With Day 3 offering little more than still skies and scattered clouds, the qualifying rounds of the 49er and 49erFX Junior World Championship came to a close. While the breeze may have taken a break, our sailors did anything but. Over the past few days, they’ve tackled everything from gusty winds and rain to frustrating lulls—proving that a true sailor thrives in all conditions. The conditions on Rungsted Harbour delivered a masterclass in Danish elements—and our competitors rose to the challenge.
Spectacular Capsizes & Steady Recoveries
The qualifying series wasn’t without its drama. Several boats took a tumble in sharp gusts, particularly in the 49erFX fleet. But what stood out wasn’t just the wipeouts—it was the rapid recovery. Crews righted their boats, reset their focus, and in some cases, climbed right back to the top of the leaderboard by day’s end. The resilience and teamwork on display highlight the maturity of these young competitors.
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Voices from the Fleet
We caught up with several sailors between races, and a common theme emerged: stay present.
“our biggest thing is to have fun and enjoy it out there and see how it goes” Jorn Swart, from the Dutch team, currently number 1 in the 49er JWC.
Many of the teams are still adjusting to the transition from 29er to 49er or 49erFX, yet you wouldn’t know it from the way they’ve performed.
While their focus remains firmly on this championship, several teams admitted their sights are set on the long-term goal: a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. For many, this event marks the beginning of that campaign.
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Looking Ahead
With light winds forecast for the final series (2–3 August), sailors will need to dig deep into their tactical toolbox. Every shift and every puff will count, making for an exciting and strategic finish to the regatta.
KDY and the Organising Committee invite sailors, families, and fans to join us for the closing stages of the 49er & 49erFX Junior World Championship here in Rungsted. Whether you’re onshore or online, come follow the next generation of sailing talent as they race for the podium—and their future.
