29erXX Class Association
2812 Cañon Street,
San Diego, CA, USA 92106
www.29erXX.com
www.facebook.com/29erXX

Dear 29erXX Sailors,

2012 – Looking Ahead
It’s an exciting time for 29erXX sailors.  There’s an unprecedented level of interest in our class as women looking to sail two-person skiffs as well as adults wanting a fun and durable high-performance dinghy discover the versatility and performance of the XX.  Of course, the XX continues to offer lighter 49er teams a training platform where they can hone their trapeze skills before moving up to the men’s Olympic skiff.  XX Rigs are being purchased at a steady rate and it won’t be long before small fleets start popping up in favorite venues. 

North American Schedule Announced
The schedule for 2012 has been announced and I am happy to say the XX class is returning to some favorite venues.  With Miami, Long Beach, and the Gorge, just to name a few, North America is becoming a hotbed of XX sailing.  Teams from NZL, and AUS joined us at the Gorge in 2011. Those teams (and maybe more) are looking to return to race again in 2012.

XX World Championship
The first ever 29erXX World Championship will be held September 8 – 15 on beautiful Lake Garda, Italy.  Run simultaneously with the 49er European Championship, this regatta will be an historic moment for our class - One that I hope you will experience for yourself as a competitor.

Lake Garda is considered by many to be the premiere location in the world to sail skiffs.  I’m certainly looking forward to finding out for myself…  For North American sailors, this is an opportunity for a fun travel experience.  Want to go?  I will be taking the lead role in organizing a container to transport boats to and from the event.  Stay tuned for more information, but please start to make your travel plans now. 

Melges
As you know, Melges has become the builder and distributor of the 29er in North America. Matt Pistay has joined their staff to specifically service their skiff products and customers.  I know Matt well and I I’m thrilled to have such a knowledgeable skiff sailor, with XX experience, as our go-to contact with the builder.  I recommend that you reach out to Matt if you have any questions about your XX or better yet, if you want to purchase a new Melges hull.  Matt can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

US Sailing Development Team
The US Sailing Team has added the XX to their Development Team, which is geared toward sailors who are between the ages of 18 and 25.  Two team spots will be awarded to the teams with the best overall results at the Seiko Winter Challenge February 10 – 12 in Miami Florida.  More details will be published here when available so please check back often

Share your XX Sailing Stories on Facebook
I am happy to say the XX class is setting a new standard for harnessing the power of Facebook as a communication and promotion tool.  With over 1,040 “friends” the 29erXX page is fast becoming our international clearinghouse of information.  On a recent visit I saw a photo of a XX in Buenas Aires, a Video of XX sailors at the EUROSAF Grand Prix in Spain, and a note from Hakan in Turkey promoting a new XX that’s for sale in his country.  That’s an amazing amount of information available for XX sailors around the world to see.  I encourage YOU to share your XX sailing story with photo or video.  Be sure to tag friends in whatever media you post and “share” your posting with your family and friends. 

Make It Happen For Yourself
This class has a history of making things happen – that is how we have grown to where we are now. I encourage you to reach out on Facebook or the Google Group and organize your own training and sailing days.  This class will ultimately be what you make it out to be for yourself.  Get out and do it for your self.  Don’t forget some of the best training days are the ones you just get yourself out and go sailing.

I hope to see you on the water in 2012 enjoying your XX.

Sail Fast,

Kristen Lane
29erXX North American Class Vice President

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