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!
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