Largest ever fleet of RS Elites expected for Brewin Dolphin International Grand Prix 2022
by John Roberson 7 Oct 07:30 PDT
9-12 June 2022
Solent Projects RS Elite Nationals 2010 © Pete Ridout / Lloyd Images
Led by the irrepressible Charlie Egerton-Warburton, the Brewin Dolphin International Grand Prix 2022 is expecting to attract the biggest ever fleet of RS Elites, to assemble in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in June next year. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the event, running from 9th to 12th June inclusive, will incorporate the 2022 RS Elite National Championships.
The regatta team have set a target of 55+ boats on the starting line, a significant increase on the previous record RS Elite fleet, which was also a Squadron event, when 42 boats attended the 2012 National Championships, one of six previous events Charlie has organised for the class over the last decade.
With characteristic exuberance, Charlie is promising great competition on the waters of the Solent and an unrivalled social scene ashore. A resident of the Island for many decades, one of his main themes is promotion of Isle of Wight products and businesses, with the promise of an entry pack stuffed with a showcase of the island's best goodies.
"I have attracted the best of the best in terms of race management," said Charlie, "and can assure you that the off-water socials will be unforgettable". As well as a big commitment from the various U.K. based RS Elite fleets, there is interest from owners in Australia, Antigua, Canada, Italy, Norway and the USA.
Overseas interest is strong and growing, with Italy's Paolo Pasquini confirming in an email, "yes, of course the two Italian Elites will come to the race! Kind regards and good winds, Paolo."
Designed by Phil Morrison, the RS Elite is a 2 - 4 person, high performance keelboat, that has attracted some very high quality sailors over the years, including Olympic medallists and world champions from both keelboat and dinghy classes. The Brewin Dolphin International Grand Prix was originally scheduled for 2020, but was inevitably postponed due to the pandemic.