By the RS Venture Connect Class
The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This will be first time that the RS Venture Connect Class has delivered a Continental Championship and comes as a result of the efforts that the Norwegian Sailing Federation has made in growing its national Para Inclusive sailing program over recent years.
The dates of the formal racing program are confirmed as being Saturday August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th. A pre event coaching clinic is also being planned and anyone interested in this should contact event co-ordinator for more information.
In keeping with RS Venture Connect class World level events, the European Championship will feature a ‘Para’ category for teams consisting of two sailors both holding a current World Sailing Minimal Disability (MD) Para Classification status at the time of the event, an ‘Inclusive’ category where teams will need to self-certify that at least one sailor in each team is a sailor with a disability that affects their daily lives and an ‘Open’ category which, as the name suggests, is open to anyone and which will make the event truly an event for everyone to enjoy.
A dedicated registration platform will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the provision of a Notice of Race (NoR) and other useful event-related information. To pre-register or to request further information related to attending this event, please contact the event co-ordinator Thomas Nilsson via thomas.nilsson@seiling.no
The Norwegian Sailing Federation is making a fleet charter boats available for use at the event and these boats will be allocated on request. Teams wishing to bring their own boats to the event are welcome to do so but they are urged to ensure that their boats meet the current class-specific equipment rules in order to be eligible to compete. Teams should contact the RS Venture Connect Class if they are in any doubt about whether their boat/s meet the current class specifications.
Bård Spilling, Secretary General of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) commented on the announcement by saying:
“We are thrilled to host such a Para Inclusive Sailing event at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club and Ulabrand Sailing Centre this August. Building on the success of the Nordic Para Championship in 2023, which gave a significant boost to the para sailing community at KNS, in Oslo and across Norway, the enthusiasm has only grown throughout 2024.
We are especially proud to host the first continental championship in the RS Venture Connect class here in Norway. This is a milestone for both inclusive sailing and para sailing, reflecting our commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the sport. We look forward to welcoming sailors from across Europe and beyond, strengthening old friendships and creating new ones. This championship promises to deliver impressive sailing performances and unforgettable moments, whether you are a seasoned sailor or just starting out. Together with the Norwegian Sailing Federation, we are proud to collaborate closely to foster a vibrant and inclusive para sailing environment. Our goal is to make the 2025 European Championship an extraordinary experience for everyone involved”.
Thomas Nilsson from the Norwegian Sailing Federation said of the news: “We are incredibly proud to host the first continental championship in the RS Venture Connect class here in Norway. This is a milestone for both inclusive and para sailing, reflecting the strong efforts made by KNS and Norwe-gian Sailing Federation to promote diversity in our sport. With KNS’s world-class facilities and exten-sive experience in hosting international sailing events, we are confident this championship will set a new standard. We look forward to welcoming sailors from across Europe to Oslo in August 2025 for this unforgettable experience”.
Dan Jaspers, the Manufacturer’s Representative of the RS Venture Connect Class stated: “I am thankful to the Norwegian Sailing Federation and members of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club in the support that they have shown in the development of this event, the first continental championship in the history of the class. I am excited by the fact that demand for such an event has come as a direct result of a sustained growth in Para Inclusive sailing activity not only here in mainland Europe but also internationally. The RS venture Connect class is proud of its part in growing this activity and we continue to support World Sailing and all its members in its efforts to have sailing reinstated in the Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Australia in 2032″.
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