RS Elite Class – 10 years and building

by Steve Powell on 6 Jan 2015 The RS Elite Class is about to celebrate an exciting 2015, as new fleets build and events are planned to mark its first decade of fabulous racing and great camaraderie.

It all began at Hayling Island SC where, fittingly, a major surge is underway as new owners including an Olympic Gold medallist and multiple world and national champions join the fleet, creating what will surely be the most competitive Elite fleet so far, and a significant challenge to local Solent fleets at the RYS and RLymYC.

In Northern Ireland, the RS Elite fleet on Belfast Lough is the biggest in the UK, and Irish events will be boosted as new fleets build on nearby Strangford Lough and in Carrickfergus.

Meanwhile activity is also growing internationally for the Class, on the stunning Oslo Fjord in Norway the youngest Elite fleet, at Tonsberg Seilforening, is into double figures with more expected for the 2015 season. At Nonsuch Bay, Antigua more boats have recently added to the fleet and qualification is underway for their flagship event, the Nonsuch RS Elite Challenge, held on lay-day of Sailing Week - fast becoming one of the famous regatta’s most popular attractions.

The first RS Elite has just been delivered to Sydney, Australia to drive forward development of a new fleet down-under by an enthusiastic group of sailors looking for pure and exciting keelboat racing.

With international fleets growing at venues such as these, glamorous RS Elite events seem assured!

Celebrations this year will focus on the Solent, which may not have Caribbean sunshine or a Harbour Bridge but it does enjoy regular sea breezes and is one of the world’s great yachting centres. The Royal Lymington Yacht Club will play host to the 2015 UK Nationals and the packed programme includes several 10th anniversary highlights, afloat and ashore. Cowes Week follows, where a record RS Elite fleet is expected and the first four days will form the Southern Area Championships, rounded off by the Class’s Anniversary Gala Dinner and prize giving. If you have an Elite – you undoubtedly need to head to the Solent this summer.

Ten years since launch the RS Elite continues to delight. The boat’s beautiful handling, pace and close competition are winning enthusiasts around the world. This is no boom and bust Class – steady growth indicates a long future of awesome keelboat racing lies ahead... in top venues.