• 29er USA National Championship
  • September 3, Day 3
    The 29er fleet was blessed again today with some of the best conditions you could ask for. The first race was sailed in 10-15 knots and the breeze built to 15-20 knots by the fifth and final race. John Heineken and Matt Noble continued to sail near perfection, winning the first four races. They were almost able to post a perfect score, but capsized in the final race while in the lead at the leeward mark. Second place skipper Danny Cayard summed it up by saying: "the competition was close, but you need perfection if you want to be first." "Heineken and Noble had perfection this weekend" added in Danny's crew Max Binstock.


    Danny Cayard and Max Binstock in USA 679 chasing John Heineken and Matt Noble in USA 3

    Danny's dad Paul Cayard stepped into the front of a 29er today crewing for John's sister Erika Heineken. Her regular crew (and father) bowed out with a knee injury. "I had a lot of fun today" Paul said after racing. "I think this generation is so lucky to have the 29er because it is really fun to sail. Everyone racing is having a good time, whether you are in first or in tenth. And that is what is most important."
    "I'm glad the wind picked up this afternoon since I'm hanging 200 lbs on the wire" Paul continued. Particularly in the final two races John/Matt, Danny/Max and Erika/Paul rounded many weather marks in succession, battling to see who could get the kite up and full first.


    Paul Cayard crewing for Erica Heineken (left, black kite) round right next to Danny Cayard and Max Binstock (right, red kite)

    Danny and Max came out on top of a difficult battle for second place. This pair was the only team other than John and Matt to win a race. Alain Huggler and Eric Akhus sailed well in the breezy conditions as did Alex and Marcus Bernal, who were in a port-starboard collision in the 4th race that caused them to retire for the day with a damaged bow.

    Marcus and Alex Bernal (on the left) after a collision that ended their day

    There were also many new faces this weekend, including 420 sailors Tyler Sinks and Briana Provancha, stepping into the boat with their eyes set on the 2007 Youth Worlds which will be held in 29ers. "It's a really fun boat, but the crew work is much more important than in 420s and other boats I'm used to" commented Tyler, "I've got a lot to learn between now and February." The qualifying event for the US Youth Worlds Team will be held in Florida in February 2007. The competition will be close between the 29er fleet regulars and the new teams with resumes full of World-level 420 experience.

    Thank you to the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club for providing great race committee work. Complete results will be posted when available.


  • September 2, Day 2
    It was a perfect day of 29er sailing today in Cabrillo Beach, CA for the 17 teams who made the trek. The first race started at 12 noon in 12-15 knots under sunny skies. By the 3rd race the wind had increased to 15-18 knots where it remained for the final two races.


    Alain Huggler (USA 597) with a great start

    To go along with the perfect conditions, Championship leaders John Heineken and Matt Noble posted a perfect string of scores. Here they are leading the fleet downwind:



    2nd place in each race was contested primarily between Danny Cayard and Max Binstock,



    and Alex and Marcus Bernal.



    Unfortunately, the results are not yet available for Saturday's racing. Racing continues on Sunday. A special thanks goes to GTS Photos for providing excellent photos.
  • September 1, Day 1, Practice Races
    6 teams arrived at the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club today for 3 practice races. "Hurricane Gulch" provided beautiful conditions including 15-20 knots, sunshine, warm wind and water, and small waves. John Heineken and Matt Noble won each of the three practice races, showing that even though John hasn't sailed the 29er much this summer he's still got it. Danny Cayard and Max Binstock battled with brothers Alex and Marcus Bernal for 2nd in each race.

    Tomorrow's forecast is for more of the same great conditions. The NorCal kids who took today off from school to arrive early and practice are looking forward to the SoCal contingent arrival for the real racing.