RS Aero World Championship 2023 at Hayling Island Sailing Club: A Premier Sailing Event
RS Aero World Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club – Day 1
26-30 August 2024
Sunday evening saw the Championship celebrate all the competing nations with a flag parade through Haying Island Sailing Club’s fine waterfront followed by the Welcome and Opening Ceremony.
Throughout 2024, the RS Aero Class celebrates its 10th anniversary with ten years of impressive growth and enjoyment for sailors worldwide. An enormous 10th anniversary cake was enjoyed by the 175 entries to celebrate the occasion, marking the sixth celebration cake at RS Aero championships this year!
On Monday morning, 175 entries representing 18 countries set sail to kick off Day 1 of the 6th RS Aero World Championships at Hayling Island Sailing Club. Conditions were absolutely glorious – Hayling at its best! The breeze ranged from 14-18 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, creating exhilarating waves for surfing downwind. Two separate race areas, Hayling Bay and Bracklesham Bay, were utilized with each RS Aero Class sailing its own loop course, ensuring smooth racing for the 175 competitors. A total of 3 races were held out of the 14 scheduled over 5 days, promising a variety of wind, wave, and tidal conditions.
As the wind is expected to ease during the week, tired legs will welcome the chance to rest. The diverse conditions offered by Hayling mean that competitors ranging from 45-115 kg and aged from 14-70 years old can compete with their preferred sail size, providing opportunities throughout the week for everyone to make their mark.
Who is showing early form? In the RS Aero 5 category, the Estonian team dominated, with Andrias Sillaste (EST) leading with finishes of 1st, 2nd, and 7th. The RS Aero 5 is the second largest Class with 53 entries, achieving gender parity with an approximate 50% male/female split!
In the RS Aero 6s, representatives from GBR, IRL, and UKR each won a race. Tom Ahlheid (GBR) topped the scoreboard with finishes of 1st, 4th, and 4th, while RS Aero European Champion Sofiia Naumenko (UKR) faced setbacks with a disqualification on one race.
The Laser sailors showcased their skills in the RS Aero 7 Class, excelling in downwind techniques. Finley Dickenson (GBR) maintained the lead with finishes of 1st, 1st, and 2nd. The RS Aero 7 class counts 65 entries, making it the largest class at the competition.
In the RS Aero 9 Class, Ben Flower (CAN) pleasantly surprised with a clean sweep, finishing 1st in all three races, followed closely by Peter Barton (GBR) who secured 2nd place in each race.
The World titles in each Class will be heavily contested, with a mix of previous World medalists, emerging talent, and seasoned sailors transitioning from other classes. Day 2 is set to offer another stunning day with sunshine and a refreshing 15-knot breeze on The Bay. Be sure to stay tuned to follow the exciting action!
Thank you to all the supporters of the RS Aero World Championships! Several partners have contributed, including Rooster, which is providing prizes and RS Aero Worlds event shirts; RS Sailing, supplying a fleet of charter RS Aeros and supporting the event; Selden, aiding in daily awards; and Harken, also supporting awards while Noble Marine continues to show long-term support.
The RS Aero World Championship is also supporting Macmillan Cancer Support through the RS Bike Challenge fundraiser, featuring a raffle for a brand new RS Aero sail provided by RS Sailing.
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.