Noble Marine RS200 National Championship 2026 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Buddy Groups
by Vic Upton 6 Aug 09:04 PDT
15-20 August 2026
Volvo Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Torbay day 1 © Rudder Stock Photos
With the RS200 Nationals now just a few weeks away, it is time to reveal this year's fleet allocations and buddy groups. Whether you are heading to the event chasing the front of the fleet, aiming for a personal best, or simply looking forward to a brilliant week on and off the water, this is the moment to find out who you will be racing alongside - and who your buddies will be.
The fleets are split into Gold, Silver and Bronze. These allocations do not change how the racing works - everyone is still part of the same championship fleet - but they do give more boats something to aim for, with prizes available even if you are not right at the very top of the overall results.
The buddy group system is all about bringing sailors together from across the whole fleet. Each group is designed to mix boats from different fleet bands, helping helms and crews meet new people, ask questions, share tips, and learn from those with more experience in the RS200 fleet. You will also be parked alongside your buddy group, so finding them should be nice and easy. It is a great way to make a big championship feel more connected, friendly, and inclusive from the moment everyone arrives.
Each group also has a fun name inspired by the week's theme - no requirement to dress as your buddy group's superhero or villain, but it might just solve your costume crisis.
There will also be prizes throughout the week, including an award for the top buddy group, so make sure you know who is in your team and get involved with the full Nationals spirit. Some buddy groups include more than three boats, meaning there may be two boats from one fleet; in these cases, the top boat from each fleet will count towards the buddy group score.
Buddy groups are a chance to support each other, celebrate each other's results, and hopefully pick up a prize together by the end of the week.
Check the published list, find your buddies, and start the countdown — we cannot wait to see everyone at the RS200 Nationals.
See the full Buddy Group list [PDF]
If you'd be interested in getting involved with fleet selections, buddy group allocations etc for future events please contact anyone from the RS200 Class committee, either in person at nationals or via out socials!