2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship in Oslo

2025 RS Venture Connect Europeans in Oslo © Christian Ruscett

The RS Venture Connect European Championship 2025 was held on the breathtaking Lysakerfjorden just outside Oslo, Norway, 22nd - 23rd August.

This year's event marked a historic first, the Continental Championship for the RS Venture Connect Class - a big step forward for para sailing and inclusive competition in Europe.

Day 1

The first day of the championship started in some challenging conditions, with 10-15 knot winds with some big gusts. The sailors had to consider more than just speed; it was about timing, positioning, and a fair bit of luck. Despite the tricky breeze, the top teams quickly rose to the challenge. Team Sweden led the competition at the end of the day.

Day 2

Sailors were treated to bright sunshine and a fresh northerly breeze, creating great racing conditions. The fleet completed another three races. With the wind shifting constantly, success came down to tactical decision-making and spot-on execution.

Day 3

The final morning on Lysakerfjorden dawned with slightly lighter winds, adding a fresh set of tactical challenges. And with the leaderboard still wide open, everything came down to the last three scheduled races.

Going into the day, it was a tight race between Sweden, Spain, Great Britain, and France. The Spanish team, Pau Toni Homar & Ramòn Gutierres, rose to the occasion winning all three races and securing the European title. For the Inclusive Category, Jazz Turner & Adam Billany took the podium position.

Overall Results:

Para
Gold: Spain - Pau Toni Homar & Ramòn Gutierres (Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx)
Silver: Sweden - Patric Rosenberg (VhSS) & Fia Fjelddahl (GKSS - Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club)
Bronze: France - Ange Margaron & Olivier Ducruix (Base Nautique de Sciez)

Inclusive
Gold: Great Britain - Jazz Turner & Adam Billany (Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club)
Silver: Norway - Henrik Julius Nilsen (Fredrikstad Seilforening) & Stian Soltveidt (Askøy Seilforening)
Bronze: Norway - Lars Ivar Eilerås (KNS) & Axel Heiberg (KNS)

Full results can be found here.

The 2025 Championship has set a new benchmark for inclusive competition. We can't wait to see what's next for the RS Venture Connect class. But for now, congratulations to all competitors, organisers, and supporters.