér
France – Pétronille Lescanne / Raphaëlle Kimbel
Top 3 Open Mixed Teams
Italy – Giulia Bartolozzi / Pietro Rizzi
Puerto Rico – Isabella Calzadilla / Diego Power
Sweden – Selma Hard / Lukas Wolfgang
Top 3 Mixed Teams
Italy – Giulia Bartolozzi / Pietro Rizzi
Sweden – Selma Hard / Lukas Wolfgang
Switzerland – Anna Bruengger / Theo Kowalewsky
Over 18 Overall Winner
Sweden- Alex Olsson / David Alduren
U17 Open Champions
Male: New Zealand Ewan Brazle / Toby Clark
Female: France – Lescanne / Kimbel
Mixed: Poland – Micewicz / Reszka
U17 European Champions
Male: France – Bourrust / Neau
Female: France – Lescanne / Kimbel
Mixed: Poland – Micewicz / Reszka
Nations Cup Winner
France
Overseas Standouts at the 29er European Championship
Although the 2025 European Championship crowned continental champions, it also welcomed a competitive international fleet, showcasing the truly global nature of the 29er class. Several overseas teams delivered outstanding performances and made their mark on the event.
Nelsen Meacham and Joe Leith (New Zealand) were the Top Overseas Overall Team, placing just outside the top 10 in 11th.
Annie Sitzmann and Molly Bonham (USA) earned third place in the Open European Female Teams, competing strongly throughout the week.
Isabella Calzadilla and Diego Power (Puerto Rico) were second in the Open European Mixed Teams, winning the final Gold Fleet race and demonstrating impressive potential.
Ewan Brazle and Toby Clark (New Zealand) claimed Top Open European U17 Team, standing out as future contenders on the world stage.
We applaud their talent and sportsmanship and look forward to seeing these international teams again at the upcoming 29er World Championship in Porto, Portugal, from 1–8 August 2025. The level of competition only continues to rise—sailing’s future is looking brighter and more international than ever.
Onwards to Worlds
The momentum doesn’t stop here. Next up: the 2025 29er World Championship in Porto, Portugal, from 1–8 August. With this fleet’s level of talent and energy, the Worlds promise to be nothing short of spectacular.
