RS Sailing are eagerly awaiting the start of the RS Aero UK Open and National Championship 2020. Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club will be hosting the Championship at the iconic seaside town which is arguably home to some of the best sea sailing on the South Coast. Entry for the event sold out for the first 100 boats in a record-breaking 4 hours, cementing the classes predictions that there was overwhelming interest for the event to go ahead if it was safe to do so.
Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club have worked tirelessly to ensure that the event will be run in line with current UK Government regulations and RYA guidance. For a club renowned for being ‘small yet mighty’ Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club have proven themselves to be one of the leading UK clubs at organising an event of this scale during the current pandemic.
The latest entry tally currently stands at 107 with just under a week to go. There are 35 Youth entries which shows a 25% rise in traditional numbers and there are 22 women entered across the 5 and 7 rigs. There are also 19 Masters entered who get the benefit of only having to compete in the first 2 races of each day. Entries are split between 3 fleets, with 45 in the RS Aero 5 Fleet, 55 in the RS Aero 7 Fleet and 7 in the RS Aero 9 Fleet.
The RS Aero Class is renowned for its Elite and Corinthian racing with family groups popping up on the entry list across the fleets, who will be crowned Top RS Aero Family? The Top RS Aero Club is also up for grabs, with the likes of Lymington Town Sailing Club, Draycote Sailing Club, Burghfield Sailing Club and Felpham Sailing Club all with impressive club entries.
PRO Gary Smith has over 30 years experience as a Race Officer and has overseen most of the key events held at ESSC. Gary will be joined by his experienced race crew and backed up even further by an extensive network of safety boats and beach team ensuring that the event runs as smoothly as possible.
RS Sailing will be on-site supporting the event with their usual high energy and flair. With changing room facilities closed and indoor space limited inside, the club will be maximising their outside space by working with RS Sailing to create an awesome sailor’s hub befitting of the RS Games.
Special thanks need to go out to the event sponsors, Harken, Selden, Noble Marine, RS Sailing and Rooster.
Stay tuned throughout the week on the RS Aero Facebook page and Class website as well as the RS Official Facebook page to follow all the action.
