RS500 World Championships 2023 at Nechranice Reservoir, Czech Republic

July 31, 2023

The RS500 World Championships 2023 took place on the Nechranice Reservoir in the Chomutov region; the fifth largest body of water in the Czech Republic. Commemorating 130 years of Czech yachting, this Championship saw 44 crews competing from eight countries – including Estonia and Ukraine.

Day 0:

Over the weekend of 22nd/23rd July the competitors arrived and began to familiarise themselves with the local area. With a mixed forecast for the week, sailors were also keen to get out on the water and test the local conditions.

The RS500 Class was welcomed by a unique opening ceremony held on the Nechranice Dam. The flag bearers arrived by boat, the national anthems were performed by a saxophonist, speeches were given by the organisers – including one from the Czech Republic Parliament local senator – and a toasts with a glass of wine.

Day 1:

The eager crowd of RS500 sailors were greeted by a storm, which delayed racing for the day. Although the weather was wet, this did not dampen the spirits of the lively sailors as they waited to get their regatta started. Late afternoon the skies started to clear, with the fleet able to start at 17:50. Conditions were testing, with those able to read the wind shifts and spot the extra pressure pulling clear and leading the fleet home.

Once back on shore the fleet enjoyed a well deserved buffet dinner with a debrief on the day’s racing.

Day 2:

Although the forecast promised light-winds, the wind decided to take a day off completely! Up stepped the famous RS500 socials and the RS500 International AGM was held. In the evening the fleet enjoyed a beer tasting from the local region.

Day 3:

After no racing on Day 2, the fleet were keen to really get going and they were treated to a full racing schedule in fantastic conditions. With four races held, the event was starting to take shape, with points tight across the board.

After racing, the fleet enjoyed a concert from the band ‘Klasickej postup’.

Day 4:

Thursday saw a tricky day of racing, with a shifty breeze that picked up throughout the day providing a tough test for all competitors. Once again those who sailed smartly were rewarded with some top results, picking the shifts upwind was key then enjoying the exhilarating ride downwind.

In the evening the Captain Morgan rum party got well underway with pirate fancy dress and swashbuckling games.

Day 5:

As they headed into the last day of racing, all the podium places were still up for grabs. With the forecast for another shifty day, those at the front would need to be on their game to stay there. It was a test for the race committee and they did extremely well to get two races in with all that nature was throwing at them.

Overall, Stephen and Sarah Cockerill held on to take the win, followed closely by the Curtis and Watson Father/Son teams in 2nd and 3rd.

The day ended with the closing ceremony and podium pictures for all the categories. You can see the full results here.

Thanks to all of those who made the RS500 World Championships 2023 happen; the organisers, the Nechranice Yacht Club, the judges, the volunteers, and everyone who participated!

Overall