The RS21 World Championship is back at Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, with 49 boats and over 200 sailors from 13 nations ready to battle it out for one of the most competitive titles in one-design keelboat racing. This year’s event promises tight competition, big breeze, and world-class sailing, with racing officially underway as of 24th September 2025.
After stops in Croatia (2022), Italy (2023), and Spain (2024), the championship returns to Sardinia for its fourth edition – and it’s already breaking records. With representation from 13 countries (the highest yet!) the 2025 event marks a boom in the class’s explosive global growth.
European countries represented include France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, with international entries adding to the mix from Hong Kong, Brazil, and Australia. Several sailors are also competing under the banner of Individual Neutral Athletes, underscoring the inclusive and global spirit of the class.
“The RS21 continues to prove that great racing doesn’t have to come with a big budget,” said Liam Willis, RS21 International Class Manager. “This is true one-design sailing – it’s about skill, teamwork, and tactical decision-making. Everyone’s racing on level terms, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”
The RS21, developed by RS Sailing, is a modern keelboat designed to be fast, fun, and accessible – attracting a diverse mix of sailors from seasoned pros to enthusiastic newcomers. The class continues to thrive on national circuits across Europe, with a 6-part UK & Ireland series, the Italian Yamamay Cup, and strong match-racing activity in Poland and beyond.
Liam adds: “It’s awesome to see the championship grow year on year – from 40 boats in Spain last year to just shy of 50 this year, and now the most diverse fleet we’ve ever had. The energy around the RS21 is contagious. We’re especially proud of initiatives like the Under-23 program, which brings in new talent and ensures the future of the sport. Great to see the Nox Oceani youth sailing teams back this year.”
Day One: A Fast Start
Day one delivered breeze and tight racing. With stacked start lines and plenty of action at the windward mark, sailors had to be sharp from the gun.
Nigel Rolfe (GBR 315) shared: “It’s amazing to see so many boats on the line. The racing is intense – you think you’ve got time and space, but then suddenly it’s all on. The Vakaros system we’re using makes things so much smoother. It’s superb racing. Fourty-nine boats – it’s epic!”
Al Keck (helming GBR 342) added: “The atmosphere here in Sardinia is fantastic. Great racing, great people – it’s everything you want from a World Championship.”
Chat on the dock is that ITA 296 ‘Caipirinha’, helmed by Martin Reintjes, is the boat to beat. Reintjes has a formidable track record – bronze in 2022, gold in 2023, and bronze again in 2024. But in a fleet this competitive, it’s still anyone’s game.
The Core Ingredients of a World Championship
The RS21 World Championship is not just about racing – it’s about community. From the Corinthian spirit on the water to the buzzing dockside socials, the class is known for balancing top-level competition with an inclusive, welcoming vibe.
Yacht Club Porto Rotondo provides the perfect backdrop. With consistent 13-knot breezes (gusting 22), sun-peppered conditions, and rolling Mediterranean waves, the Sardinian racecourse is as spectacular as it is challenging.
The use of Vakaros onboard technology enhances race management and ensures fair competition, while the post-race scene is equally important – with food, drinks, and laughter flowing well into the evening.
Sponsors & Coverage
The 2025 RS21 Worlds are proudly supported by RS Sailing, Slam Sailing, Negrinautica, and the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna.
Follow the action on the RS21 International Class Instagram and Facebook pages for daily videos, commentary, and stunning visuals from CodeZero Digital & Studios. With Overall, Corinthian, Women’s and Under 23s titles up for grabs, the champions will be crowned on Saturday 27th September – after four days of what promises to be epic racing. See the results so far on hubsail.
