The RS21 Class Association is excited to announce the RS21 UK & IE Cup Calendar for 2024. Sticking to the Corinthian ethos, sailors compete in identical RS21s; levelling the playing field and intensifying the competition. Success on the racecourse is determined by the skill and strategy of the crew rather than the difference in equipment. The championships will take place across seven months in six key locations.
The series kicks off in Hamble at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, 19th – 20th April, before moving on to Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th – 19th May. Next-up, the final leg of the southern tour will conclude in Lymington in June (dates and venue to be confirmed soon).
The RS21s will then hop across the water to Cork during the 15th – 19th July, hosted by Royal Cork YC. For the 28th – 31st August, the series will head to the Royal Dart YC in Dartmouth, making the most of the final weeks of the British holidays and the UK Nationals. Last, but not least, the 6-part series concludes with the October Inland Championships in Rutland (dates and venue to be confirmed soon).
Partnering with RS Sailing and its worldwide network, the class is well-supported to deliver fantastic racing. Events are curated with a winning three-part formula: great venues, prestigious race areas and enjoyable socials. In true RS Sailing style, the socials are set to be as big as the racing – promising an exciting, inclusive and celebratory atmosphere both on and off the water.
The dedicated RS21 International Class Manager, Nick Redding, wants to keep eclipsing successes: “2023 has been a record-breaker for the class. There were 25 boats at the National Championships and the 2023 World Championships in Sardinia is shaping up to be one of the biggest keelboat events of the year internationally!
We are seeing a real influx of owners who are looking for the perfect blend of high-end, one design racing, iconic venues, and groups of sailors who are as interested in the on-shore community as much as the on-water action.
These six events will form the second edition of the RS21 UK & Ireland Cup and will include a flagship National Championships in Dartmouth and an Irish Nationals in Cork.”
The 2024 calendar was officially announced at the Southampton International Boat Show on 18th September by Commercial Director and RS21 sailor, Michiel Geerling.
“Fleets are building across the globe – the RS21 International Class Association covers four continents, and it’s great to see how much the class has been embraced. With the class growing from strength-to-strength, the 2024 series is looking forward to welcoming back old friends as well as inviting new crews to participate and join in the fun.”
And it’s not just about UK & Ireland announcements, there’s a lot going on internationally too, Michiel continued:
“This morning we have just dispatched boat no. 310 which is going, together with the UK team, to the 2023 World Championships next week in Sardinia. There will be 55 boats from 12 nations and 4 continents there – a great achievement of the RS21 International Class! We are also excited to confirm that the 2024 Worlds will take place in Spain.”
You can find the newly announced 2024 Calendar for the RS21 UK & IE Cup here:
For more information on the events, entries, or charters, reach out to RS21 International Class Manager Nick Redding on nick.redding@rsmarinegroup.com.
