29er and RS Aero

The 29er and the RS Aero represent two completely different but equally influential directions in modern dinghy sailing. The 29er is the internationally recognised youth skiff with double trapeze and asymmetric spinnaker – the direct bridge to the Olympic 49er and 49erFX. The RS Aero is a light single-handed dinghy with an interchangeable rig system that shapes club regattas, masters competitions and broad recreational sailing. Those looking for the next step after the Optimist or ILCA Laser will frequently encounter the 29er in youth performance sailing; those wanting a light, transport-friendly single-handed boat for varied wind conditions will find in the RS Aero one of the fastest-growing classes worldwide.

Two Classes, Two Philosophies

Although both boats are listed under Dinghies, they pursue different goals:

1. 29er – high-speed skiff for two young sailors, focus on trapeze, spinnaker and Olympic career planning
2. RS Aero – single-handed boat with modular rig choice, focus on accessibility, low weight and a broad regatta fleet
3. In common – modern one-design philosophy, active class associations, international fleets and lively regatta scene

The 29er: Youth Skiff and 49er Feeder

Australian Julian Bethwaite – also the designer of the 49er – created the 29er in the late 1990s as a targeted youth skiff. The class is designed to introduce young sailors to double trapeze, asymmetric spinnaker and planing skiff handling without immediately demanding the full physical load of a 49er. Since 2000, the 29er has been recognised by World Sailing as an International Class; world and European championships as well as the Youth Sailing World Championships are fixed fixtures on the calendar.

29er Milestones

Design and Dimensions

The 29er shares skiff DNA with the 49er: flat, wide hull, minimal displacement, fast planing and permanent trapeze sailing from moderate wind upwards. The hull is built from fibreglass epoxy in licensed yards; mast, sails and spinnaker are subject to strict class rules in line with One-Design vs. Handicap Systems.

Crew Roles and Skiff Handling in the 29er

In the 29er, helmsman and crew work closely together like in the big skiff – only on a somewhat smaller scale and with adapted forces:

• Helmsman – rudder, mainsail trim, tactics, balance on trapeze, rule communication
• Crew (foredeck) – jib, spinnaker set and drop, wire-to-wire changes, rig feedback
• Together – capsize recovery, start tactics, fast tacks and gybes on short legs

Wire-to-Wire on the 29er

The transition from the 420 and 470 to the 29er is not automatically the best path: the 420 teaches classic double-handed sailing with trapeze, while the 29er immediately demands skiff thinking with permanent planing and aggressive downwind speed. Many skiff squads move directly from ILCA or Optimist into the 29er.

The RS Aero: Lightweight Single-Handed with Rig Modularity

The RS Aero from RS Sailing was designed in 2012 by Paul Handley and set new standards for lightness in the single-handed segment. The hull weighs only around 30 kg – one person can carry the boat onto a trailer or roof rack. A self-draining cockpit shape, a slim deck layout and an interchangeable mast rig system make the class physically accessible to very different sailors.

RS Aero Milestones

The Three Rig Variants: Aero 5, Aero 7, Aero 9

What makes the RS Aero special is the modular rig concept. Instead of sailing separate boat classes, many sailors change mast sets within the same class – depending on body weight and wind strength:

RS Aero in Everyday Regatta Life

Unlike the 29er, the RS Aero is sailed solo – tactics, trim and manoeuvres rest entirely on one person. The class is not Olympic, but is strongly represented internationally:

1. Club and regional regattas – low entry barrier, one boat fits in many vehicles
2. RS Aero World Championships – annual highlight with separate rig scoring
3. Masters and age-group events – attractive for experienced sailors who do not want a double-handed team
4. Recreational and cruising days – easy handling even outside competition

Career Paths and Class Choice

The decision between 29er and RS Aero depends on regatta goals. Structured guidance is available in Choosing a Boat Class and the Olympic Path and Performance Sailing System.

Career Path for 29er Skiff Sailors

International youth events such as the Youth Sailing World Championships are central qualification and scouting regattas for 29er sailors.

Regatta Tactics and Training Priorities

29er: Skiff Tactics Under Pressure

29er regattas are sailed on windward-leeward courses with gate and asymmetric spinnaker – similar to the 49er, but with younger crews and often somewhat shorter races. Key tactical points:

1. Start – clear end, speed from the line, early control of clear air
2. Upwind – VMG balance between height and planing, trapeze timing
3. Downwind – spinnaker trim, surfing lines, aggressive gate roundings
4. Communication – short, clear commands between helmsman and crew
5. Fitness – core stability and endurance for multi-hour trapeze sailing

RS Aero: Single-Handed Tactics and Rig Management

In the RS Aero, body weight and rig choice determine competitiveness. Sailors must adapt their rig to wind and weight – at many events there are separate scoring divisions per rig size. Tactical priorities:

• Hiking vs. standing – finding the right balance depending on rig and wind
• Start position – as a single-handed sailor, starting early and cleanly without team support
• Tacks and gybes – roll tacks and clean manoeuvres without speed loss
• Strategy alone – wind observation and lane choice without a tactician on board

Equipment, Budget and Getting Started

29er: A new hull costs significantly more than entry-level dinghies like the Optimist, but less than a 49er. Added to this are trapeze equipment, multiple spinnakers for different wind strengths, mast bend profiles and travel costs to international events. Support through national associations and skiff squads is common for ambitious youth sailors.

RS Aero: The hull is comparatively affordable; the overall budget depends on the number of rigs. Many sailors start with one rig and expand later. Transport by trailer or car roof is a major practical advantage over heavier single-handed boats.

Checklist: Season Preparation

29er Season

• Check hull and trapeze gear for wear and cracks
• Measure and document mast bend profile
• Sort spinnakers by wind band and check labelling
• Train capsize and inversion recovery regularly
• Set crew weight and fitness plan for the season
• Align regatta calendar with youth events and national championships
• Create rig tuning protocol for light, medium and heavy wind
• Standardise communication commands for manoeuvres

RS Aero Season

• Check rig fit to body weight and season goal
• Inspect mast, sails and boom fittings for damage
• Check trolley, dolly or trailer for transport capability
• Test wetsuit/shoes for hiking and helm balance
• Plan club and world championship regatta calendar
• Complete tack and gybe training in various wind strengths
• Practise rig change procedure if using multiple masts
• Update life jacket and safety equipment

First 29er Regatta Day

• Equipment inspection
• Weather briefing
• Discuss start sequence
• Protest watch ready
• Capsize plan
• Hydration/energy
• Regatta committee contact
• Rig check before each race

29er and RS Aero Compared – Who Sails What?

Both classes enrich regatta sailing in different ways: the 29er provides the most important international skiff training for the path to the 49er and thus to Olympic skiff sailing. The RS Aero democratises fast single-handed sailing through lightweight construction and rig modularity – ideal for club sailors, masters and all those who want to race regularly without a crew partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age for the 29er? – Typically from 14–15 years, depending on height and experience.

Is the RS Aero Olympic? – No, a pure International Class without Olympic status.

Which RS Aero rig for 70 kg? – Usually Aero 7, Aero 5 in strong wind.

29er or 420? – 420 for classic double-handed/Olympic path 470; 29er for skiff path 49er.

Cost comparison? – RS Aero cheaper to purchase and transport; 29er higher for equipment and travel costs in performance squads.

Related Topics

• 49er and 49erFX
• 420 and 470
• ILCA Laser
• Dinghies
• Youth Sailing World Championships