Day 3 provided similar conditions to Day 2, featuring glorious sunshine and a breeze of 6-11 knots, which softened throughout the day. With 175 entries split over two courses, the RS Aero 5 & 6s raced in Bracklesham Bay while the RS Aero 7 & 9s sailed in Hayling Bay. The race team expertly followed the wind as it changed direction, successfully conducting three races on each course.
In the RS Aero 5s, Roscoe Martin (GBR) maintained his lead, followed closely by UK Class coach Sammy Isaacs-Johnson (GBR) in second overall. Georgia Booth (GBR) climbed to third place after securing a race win. Notably, the RS Aero 5 class boasts 53 entries, achieving gender parity with an approximate 50% male/female split!
The RS Aero 6s saw Sofiia Naumenko (UKR), the RS Aero European Champion, deliver consistent performance to hold her lead from the chasing pack. Jon Emmett (GBR) excelled on the day with finishes of 1, 1, and 9, moving up to fifth place overall.
In the RS Aero 7 class, Finley Dickinson (GBR) took two additional race wins, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard. Joe Rowe (GBR) also earned a race win, climbing to fifth in the standings. The RS Aero 7s comprise the largest class with 65 entries.
The RS Aero 9s capitalized on their generous sail size in the lighter wind conditions, managing just enough breeze to surf the waves during the first race. Peter Barton (GBR) claimed two race victories, while Richard Watsham secured a win in one race after Peter was disqualified for an early start.
After racing, drinks and Aero bars from RS Sailing were available at the tally board, along with Daily Awards provided by Rooster. On Day 4, Thursday, après racing drinks and the Daily Awards featuring Top Tips will be supported by Selden. A BBQ and one of Hayling Island SC’s legendary disco nights are planned to celebrate the final day of racing!
The World titles across all classes are fiercely contested, featuring a mix of previous Worlds medalists, emerging talents, and new competitors drawn from other classes. Day 4 promises to offer another beautiful sunny day and varying wind conditions to challenge sailors representing 18 nations. Stay tuned for more thrilling action!
The full results are available at sailevent.net/noticeboard/12s.
A complete gallery of photos by Oli King can be found at www.olikingphotography.com/rsaeroworlds2024.
Thanks to all supporters of the RS Aero World Championships! Rooster is on-site, supplying event shirts and prizes. RS Sailing has provided a large fleet of charter RS Aeros and is sponsoring après sailing drinks at the tally board! Selden supports daily awards, while Harken and Noble Marine continue their long-term support of the event.
