2016 RS Aero US National Championships returns to the Gorge

by RS Sailing on 21 Jun 2016 On August 10-14th 2016, the RS Aero Class returns to the Columbia River Gorge for the second year in a row. After the success of last year’s event, we are looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic five days of Aero Sailing, featuring a pre-regatta Clinic, Long Distance Race, Aero Speed Challenge (sponsored by Dynamic Dollies), and the main event: the 2016 RS Aero US National Championship.

“The Gorge” is North America's answer to Europe's Lake Garda, with the thermal breeze accelerating as it compresses through the mountainous Gorge. However, the river current provides a conveyor belt ride back upwind and creates interesting swells to catch downwind adding a whole new dimension to the enjoyment, excitement and race strategies!

Sailors will take part in a packed schedule, starting with two days of pre-regatta training with Peter Barton, International Class Association Manager and 2016 RS Aero 9 UK National Champion. The training is open to anyone with reasonable boat handling skills in up to 20 knots of breeze, and all rigs (5, 7 and 9) are welcome. There are only 20 places available to make sure everyone gets one-on-one attention, so secure your place quickly—it’s not every day you get the opportunity to learn from a 11-Time National Champion dinghy sailor!

August 12th gives you the opportunity to test your newfound skills in the Gorge Mini-Blowout Distance Race, starting in Cascade Locks at 12:00 and ending in Home Valley. If you want to enjoy some long, fast reaches and nice waves, this is the ticket. Handicapping will be done using the Portsmouth Yardstick system, so all Aero rigs can race together, and everyone has a shot at winning.

After the Distance Race, take part in the Aero Speed Challenge. This is a short, fun test to set the fastest speed, measured on a speed puck. Sailors rotate through three test boats, reaching back and forth across the river to set their best speed in 10 minutes while other sailors and spectators watch from the beach. Dynamic Dollies, makers of the awesome Dynamic Dolly Aero Trolley, is this year’s Speed Challenge sponsor.

August 13th-14th sees the main event, the RS Aero National Championships. Organisers are expecting 30+ boats of all abilities to attend and with the fantastic conditions the Gorge has to offer, it is set to be two days of really exciting racing.

Register before July 10th to get the reduced fee of $105. Any entries made after July 10th will be charged $125.