RS Aero World Championship 2023 at Hayling Island Sailing Club: Exciting Regatta for Sailing Enthusiasts
RS Aero World Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club – Overall
26-30 August 2024
Day 4
Day 4 featured another session with three races. The day began with light winds, but the sea breeze strengthened, enabling exciting races for the RS Aero 7 & 9 fleets on Bracklesham Bay; the RS Aero 5 & 6 fleets saw breeze conditions improve later in Hayling Bay.
Georgia Booth (GBR) delivered a remarkable performance in the RS Aero 5s with scores of 1, 2, and 7, leading by a single point ahead of Jonathan Bailey (GBR), while Roscoe Martin (GBR) closely followed in third place.
In the RS Aero 6s, Harrison Pye (GBR) clinched the day with placements of 3, 1, and 4. Sofiia Naumenko (UKR) maintained her lead overall with consistent finishes of 4, 4, and 9, followed closely by Andrew Frost (GBR) and Dan Venables (GBR).
Finley Dickinson (GBR) showcased an impressive 1, 1, and 2 in the RS Aero 7s, virtually securing the championship, with the other race win going to Joe Rowe (GBR).
In the RS Aero 9s, Peter Barton (GBR) took the first race, trailed by Sweden’s Erik Wahlberg (SWE). The sea breeze introduced a large shift during the first leg of race three, delivering some thrilling changes to the leaderboard and exciting down-wind conditions as the waves increased.
Day 5 & Overall
Following a postponement, the wind conditions allowed for launching the fleet with hopes for two final races. Unfortunately, the RS Aero 5 & 6 fleets didn’t complete any races on Bracklesham Bay, resulting in Day 4 standings being final. The RS Aero 7 & 9 fleets did manage to compete in one race on Hayling Bay, facing gusty and variable offshore winds between 5-10 knots.
Richard Watsham (GBR) made a notable comeback in the RS Aero 9s, clinching his second race win, positioning him as a strong contender for the next year’s World Championship!
Finley Dickinson (GBR) celebrated his eighth victory in the RS Aero 7s, with Ellie Craig (GBR) becoming the sole female finisher in second place in the final race. This maintained the top standings with Dickinson as World Champion, followed by Arthur Farley (GBR) in second and Tim Hire (GBR) in third.
What a week!
The competition offered thrilling moments, from action-packed sailing to strategic battles in changing wind conditions. Significant achievements were noted, including a 50/50 female/male split among the new RS Aero World Champions, highlighting a bright future for the RS Aero Class. Heartfelt congratulations to all champions!
As with true RS spirit, memorable moments included camaraderie onshore, sharing tips in the boat park, and celebrating at the Daily Awards. The RS Aero Class continues to thrive after ten years, emphasizing their commitment to #sailitliveitloveit!
The RS Aero World Championship successfully raised £1060 for Macmillan Cancer Support, aided by a raffle for a new RS Aero sail. Many thanks to the supporters and sponsors who contributed to the event’s success and to the 175 competitors who made it memorable!
The 7th RS Aero World Championship is scheduled for Quiberon, France from 28th July – 2nd August 2025, which will also host the 2025 RS Aero Youth Worlds.
Podium Results:
RS Aero 5
1st Georgia Booth | GBR | Hayling Island SC
2nd Jonathan Bailey | GBR | Hunts SC
3rd Roscoe Martin | GBR
RS Aero 6
1st Sofiia Naumenko | UKR | OSHYSMI
2nd Andrew Frost | GBR | Sutton Bingham SC
3rd Dan Venables | GBR | Sutton SC
RS Aero 7
1st Finley Dickinson | GBR | Royal Southern YC
2nd Arthur Farley | GBR | Brading Haven YC
3rd Tim Hire | GBR | Lymington Town SC
RS Aero 9
1st Ben Flower | CAN | Paignton SC
2nd Peter Barton | GBR | Lymington Town SC
3rd Erik Wahlberg | SWE | ARE Slalomklubb
Category Winners:
RS Aero 5
1st Female Junior (U17) – Jemima Day | GBR | Reading SC
1st Male Junior (U17) – Taro Kekke | JPN | Hayama Sailing College
1st Female Youth (U22) – Alice Davies | GBR | Draycote Water SC
1st Male Youth (U22) – Teddy Dunn | GBR | Isle of Man YC
1st Female Master (O45) – Debbie Caldwell | GBR | Hayling Island SC
1st Male Master (O55) – Roy Van Maanen | IRL | Greystones SC
1st Female Grand Master (O55) – Debbie Caldwell | GBR | Hayling Island SC
1st Female – Georgia Booth | GBR | Hayling Island SC
RS Aero 6
1st Female Master (O45) – Tracey Covell | GBR | Hayling Island SC
1st Male Master (O55) – Spike Daniels | GBR | Hayling Island SC
1st Female Grand Master (O55) – Tracey Covell | GBR | Hayling Island SC
1st Female – Sofiia Naumenko | UKR | OSHYSMI
RS Aero 7
1st Male Junior (U17) – Marcus Pakes | GBR | Haversham SC
1st Male Youth (U22) – Finley Dickinson | GBR | Royal Southern YC
1st Male Master (O55) – Steve Norbury | GBR | Warsash SC
1st Male Grand Master (O65) – Nick Rawlings | GBR | Hayling Island SC
RS Aero 9
1st Male Master (O55) – Robbie Lawson | GBR | East Lothian YC
Overall Results:
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.