HISC 29er Fleet – Building for the Future

New sailors, a dedicated club training boat and a growing winter programme with excellent coaches – there's never been a better time to get involved in 29er sailing at Hayling Island Sailing Club!

Following an exciting 2026 for 29er sailing at Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC), which included hosting the RYA Youth Nationals and 29er National Championships, the club is building on that momentum with an ambitious focus on growing its 29er fleet and encouraging more young sailors to make the step into the class.

A key part of this commitment has been the recent investment in a club 29er, giving sailors access to a dedicated training boat and helping make the transition into this exciting and challenging class more accessible.

The club has already delivered 12 transition sessions, with an impressive 20 sailors taking part. Sessions have been supported by experienced local 29er sailors, whose first-hand knowledge has proved invaluable. With the coach in the boat alongside each new sailor, participants benefit from hands-on guidance, practical advice and immediate support as they get to grips with the boat. This approach helps build confidence, develop skills and make the transition into 29er sailing an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

It's also been a fantastic opportunity to pass knowledge between generations of sailors, with those already established in the class helping the next wave of talent find their feet.

As one of the transition sailors commented:

"It's been really helpful having the opportunity to try the boat and learn from people who have recently made the same move. There's a lot to get used to, but doing it together makes it much more enjoyable, and it's great to see so many of us getting involved."

A flying start to winter training

The enthusiasm for the class is already translating into strong numbers on the water. The HISC winter training programme got off to a fantastic start, with 12 boats taking part in the opening weekend – a brilliant turnout and a clear indication of the growing commitment and enthusiasm within the fleet.

Led by class lead coach Alice Thorsby, the weekend brought together sailors eager to develop their skills, build confidence and gain valuable time in the boat.

Alice will be supported throughout the winter by an excellent team of coaching talent, including Simon Hall, James Hall, Kate Robertson, Billy Vennis-Ozanne, Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Holly Mitchell.

With three further training weekends planned, the programme will provide a valuable opportunity for sailors to build consistency and make real progress. Sessions will focus on developing boat handling, speed, teamwork and racing skills, helping sailors become more confident and competitive as they progress in the class.

Just as importantly, the programme brings together the depth of sailing and coaching experience available locally. Having coaches who know the waters around Hayling Island and understand the pathway young sailors are following provides an excellent foundation for developing both skills and racing technique.

The training is open to HISC members and non-members alike, and sailors from outside the club are very welcome to join the remaining winter weekends.

Alice Thorsby, class lead coach, said:

"It's fantastic to see so many sailors making the move into the 29er. Having 12 boats signed up for our first weekend is a brilliant start. It's a big step from sailing an Optimist or Feva, and having the right support and opportunities to train together makes a real difference.

"We've got a great group of local coaches involved, and we're looking forward to helping the sailors develop, enjoy the boat and build a strong fleet at HISC."

Looking ahead to 2028

There is an even bigger milestone on the horizon, with HISC set to host the 29er World Championships in July 2028.

Hosting an event of this scale will be a fantastic opportunity for the club and the wider sailing community, but the work taking place now is about much more than preparing for a major international championship. It's about creating lasting opportunities for young sailors and building a strong, sustainable 29er fleet for the future.

Developing local talent, strengthening coaching expertise and giving more young sailors the confidence and opportunity to progress into the class are all important parts of that journey.

With a dedicated club training boat, 20 sailors already taking part in transition sessions, a growing winter training programme and an experienced local coaching team, HISC is putting the foundations in place for an exciting future.

For now, the focus is firmly on getting out on the water, learning new skills, making friends and enjoying everything that 29er sailing has to offer.

2027 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the HISC 29er fleet, with the continuation of the HISC 29er Sprint Series and a class GP event planned for late June. Alongside the racing programme, plans are being developed to offer regular transition taster sessions and coaching for new partnerships, helping more sailors make the step into 29er sailing. There will also be a continued focus on supporting and developing more experienced sailors through regular coaching sessions, ensuring opportunities for sailors of all abilities to build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the class.

With three more winter training weekends ahead and the 29er World Championships coming to Hayling Island in July 2028, there is plenty to look forward to. The future of the HISC 29er fleet is looking bright!