Each season brings fresh faces into the fleet, but only a few manage to make an immediate impact. In 2025, several new teams stepped into the senior 49er class with confidence and maturity beyond their years — earning recognition as the Rookie Teams of the Year.
Ben O’Shaughnessy & Ethan Spain (IRL)
Among the new entries, Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain stood out from the very beginning. The Irish duo transitioned into the senior 49er fleet after a highly successful career in the 29er, where they claimed National and European Championship titles as well as a bronze medal at the Youth Sailing World Championships in 2023. That momentum carried seamlessly into their first full 49er campaign in 2025.
Despite competing against seasoned Olympians, Ben and Ethan consistently showed front-of-the-fleet speed. They recorded multiple top-three race finishes throughout the season and even took a race win at the World Championship in Cagliari during the Qualifying round, a standout achievement for a rookie team in such a deep fleet.
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A key part of their rapid progress has been extensive training alongside Ireland’s Olympic 49er sailors Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove. Absorbing every bit of knowledge they could, the pair learned quickly from mistakes, embraced challenging conditions, and approached each regatta with confidence and enthusiasm. Their willingness to line up on any start line — big or small — combined with steady improvement made them one of the most impressive new teams of the year.
Their dominance extended to the youth side of the fleet as well, where they captured the Junior 49er European Championship title in Sferracavallo, Italy, confirming their status as one of the strongest rising teams in the class.
Ethan commented: “While having a few nice results from the Season gives us a good confidence boost, we’re looking forward to putting our head down this winter and getting lots of hours on the water to try and improve on what we’ve learned so far. This year has made us super excited for what’s to come in the next few years.”
Ben added: “We have really enjoyed our first year in the boat. The racing is intense, unforgiving and high quality, it’s a big jump from 29er but undoubtedly the best move for anyone who wants to get to top level sailing. We look forward to racing again next summer.”
The Hamm Twins
Another promising new entry comes from the Hamm twins, who stepped into the 49er after spending time in the 49erFX and winning the 29er European Title this year. Although they have not yet competed at a major championship in the 49er, their potential is already clear. While sailing the FX, they reached the Medal Race in Kiel, showing composure and racecraft beyond their age.
At just 17 years old, the twins are still developing physically and technically, particularly in stronger conditions. With time, experience, and continued exposure to heavy-air racing, they are widely viewed as a team to watch as they grow into the class.
Kjell Haschen & Iven Anton Fromm (GER)
Also deserving recognition are Kjell Haschen and Iven Anton Fromm of Germany. Crowned Junior World Champions in July in Denmark, the young German pair announced themselves as serious prospects for the future of the 49er fleet. Their junior world title reflects not only speed but consistency and composure — key traits for long-term success as they transition further into senior competition. Kjell noted: “This year was a strong milestone on our path toward Olympic gold. We’re proud of our progress and motivated for the challenges ahead in 2026“.
Ewa Lewandowska & Anna Zwara (POL)
In the 49erFX fleet, Ewa Lewandowska and Anna Zwara made an immediate impression as one of the most promising new teams of the year. Ewa arrives with an exceptional youth résumé, having won the 29er Youth World Championship twice — in Búzios, Brazil (2023) and Lake Garda, Italy (2024) — and adding the 29er European Championship title in 2024.
Stepping into the 49erFX, Ewa teamed up with Anna Zwara and continued that upward trajectory. In their first season together, the Polish duo claimed Vice Junior European Champions in the FX, confirming their potential at the international level. Still very young and early in their senior-class journey, they combine speed, confidence, and a strong learning mindset — making them a team to watch as they rise through the fleet. “The 49erFX is very different from the 29er. I really enjoy stepping into a new environment and learning how to sail an Olympic-class boat.” says Ewa.
The 2025 season highlighted just how strong the next generation of 49er sailors has become. With fearless attitudes, rapid learning curves, and impressive early results, these rookie teams have already begun reshaping the fleet — and their journeys are only just beginning.
