Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

RS 30th Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club Day 1

by Bex Foot, RS Sailing 18 May 2024 15:59 UTC 17-19 May 2024
RS 30th Anniversary Regatta Day 1 © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Three decades of fun later and RS Sailing's passion for our sport has been unwavering. But what makes the RS Classes so special? The sailors! RS Sailing are honoured to be joined by hundreds of RS sailors for a festival of sailing at Hayling Island Sailing Club this weekend.

14 of the RS Racing Classes will be battling it out on the water and in true RS style, partying late into the night over the three days. From a sailor's first regatta in the RS Tera to true RS legends chasing for a spot on the podium in the RS21, the old strapline 'From first time to the finish line' still rings true.

With a real eclectic mix of weather forecast, Hayling Island sailing Club will play host to fierce competition in the iconic waters of Chichester Harbour and Hayling Bay.

Friday was the start of the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta for the RS21, RS500 and Masters Classes. After a thorough briefing on shore by Tim Hancock and his team, the sailors launched in light winds and wall-to-wall sunshine. The Masters sailors and RS500 Class headed out into the bay but stayed close to the shore to make the most of the sea breeze whilst the RS21's headed out to deeper water.

Racing proved to be a game of snakes and ladders, with the breeze fluctuating in both strength and direction throughout the races. Sailors seemed to pop out ahead when they got into a clean lane and settled into it, whereas one bad roll tack or a poorly executed gybe really made the sailors pay for their boat handling misgivings. The sailors that managed to stay the right side of the shifts also reaped the gains, balancing the fine art of taking a few extra degrees and maintaining boat speed was the winning formula for the day.

Back on shore, the RS21 fleet enjoyed a pontoon party hosted by Harken with the fantastic backdrop of Sparkes MDL Marina adding to the atmosphere. Sailors had banter filled debriefs of the racing that day with cool refreshments. The Masters sailors headed up to the bar to make the most of the stunning sunset after a quick daily prize-giving in the RS Sailors Hub, the spot prizes which are kindly provided by Kingfisher Yacht Ropes, Harken, Allen, RS Sailing Store and Selden. Special mention goes to Alistair Hodgson who finished the day on 30 points which felt incredibly fitting for the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta. The RS500 sailors enjoyed one extra race, then headed in to join the Masters sailors in the bar after a thirsty days sailing. Hayling Island Sailing Club laid on a tasty meal for all the fleets that evening and what had planned to be a quiet affair in the lead up to Saturday night appeared to run away with itself somewhat as old friends caught up from decades gone by.

Saturday sees the start of racing for all RS Classes, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, RS21, RS Elite, RS Vareo, RS100, RS200, RS300, RS400, RS500, RS600, RS700 and RS800, RS Sailing can not wait to welcome the final cohort of RS Sailors to the RS 30th Anniversary Regatta.

View the results at sailevent.net/noticeboard/136

Related Articles

Florida announces longest Gulf Red Snapper Season
Opening on Memorial Day Weekend, then reopening from June 1st-July 31st This morning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dates for Florida's Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, marking the longest red snapper season in the history of state management. Posted today at 4:24 pm
Texas State Record Tuna Caught 160 Miles Offshore
Crew on an Invincible 46 cat land 884 pound Atlantic bluefin tuna after five hour fight An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna—the new Texas state record—was landed after a five-hour battle by a team aboard "Catillac," an Invincible 46' Catamaran, 160+ miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted on 25 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST Posted on 12 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 82', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 82' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 3 Apr
Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts