“Bubbling with pride and excitement.” This probably best describes the feeling we get at RS Sailing when people talk about anything RS Aero related. With all systems go since 2014, the RS Aero exploded into the market with a mission to take on the hotly contested single handed dinghy realm. Fuelled by a belief that our sport deserves racing classes that can be accessed by a wide range of participants in future proofed communities, we knew the RS Aero could be the answer.
Pride – This is upon reflection of the RS Aero’s journey so far, with thousands around the world, driven by outstanding class associations with incredible events, we’re proud of the impact this dinghy has had on so many sailors. After seeing 208 boats at the World Championships in 2018, the RS Aero has proven to be an accessible, versatile and cost-effective competitor to both new and quinquagenarian boats on the market.
Excitement – As we look ahead into the approaching 2019 season and beyond, it’s exciting to see the diversifying participation, enhanced global reach and the sheer joy the RS Aero will bring so many people in our sport. From the aspiring champions in the youth ranks, to the recreational retirees, the RS Aero provides an excitingly inclusive opportunity for so many in our sport.
One small step for sailing, one giant leap for AEROnautics!
Aeronautics is defined as the science of designing and building aeroplanes (thanks again to a trusty online dictionary search). RS Sailing believe, as innovators in the development of the RS Aero, we could refer to ourselves as Scholars of “AEROnautics.”
From the careful design development, which not only makes the boat user friendly, but also minimizes carbon footprint (through easy stacking design), RS Sailing have taken years to create this best-selling modern single-hander. The boat provides an exciting challenge in the intricate adjustments that can be made for the seasoned sailor. However, it also provides such simplistic access to newbies, you won’t have to be a rocket scientist to get feel the wonderful thrill the RS Aero provides. With a modern, sustainable and intricately developed design, the RS Aero is a 21st century approach to our sport of centuries old.
With an award-winning range of boats across different disciplines of our sport, RS Sailing maintain the drive and focus to see the RS Aero become an essential single hander for every sailing club, training program and development pathway.
What’s happening in the world of the RS Aero?
2019 is well under way and it’s exciting to report the RS Aero events have got off to a great start world wide. Here are a few highlights:
1st-3rd Feb 2019 – Florida State championships
A total of 26 boats attended the Florida state championships as part of the US Winter Series. An impressive weekend of racing with some brilliant video footage to accompany the race report from Bob Patterson. Click here for the full report.
16th Feb 2019 – UK Winter championships
An impressive 47 RS Aeros made it to the UK Winter Championships, and with thanks to Tim Hire’s report we are impressed to announce the growth of the RS Aero 5’s in attendance with 11 5’s competing in the event. See the full report here
9th-11th March 2019 – Victoria State Championships, Australia
25 RS Aero fanatics took to the water down under for the Victorian State championships. Thanks to the RS Aero Class Association for this report
2019 will see a colossal and unprecedented amount of RS Aero activity scheduled. Here are just a few highlights from the full calendar to look forward to:
- 13th – 14th April – Big Dinghy Regatta, Richmond, San Francisco, California, USA
- 18th – 20th April – 4th Garda RS Easter meeting, CV Gargnano, Italy
- 28th – 30th June – North American Championships – Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA
- 6th – 8th July – German Nationals, Warnemunde, Germany
- 24th -28th July – UK National Championships – Scotland, UK
- 5-6th Aug – Swedish RS Aero class championships, Sweden
- 18th- 23rd Aug – European Championship – Malcesine, Lake Garda Italy
- 14-15th Sept – RS Aerocup – Bruinsse, Holland
- 28th Dec 2019 – 4th Jan 2020 – 3rd RS Aero World Championships, Australia
To wrap up 2019 and start 2020 in style, the 3rd RS Aero World Championships will be hosted at Black Rock Yacht Club, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA! We’re certainly excited to be embarking on this mission. Planning is well under way and we will be delighted to see so many of you there.
These events only happen because of the fantastic training programmes and local clubs all over the globe, introducing new people to our sport and the RS Aero. The RS Aero family is growing and there is plenty more room for any new budding RS Aero sailors to come and get involved. Find out how by getting in touch with the wonderful folks at the class association.
A growing number of sailors across our community now champion the capabilities of this vessel for its many qualities. This has been acknowledged in the most flattering manner by World Sailing, as the RS Aero is under evaluation for selection as the Olympic single-handed dinghy for the Paris 2024 games.
Another time to mention our emotions, “bubbling with pride and excitement.” What an honour and what a journey. In just a few short years, the RS Aero mission is prepared for “infinity and beyond!”
