RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760
RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760

RS Sailing Reflects on a Record-Breaking 2023

December 29, 2023

Brilliant events, informative shows and some new records broken by RS Sailing and RS sailors. As the year draws to a close, we sit down with RS Sailing Commercial Director Michiel Geerling to reflect on 2023.

“I want to thank everyone for an incredible year. We have had some huge achievements that I think we should not forget to celebrate.”

It was a brilliant summer of events for RS Sailing. Highlights include the RS Feva World Championships which saw 422 sailors coming with their families to enjoy an amazing week at LNI Follonica in Italy. This was the biggest RS Feva event to date, and was the best attended World Sailing youth class World Championships in 2023. “It’s amazing to see that the RS Feva is the fastest growing two-person youth class internationally when you look at World Sailing’s figures.”

RS Sailing also supported World Sailing at the Para Sailing World Championships 2023 at WV Braassemermeer, Netherlands. The RS Venture Connect was one of the three boats selected again by Para World Sailing to be part of the World Sailing World Championships together with the Olympic Classes.

The RS21 World Championship 2023 also broke records this year; 55 boats from 11 countries competed in Porto Rotondo in Sardinia, Italy. “This is such a big achievement for a relatively new class. It’s also a class that is really putting a good stamp on the sustainability side.” The RS21 Italian Class is the first sailing class in the world to achieve ISO20121 certification. Created by the International Organization for Standardization, this certification is only awarded when an event organiser adheres to a detailed set of requirements that meet the international standard for sustainable event management. Not only was this a big success at the World Championships, but the class was also invited to present a ‘Sustainability Masterclass’ as part of the World Sailing Sustainability Sessions.

“We’ve also been honoured to work with some great partners this year.” In October, RS Venture Connects were raced in SailGP’s We Foundation One Sport Race and we confirmed our preferred vendor partner agreement with Crystal Lagoons. In September, we announced our partnership with Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina; providing an extensive range of boats to their state-of-the-art JYC Academy which has already seen 1000+ children benefit from the programmes this year.

It’s been a particular good year for RS Sailing on the international stage. “Globally, we’re expanding further and wider in all corners of the world. 2023 has seen growth in many classes; from RS21 fleet building in Canada to Japan’s first-ever RS Aero National Championship in the All Japan RS Open 2023 event.”

RS Sailing is not just about the boats, it’s also a celebration of the sailors. “There have been so many great memories to shout about this year – too many to mention in just one post! For me, it was a great moment to see RS Aero sailor, Ken Fowler, be awarded Highly Commended ‘Sailor of the Year’ at the British Yachting Awards.” Ken sailed his RS Aero around 262 islands over the course of the last four years and completed his odyssey in June 2023, raising more than £70,000 for charity.

RS Feva duo Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield were also awarded Highly Commended at the British Yachting Awards 2023, in the ‘Youth Sailor of the Year’ category. A well-deserved congratulations goes to the pair after they achieved an incredible double victory in both the Nationals and the Worlds RS Feva Class.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support from the Class Associations too. They are at the very heart of our communities and work so hard to deliver fantastic events all year around.”

Michiel also extended his thanks to the wider RS Sailing family in the dealer network. “We have good friends in our network that we can always call and rely on. We’ve grown and strengthened our dealer network in 2023 and there is a lot to celebrate.”

Back in February, the Class Associations joined us at the RYA Dinghy Show and it was also the first time we put RS Sailing Store on the stand alongside RS Sailing. This wasn’t the only successful show of the year. Despite the apocalyptic weather at Southampton International Boat Show, “it was the best SIBS we’ve ever had. Thank you to all those people who wore their wet-weather kit and still popped by to have a chat on the stand.”

Finally, we rounded off the year with the RS Toura winning ‘Best Dinghy’ in Sailing World’s Boat of the Year Awards. “This prestigious title means a great deal to us – especially all of those behind-the-scenes in production and development. Recognition like this serves to affirm our position as the world’s leading small boat manufacturer.”

Looking forward to next year there are many exciting shows, events and boat developments on the horizon. RS Sailing will add to its leisure and training range in 2024; bringing simplicity back to the beach with a brand new catamaran. With buoyancy and easy handling in mind, this model will complete the versatile RS CAT trilogy in the RS Sailing family.

2024 also marks RS Sailing’s 30th birthday and we are celebrating it in the best way that we know how; a huge party and weekend regatta commemorating the sport that we love. We hope to see you all there at the 30th Anniversary at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th-19th May. In the meantime, check-out RS Sailing Club for all the events near you and internationally.

“Thanks again for being part of the RS Sailing family in 2023. I’m really looking forward to a good 2024. Our amazing team will – for another year – work hard to gain more participation in our sport, set high standards at events and build boats that are there to last.”

 

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign up for RS stories, offers, epic wipeout videos and much more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Grant Dalton OBE on Introducing His Son to Sailing: Why the RS Quest is the Perfect Fit

When it comes to sailing, few names are as well-respected as Grant Dalton OBE, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. With six Volvo and Whitbread races under his belt, and his wealth of experience and...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

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...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

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...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

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...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

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...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

10 events of 2025 – RS Fest Miami 2025

Event – RS Fest Miami 2025 Event Dates : March 28th - 30th 2025 Hosted by – Coconut Grove Sailing Club Where – Miami, USA at Coconut Grove Sailing Club Dates – Check out the full...

Pin It on Pinterest