Championship Dates: 5th-8th October 2023
A substantial breeze, tidal currents and a good dose of Connecticut hospitality – the Fabbrica RS Aero North American Championships 2023 promises to deliver a vibrant weekend of racing fun.
Cedar Point Yacht Club has maintained a presence in Long Island Sound sailboat racing since its formation in 1887 and has earned a reputation for quality race management. It received the One Design Club Award from US Sailing for administrative excellence, fleet growth, creative programming, regatta support, and member contribution — at regional, national and international levels in 2002, 2007, and 2018.
The RS Aero class is the newest of the club’s fleets, but it has rapidly grown into one of the most active. The regular fleet is 24 sailors, and a fleet boat is actively deployed to bring prospective members to the starting line. The class are rolling up their sleeves to make the regatta a great experience, and are looking forward to welcoming more sailors to their club!
The race area is located near the north shore of Long Island Sound, southeast of the mouth of the Saugatuck river. It is 1-2 nm from the beach from which the CPYC Aero fleet generally launches. It is tidal, but the tidal currents are reasonably uniform over the race course. Although the tidal currents can be significant, they are not ‘swirly’ or complicated in ways that unduly privilege local knowledge.
As CPYC’s Michal Gavin puts it: “The Long Island Sound has a reputation for light winds in the summer, but the fall season is generally delightful. In early October, the change of season brings much better breeze, while air and water temperatures are still comfortable. There aren’t many places we’d rather sail than southern New England in the fall!”
Racing will be held over 3 days, Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October, with check-in, rigging and practice races on Thursday 5th. There will be after-race socials, a regatta dinner and an awards ceremony. Entry fees include complimentary boat storage, breakfast, post-racing refreshments each race day, and one Saturday night dinner ticket per competitor. Admission to dinner for guests will be available for purchase for $35pp.
Sailors can avoid the hassle of transporting boats across the country by taking advantage of an RS Aero Charter Package. There will be 8-10 boats available – contact Todd Riccardi (todd@rssailing.com) for more information.
CPYC’s Michael Gavin is looking forward to welcoming competitors from far and wide.
“We are working hard to make it possible for distant competitors to attend the event, so that it can be a true continental championship. The RS charters are a key element of that effort.
The RS Aero fleet is Cedar Point’s newest, and one of the club’s most active. The fleet is excited to be welcoming Aero sailors to our club for the championship and, if it suits, to the Fontelieu regatta the preceding weekend. Let us know how we can help!”
Want to join the fun? Register here. More information on the regatta can be found at the RS Aero Class Association event page.
