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All eight New Zealand teams made the gold fleet at one of Europe’s premier youth regattas last month - a strong showing after months of hard work and ideal preparation for an even bigger challenge.
Will Leech and Will Mason led the Kiwi contingent at the 29er Euro Cup during the 2025 Kiel Week, claiming the silver medal after five top-10 finishes across the week. The pair only teamed up last year but have already recorded a string of strong results, including winning the 29er national championships at Manly in May and finishing second at Oceanbridge Sail Auckland in February.
Nelsen Meacham and Joe Leith also impressed, finishing seventh overall and claiming two race wins – one in the gold fleet.
Bella Jenkins and Jess Handley were the top Kiwi girls team, finishing 20th in the 75-boat fleet. Kate Rasmussen and Rose Dickey placed 34th.
Other top-25 results came from Hugo Smith and Louis Quere (13th), Ewan Brazle and Toby Clark (17th), Peer Kruse and Leo Brown (21st), and Blake Batten and Merrick Sanderson (22nd).
Will Leech and William Mason on the podium at Kiel Week. Photos / Supplied
Sam Mackay, Yachting New Zealand's youth and events manager, said the Kiel Week regatta was excellent build-up to the 29er European Championships, starting in Garda tomorrow night (NZ time).
"The Kiwi squad of nine boats have put in a huge amount of work throughout the season, supported with coaching through the Yachting New Zealand national youth programme," Mackay said.
"It’s fantastic to see that commitment and cohesion as a squad translating into performance, with all the boats qualifying for the gold fleet and the Wills rounding it off with a podium finish."
Click here for the latest results and standings at the 2025 29er European championships.
