RS Fest Miami 2025 promised a true celebration of all things RS, and it didn’t disappoint! From Friday, March 28th, to Sunday, March 30th, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, and RS21 fleets, absolutely sent it racing around Biscayne Bay, and they celebrated in style on shore at Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
Miami, nicknamed the magic city, really did dial up the magic this weekend, from those moments of pure exhilaration blasting down a reach in the midst of a huge gust, to the friendly buzz on shore with some cool beverages, great music and surrounded by the RS community. Memories and friends were made for life, and that’s what RS events are all about.
Miami flipped the narrative for RS Fest this weekend; the confidently predicted wall-to-wall sunshine and the gentle breeze became 20+ knots full of pockets of sunshine and one unforgettable thunderstorm just in time for pack-up. Sailors were pushed as they took on the breeze and chop, with plenty of wipe-outs and capsizes to laugh off at the bar later. The warm water and friendly racing ensured that sailors still came off the water grinning.
Coconut Grove Sailing Club hosted three RS clinics on the Wednesday and Thursday before the event started. Coaches and sailors eagerly shared tips and knowledge to ensure the competitors had a boat-load of new skills and settings to call upon during the racing over the weekend.
Friday marked the first day of racing for the RS Aero and RS21 fleets, and it was nothing short of champagne sailing. A punchy 20+ knots paired with dazzling sunshine had the RS21 fleet blasting around the bay, kites up, full send, and two solid races in the bag. The RS Aero’s showcased how light the hull is by nearly taking flight in some of the bigger gusts as they came through the fleet. Sailors were kept on their toes as others deathrolled around them. With one race in the bag for the RS Aero fleets, sailors headed ashore. Friday evening was a truly American experience for the visiting European competitors as the RS sailors attended the Miami Marlins baseball game. Official event partner Kingfisher Yacht Ropes nailed the dress code with some awesome baseball caps for all the competitors to wear whilst cheering on the Miami Marlins!
Saturday brought another big forecast, with the breeze in the high teens for most of the day and the gusts rattled down the course in the early 20s, masked at times by the cloudy backdrop. The sun made occasional appearances, and some choppy waves really tested the fleet’s boat handling skills. After a long day of racing, sailors were greeted onshore by ice-cold beverages served in an RS Aero, courtesy of Athletic Brewing. Thirsts quenched, sailors de-rigged their boats and unwound after a big day on the water. That evening, sailors gathered back at Coconut Grove Sailing Club for a delicious Cuban buffet and an evening of celebration.
Sunday finally saw the forecast moderate, with the breeze now comfortably in the mid-teens, and occasional pockets of sunshine really did give the competitors that Miami magic. Points were tight at the top of the RS Aero and RS Tera fleet, so every point mattered out on the water. The RS21s and RS Feva’s had clear front runners, but as the conditions had proven over the last few days, sailors really did need to expect the unexpected.
Prize giving went off in style, right in front of Regatta Park, with huge thanks to Kingfisher Yacht Ropes and Rooster for supporting the event with some fantastic prizes for competitors.
Huge Congratulations to our RS Fest Miami 2025 Champions;
RS21
- Alex Newton-Southon
- Chris Stater
- Liam Willis / Michiel Geerling
RS Aero 6
- Ellie Craig
- Roy van Maanen
RS Aero 7
- Madhavan Thirumalai
- Dan Falk
- Upamanyu Dutta
RS Aero 9
- Dylan Williams
RS Tera
- Wences Raspo
- Amelia Graham
- Carmine Siano
RS Feva
- Peter D
- Peter D
- Maris Vandamme
Check out the full results here – www.sailscores.com/RSFEST/Regatta/2025/rs-fest-2025
Events like this aren’t possible without incredible sponsors and event partners. RS owe huge thanks to Kingfisher Yacht Ropes, Rooster, Athletic Brewing, Zim Sailing and West Coast Sailing. It’s incredibly special to work and play alongside brands that are so passionate about the future of our sport.
Thank you to Coconut Grove Sailing Club for hosting another fantastic edition of RS Fest, alongside PRO’s Ian McLelland and Beckett Kumler, who delivered fantastic racing on the water.
Special thanks is owed to some unsung heroes. Firstly Dan Williams, boatpark organiser and dolly master, Alex from CGSC, for setting up amazing dining for all the competitors, friends and family on Saturday night. Christian Koules for stepping up and taking on the RS Feva and RS Tera clinics, which materialised from some gnarly conditions and eager sailors. Finally, Milford Yacht Club and ‘the Cozz’ for their unmatched energy and passion for RS Sailing.
Huge thanks go to Zim Sailing and West Coast Sailing for their event organisation, charter boats and spares on shore. Special thanks go to Sam Patterson for making the event happen in true RS style.
Finally, thank you to all the competitors, near and far who made the journey to Miami to be a part of the event. The RS family is growing in North America, and it’s truly exciting to see.
For now, that’s a wrap, but stay tuned to RS Sailing channels for details on RS Fest 2026!
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