09 November 2022
The RS Elite Association has announced the RS Elite Open Tour, combining all events open to RS Elite Association members in 2023, ranging from championship to training events, in a single framework. This will reinforce the RS Elite’s status as a national fleet in the UK and encourage sailors to support events in clubs other than their own.
RS Elite Association Chairman Jo Hewitson has commented: “The committee have worked hard and creatively to provide an exciting programme of events to enable as many of us as possible to benefit from training, super competitive racing in some of the best locations possible. I look forward to seeing you on the water and in the bar.”
Open Training Events at the Royal Burnham Yacht Club, Strangford Lough Yacht Club and Hayling Island Sailing Club
The RS Elite association will provide open weekend training events at these venues, and, in the case of Hayling Island, open sprint racing on the second day where visitors will join the club’s RS Elite sprint racing. All RS Elite Association members are welcome, whether or not they are members of the host club. The dates are:
Royal Burnham Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch – 15-16 April 2023
Strangford Lough Yacht Club, Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland – 22-23 April 2023
Hayling Island Sailing Club, Hayling Island – open training – 20 May 2023
Hayling Island Sailing Club, Hayling Island – open sprint racing – 21 May 2023
Soak Insure Southern Area Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club – 27-29 May 2023
Held as part of Hayling Island Sailing Club’s Whitsun Regatta on the weekend following the training and sprint event at HISC. Visitors doing that event will be able to leave their boats at the club to take in the Southern Area Championship as well. In this incarnation the Southern Area Championship has become an increasingly popular event with top class race management and a vibrant social scene.
Irish National Championship at Royal Ulster Yacht Club – 24-25 June 2023
This two day event is being held on Belfast Lough on the weekend before the UK National championship at nearby Strangford Lough. Visitors from the UK Mainland will be able to do both events by moving their boats to Strangford Lough Yacht Club between events. It is suggested visitors stay in the Strangford Lough area. A bus will be provided on the Saturday and Sunday to enable sailors to enjoy the Royal Ulster hospitality to the full!
UK National Championship at Strangford Lough Yacht Club – 28 June – 1 July 2023
The UK National Championship returns to Ireland in 2023 with a full programme of races and socials at the popular Strangford Lough Yacht Club., with plenty for the non-sailor too. The two events in Ireland in 2023 have been timed to allow visiting boats from the UK Mainland to easily take part in both. Accommodation is being arranged in Irish members’ second homes or in homes they are temporarily vacating, so it is important that visitors to register their interest early by contacting the RS Elite Association secretary through the contact page. Ferry discounts will be available for groups of six or more boats. Further information is available from the secretary.
Dun Laoghaire Regatta 6-9 July 2023
Dun Laoghaire Regatta has proved popular with RS Elite, particularly since the UK National Championship was held there in 2019. The regatta organisers have confirmed that they will provide a separate start for RS Elites if there are six or more entries.
Chichester Harbour Race Week – 16-18 August 2023
RS Elites participate in the last three days of Chichester Harbour Race Week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday). Racing for this popular event is on a separate racecourse from the Race Week dinghy events with two races per day over windward-leeward courses, normally in Bracklesham Bay or Hayling Bay.
Eastern Area Championship at Royal Burnham Yacht Club – 26-28 August 2023
With courses on the River Crouch, the Eastern Area Championship is held over the three days of the August Bank Holiday as part of Burnham Week.
Tønsberg Seilforening Norway – 31 August – 2 September
Tønsberg Seilforening in Norway will host an international match racing event in Norway. Situated close to the entrance to Oslo Fjord, the club is host to a fleet of RS Elites and club boats will be made available for the match racing event. Accommodation for visitors will be available in members’ houses, so it is important that those wishing to go should inform the RS Elite class secretary through the contact page. International visitors will have to organise their transport to Norway, but everything else will be taken care of by the host club.
Land Union September Regatta at Royal Southern Yacht Club – 16-17 September 2023
RS Elites will be given a separate start in this prestigious multi-class regatta provided we can muster a minimum of 6 boats to take part.