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 Venture Connect brings extremes of disability together

March 19, 2018
RS Venture Connect SCS
Last month, Helena Lucas, Bronze and Gold Paralympic Medallist was announced to help establish and steer the new RS Venture Connect Class.

World Sailing selected the RS Venture Connect back in November for the 2018 Para World Championships in Sheboygan, USA and chose to include it in the Para Development Program (PDP). The RS Venture’s plug & play para options mean the boat can be quickly configured to suit sailors with a wide range of disabilities, making round-robin racing in supplied boats possible. Click here to find the Notice of Race.

Helena Lucas recently shared her thoughts on the boat and the task of helping to set up the RS Venture Class.

“It quickly became apparent we were going to be privileged with a format change, and the new proposed format of stadium racing with a knock out round going into semi-finals and a final, is an exciting step for Paralympic Sailing.”

Configuration for the Para Worlds in Sheboygan is currently the two-seat set up, but there are discussions to have the option for one seat with the crew being able to move around the boat and hike as required. With the sailors backing, Helena and the team at RS are confident this is a hugely positive step and will help bring the extremes of disability together and compete on a level playing field.

“I have had some really positive feedback from sailors, excited by the opportunity to be more physical in the front of the boat, whilst still catering for the more disabled athletes who can take up the seated helming position. With the 8 point system we are trying to encourage a mix of disabilities to come together and sail with each other and with an extra point up for grabs if your female, support more female participation in our sport.”

The single seat configuration can be seen in action here.

RS Sailing will supply eight boats so sailors can compete at the Worlds by simply travelling themselves – massively reducing their own and federation’s competition costs and largely removing the logistical difficulties and footprint associated with shipping boats. The plan is to trial a stadium style format close to the shore, with heats leading to a final – launching a dramatic new era for para racing.

The RS Venture Connect, with its pathway and accessible competition format opportunities, represents a positive development for sailing during its bid for Paralympic reinstatement. RS Sailing is proud to have developed the boat and be supporting this effort.

The countdown is on to the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA. 

You can see more information about the RS Venture Connect at www.RSsailing.com or join in the conversation on Facebook. Contact the RS team via info@rssailing.com. Contact Helena Lucas at Helena@rssailing.com on Class activity matters.

SUBSCRIBE

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

RS200 Pre-Nationals Pimps: Checklist for Peak Performance 

With just 3 weeks to go until the Noble Marine RS200 National Championship, it’s time to make sure your boat is as good as it possibly can be! Thanks to the Official Chandlery Partner of the...

RS Aero UK National Championship and International Open 2025

RS Aero UK National Championship and International Open  Weymouth and Portland NSA, UK   Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August   Supported by Rooster    ENTRY IS OPEN! ...

‘It’s Always Been RS’: A Conversation with Ben Willows, the New CEO of RS Marine Group

There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it’s woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people. Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group in June 2025, Ben brings...

We’re Hiring! Direct Sales Executive at RS Sailing

Job Title: RS Sailing Direct Sales Executive Location: Based at our Romsey headquarters, with plenty of travel throughout the United Kingdom Salary: £25,000 per year basic, plus commission and...

Leadership Transition for Sailing Raceboats, RS Sailing’s Distributor in Australia

After 15 years at the helm of Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd, Tom Pearce is stepping back from day-to-day operations, appointing Rhett Gowans as the new Managing Director.   Since its inception in...

Viva la Feva-volution! Catalonia’s Youth Set Sail with the Lliga Blava Escolar

A fleet of 36 new RS Fevas were flying as young sailors from across Catalonia hit the water for a thrilling event on 15th June hosted by The Barcelona International Sailing Centre. Catalonia’s...

The RS200 Nationals 2025 – The Glastonbury of the UK Sailing Scene!

Move over The 1975 and *checks notes* Rod Stewart (?!) - the countdown for the 'Glastonbury of the UK sailing scene' is on. With 96 entries already locked in, the RS200 fleet are just a few sailors...

Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth

RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven...

Growing with RS Sailing: An Interview with Liam Willis

Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager and Technical Support Specialist at RS Sailing, has been a lifelong sailor and passionate advocate for the sport. With a personal sailing history that spans nearly the...

Introducing the RS Aira 22 – A New Daysailer in our Adventure Range

We are proud to announce the addition of the RS Aira 22 to our cruising portfolio, as we take on the build license, distribution, marketing and sales from Aira Boats. This keelboat represents a...

RS Aero UK National Championship and International Open 2025

RS Aero UK National Championship and International Open  Weymouth and Portland NSA, UK   Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August   Supported by Rooster    ENTRY IS OPEN! ...

‘It’s Always Been RS’: A Conversation with Ben Willows, the New CEO of RS Marine Group

There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it’s woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people. Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group in June 2025, Ben brings...

We’re Hiring! Direct Sales Executive at RS Sailing

Job Title: RS Sailing Direct Sales Executive Location: Based at our Romsey headquarters, with plenty of travel throughout the United Kingdom Salary: £25,000 per year basic, plus commission and...

Leadership Transition for Sailing Raceboats, RS Sailing’s Distributor in Australia

After 15 years at the helm of Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd, Tom Pearce is stepping back from day-to-day operations, appointing Rhett Gowans as the new Managing Director.   Since its inception in...

Viva la Feva-volution! Catalonia’s Youth Set Sail with the Lliga Blava Escolar

A fleet of 36 new RS Fevas were flying as young sailors from across Catalonia hit the water for a thrilling event on 15th June hosted by The Barcelona International Sailing Centre. Catalonia’s...

The RS200 Nationals 2025 – The Glastonbury of the UK Sailing Scene!

Move over The 1975 and *checks notes* Rod Stewart (?!) - the countdown for the 'Glastonbury of the UK sailing scene' is on. With 96 entries already locked in, the RS200 fleet are just a few sailors...

Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth

RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven...

Growing with RS Sailing: An Interview with Liam Willis

Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager and Technical Support Specialist at RS Sailing, has been a lifelong sailor and passionate advocate for the sport. With a personal sailing history that spans nearly the...

Introducing the RS Aira 22 – A New Daysailer in our Adventure Range

We are proud to announce the addition of the RS Aira 22 to our cruising portfolio, as we take on the build license, distribution, marketing and sales from Aira Boats. This keelboat represents a...

One Sport on Swiss Waters: Swiss SailGP Team X Swiss Disabled Sailing

Last month, Swiss SailGP Team athletes Arnaud Psarofaghis (wing trimmer), Bryan Mettraux (flight controller) and Arno de Planta (reserve and pathway athlete), joined Swiss Disabled...

‘It’s Always Been RS’: A Conversation with Ben Willows, the New CEO of RS Marine Group

There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it’s woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people. Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group in June 2025, Ben brings...

We’re Hiring! Direct Sales Executive at RS Sailing

Job Title: RS Sailing Direct Sales Executive Location: Based at our Romsey headquarters, with plenty of travel throughout the United Kingdom Salary: £25,000 per year basic, plus commission and...

Leadership Transition for Sailing Raceboats, RS Sailing’s Distributor in Australia

After 15 years at the helm of Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd, Tom Pearce is stepping back from day-to-day operations, appointing Rhett Gowans as the new Managing Director.   Since its inception in...

Viva la Feva-volution! Catalonia’s Youth Set Sail with the Lliga Blava Escolar

A fleet of 36 new RS Fevas were flying as young sailors from across Catalonia hit the water for a thrilling event on 15th June hosted by The Barcelona International Sailing Centre. Catalonia’s...

The RS200 Nationals 2025 – The Glastonbury of the UK Sailing Scene!

Move over The 1975 and *checks notes* Rod Stewart (?!) - the countdown for the 'Glastonbury of the UK sailing scene' is on. With 96 entries already locked in, the RS200 fleet are just a few sailors...

Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth

RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven...

Growing with RS Sailing: An Interview with Liam Willis

Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager and Technical Support Specialist at RS Sailing, has been a lifelong sailor and passionate advocate for the sport. With a personal sailing history that spans nearly the...

Introducing the RS Aira 22 – A New Daysailer in our Adventure Range

We are proud to announce the addition of the RS Aira 22 to our cruising portfolio, as we take on the build license, distribution, marketing and sales from Aira Boats. This keelboat represents a...

One Sport on Swiss Waters: Swiss SailGP Team X Swiss Disabled Sailing

Last month, Swiss SailGP Team athletes Arnaud Psarofaghis (wing trimmer), Bryan Mettraux (flight controller) and Arno de Planta (reserve and pathway athlete), joined Swiss Disabled...
RS 200 - Fleet

RS Sailing Store named as Official Chandlery Partner for UK RS National Championships

The UK RS Class Association is thrilled to announce that RS Sailing Store will be the official chandlery partner for the noughty and RS Vareo class National Championships 2025. This collaboration...

We’re Hiring! Direct Sales Executive at RS Sailing

Job Title: RS Sailing Direct Sales Executive Location: Based at our Romsey headquarters, with plenty of travel throughout the United Kingdom Salary: £25,000 per year basic, plus commission and...

Leadership Transition for Sailing Raceboats, RS Sailing’s Distributor in Australia

After 15 years at the helm of Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd, Tom Pearce is stepping back from day-to-day operations, appointing Rhett Gowans as the new Managing Director.   Since its inception in...

Viva la Feva-volution! Catalonia’s Youth Set Sail with the Lliga Blava Escolar

A fleet of 36 new RS Fevas were flying as young sailors from across Catalonia hit the water for a thrilling event on 15th June hosted by The Barcelona International Sailing Centre. Catalonia’s...

The RS200 Nationals 2025 – The Glastonbury of the UK Sailing Scene!

Move over The 1975 and *checks notes* Rod Stewart (?!) - the countdown for the 'Glastonbury of the UK sailing scene' is on. With 96 entries already locked in, the RS200 fleet are just a few sailors...

Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth

RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven...

Growing with RS Sailing: An Interview with Liam Willis

Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager and Technical Support Specialist at RS Sailing, has been a lifelong sailor and passionate advocate for the sport. With a personal sailing history that spans nearly the...

Introducing the RS Aira 22 – A New Daysailer in our Adventure Range

We are proud to announce the addition of the RS Aira 22 to our cruising portfolio, as we take on the build license, distribution, marketing and sales from Aira Boats. This keelboat represents a...

One Sport on Swiss Waters: Swiss SailGP Team X Swiss Disabled Sailing

Last month, Swiss SailGP Team athletes Arnaud Psarofaghis (wing trimmer), Bryan Mettraux (flight controller) and Arno de Planta (reserve and pathway athlete), joined Swiss Disabled...
RS 200 - Fleet

RS Sailing Store named as Official Chandlery Partner for UK RS National Championships

The UK RS Class Association is thrilled to announce that RS Sailing Store will be the official chandlery partner for the noughty and RS Vareo class National Championships 2025. This collaboration...

Top 10 Accessories for the RS Quest

The RS Quest has been a trusted training dinghy for over a decade and we’re celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025. Known for its durability and versatility, this best-seller is ideal for...

Pin It on Pinterest