Christ’s College sailor wins National 29er Open title
06 Jun 2025
Exceptional Christ’s College sailor Will Leech has won the New Zealand 29er Open title, outmanoeuvring the best competitors in the country.
With the event open to all ages, Will – along with his crew, Will Mason – has held his nerve to win seven of the 16 races over four days. Racing out of the Manly Sailing Club in Auckland, he has navigated a wide range of challenging conditions and close contests.
At 16, Will is one of the youngest sailors to claim the prestigious national title.
“It was pretty cool sailing in tough conditions and lining up against high-level rivals and then seeing all my time on the water culminate in the title,” Will says. “I am so stoked. Having finished 3rd last year and 2nd the year before, this year’s win means a lot.”
Next up, Will heads to Europe to represent New Zealand at the 29er European Championships on Lake Garda in Italy from 1–8 July. It is renowned as one of the most respected sailing events in the world. Prior to those races, he will compete at the large-scale Kieler Woche regatta in Germany from 21–29 June.
