Entries Open for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta

Entries are open for the much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th – 19th May 2024.

The 30th Anniversary Regatta celebrates friends, family and sailboat racing. Promising to be the best RS party yet, the event invites 14 fleets to race Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th May; 

Masters fleets have an additional day of racing on Friday 17th May (available for the RS200, RS300, RS400, RS600, RS700, RS800 and RS Vareo classes). The RS21 Class will also make the most of the additional day on the Friday, with the long weekend doubling up as Round 2 of the RS21 UK & Ireland Cup series. For the RS500s, the event also encompasses their UK National Championship, 17th – 19th May.

Own an RS boat but don’t want to race? No problem! You can still join in the fun with the Open Adventure Cruise on Saturday 18th May. Friends and families are invited to join the fun flotilla which will cruise from Hayling Island Sailing Club across to a nearby beach for a picnic in the sun and back again for the afternoon.

As for the socials, there’s a jam-packed programme of evening entertainment. From BBQs to black tie dinners, and a brilliant live band, the event is one not to be missed. Follow RS Sailing on Facebook and Instagram to be the first hear more about the birthday surprises.

“I am so excited for our 30th and I can’t wait to be there to see old friends, new faces and honour everyone who has helped get us to where we are today.” Alex Newton Southon, CEO – Design & Technologies for the RS Marine Group.

RS Sailing was born in 1994 (known then as RS Racing) when the RS400 and RS600 were launched at the London Boat Show. A year previously, the founding duo spotted a gap in the market for modern, high-performance dinghies and wanted to bring this concept to the mainstream.

Year-by-year, the brand continued to win over both experienced sailors, and those new to the sport, with the expanding range of innovative and accessible boats. The decade ended with the first polyethylene boat, the RS Feva, joining the range in 2003. Fast-forward 20 years and the RS Feva is the fastest growing double-handed youth class globally.

With the ever-growing demand, RS Class Associations popped up around the world and fleets had a wide variety of events to attend. RS Sailing became famous for its #sailitliveitloveit culture, both on and off the water, with shore-side socials just as important as awesome racing on the water. The RS family has developed, evolved and expanded over the last 30 years but it’s core values of community have always stayed at the heart of the company.

“There is nothing we like doing more than bringing sailors together. Over the last 30 years we have build a network of amazing people supporting our brand. The RS family has designed exceptional boats, set up vibrant racing classes, organised fantastic events, and participated in training and racing with family and friends. To celebrate this all at our 30th birthday is super exciting. The team is putting a tremendous amount of effort into making this sailing event one to remember.” Commercial Director Michiel Geerling. 

For more information on the 30th Anniversary Regatta (and how to enter) head to RS Sailing’s event page. Secure your place now and join the RS flagship event of the year; a 30th birthday party that is sure to go down in RS Sailing history.