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

The 2022 Resolute Cup – RS21 Team Interview – Michael Hessler from Muskegon Yacht Club

August 31, 2022
RS21 Resolute

For the first time since 2018, the Resolute Cup is heading back to Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island. The biennial event was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, but is back after four years. Yacht clubs from around the United States send their best amateur sailors to Newport, R.I., to compete for national bragging rights and the possibility of a trip to the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, sailing’s premiere international Corinthian big-boat regatta.

The 2022 Resolute Cup will be sailed from September 12th to 17th in New York Yacht Club’s fleet of 23-foot Sonars and a fleet of RS21s provided by RS Sailing. With provided sails, equalized rig tune and a regular boat rotation, it’s a true one-design event. We met with Michael Hessler, who is skippering the boat from Muskegon Yacht Club. To prepare for the event, he and his team have chartered an RS21 for the summer.

 

RS: Why did you decide to charter the 21 for the summer?

Mike: Because we are racing in the Resolute Cup this fall, we wanted to get to know the boat and practice in it so we weren’t seeing it for the first time the weekend of the event.

RS: What are your thoughts so far?

Mike: We have been on the 21 for about a month and overall, we really like it. It is really stable, both upwind and downwind, which is not something I see too often in bigger boats. Aside from the sailing aspects, the epropulsion motor is a welcome addition. It is so much easier to manage than the motors on other boats and makes heading in and out of the harbor super easy.

RS: Does your crew enjoy the boat as well?

Mike: Absolutely, the whole crew has had a lot of fun with the boat. It has a cool design and simple layout that makes it easy to learn. Combined with its lower cost, it is definitely easier to get into than other boats of a similar size.

RS: Do you think getting to practice ahead of the event will give you a leg up on the competition?

Mike: For us, we just really wanted to get our hands on the boat and practice so we were more comfortable with the boat. We’re not going in with the expectation that we’re going to win but we’re hopeful that getting some practice this summer will put us in a good position to have fun and do well.

 

The Resolute Cup is happening September 12th – 17th at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island. To learn more about the event and see live results head to their website. And click here for information on the RS21!

 

Share this!

 

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