RS Elite Class and RS Sailing agree planned transition to independent class association management

RS Elite start on day 2 of the Royal Thames Yacht Club 250th Anniversary Regatta © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

The RS Elite Class Association together with RS Sailing, are pleased to announce an exciting new chapter for the RS Elite Class, as RS Sailing supports a handover of the manufacturing rights, enabling the Elite Class to move forward independently.

Launched in 2004 by RS Sailing, the Elite is a three-person 7.4 metre (24ft) keelboat designed for the 21st century by Phil Morrison with a brief to create a modern version of the classic racing sailboat in the spirit of the X One Design, Sunbeam or Swallow. It is a strict one design class, ensuring close and competitive racing. Since its launch, the Elite has grown into one of the most competitive keelboat fleets in the country, building a strong reputation as a high quality and rewarding boat to sail. The sociable nature of the fleet combined with high quality competitive sailing has led to a resurgence of interest in the number of Elites being owned and regularly sailed, encouraging partners, families, youths and newcomers to sail together.

As well as Antigua and Norway, Elite owners enjoy class one-design club racing in Anglesey, Belfast Lough, Burnham-on-Crouch, Hayling Island and Dunmore East in County Waterford, Ireland. The Association runs regular open events throughout the year including local open meetings, regional and national championships, plus fleet racing in multi-class regattas. Minimal maintenance and only two or three crew means keelboat racing could not be more convenient. Easily driven, with a high ballast ratio and carbon mast, the RS Elite is forgiving and fast, while shallow draft and a symmetrical spinnaker allow the boat to be raced almost anywhere. Sail one and you will easily understand why Elite owners are passionate about the fleet.

The positive decision for the class to move forward independently has been agreed jointly between RS Sailing and the Elite Association. RS Sailing, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of performance dinghies, will continue to focus on its wider portfolio and future developments. The Elite Class Association now has the opportunity to shape its own direction, take full ownership of decision-making and actively drive the class forward by helping to develop emerging fleets in Anglesey, Aldeburgh and Dunmore East as well as build the established fleets in Hayling Island and Burnham-on-Crouch.

Gerry Reid, Chair of the RS Elite Association said "This an exciting step for the Elite Class. We are incredibly proud of the boat and the community that has grown around it, and we are very grateful to RS Sailing for creating such a fantastic design and for their support over the years. Moving forward independently allows the class to build on its strengths, focus on growth and continue delivering great racing for our sailors."

Alex Newton-Southon said "We are extremely proud of the RS Elite and everything the class has achieved since its launch. It has been fantastic to see such a strong, passionate and welcoming community develop around the boat. This planned transition is a positive step for both RS Sailing and the Elite Class Association, giving the class the independence to shape its own future while building on the solid foundations already in place. We wish the Association and all Elite sailors every success as they take the class forward into this next chapter."