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The RS21 International Class Association has announced the opening of entries for the highly anticipated RS21 World Championship 2024.

The championship, which is set to take place at the prestigious Club Nautic L'Escala in Spain from 21st to 28th September, is expected to attract a record-breaking number of 80 boats, surpassing the 40 boats that participated in the inaugural event last year.

Earlier in the season, the class is making an inaugural visit to Cork Week Regatta in July, as Afloat reports here.

Published in RS21 Keelboat
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Another first for the fiftieth Scottish Series this year will include RS21 keelboats racing on Loch Fyne.

The RS21 Association has included the event as one of its 'Official Series', and that will give the class a chance to start in the expected 60-strong one-design fleet, which includes Etchells, Sigma 33s, Hunter 707s, and Hunter Sonatas.

The event is based at Tarbert on Loch Fyne by the Clyde Cruising Association from the 24th to the 27th of May.

The new RS21 is trialed in Belfast Lough with Colin Kevelighan (left) and Jeff HarrisonThe new RS21 is trialed in Belfast Lough with Colin Kevelighan (left) and Jeff Harrison

SmartMarks

The deployment of remote-controlled SmartMarks under Principal Race Officer Con Murphy of Dun Laoghaire will ensure that first-class courses are delivered with a minimal turnaround time between races.

For those trailing boats, there will be free launching, and accommodation options are available through the Clyde Cruising Club.

For those RS21 crews also taking part in the July Volvo Cork Week part of the RS21 UK & Ireland Series, the Tarbert event will keep the momentum going in the seven-event class series, which ends with the World Championships in Girona in September. On the other hand, Scottish Series Chairman Roddy Angus says one issue is that the RS21s have a class event the weekend before at Hayling Island on the south coast of England, so hard work to get to Scotland the following weekend”. But being part of an event with a big reputation may serve as a draw.

At the time of writing, the combined RS21 and Sportsboats start together in the One Design fleet, but with hopefully 6 to 8 RS21s, there is the option of a separate start. Roddy Angus commented, “I’m really keen to boost sports boat interest as the numbers are low, and it used to be a big area”.

Published in Scottish Series
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Brilliant events, informative shows and some new records broken by RS Sailing and RS sailors.

It was a brilliant summer of events for RS Sailing. Highlights include the RS Feva World Championships which saw 422 sailors coming with their families to enjoy an amazing week at LNI Follonica in Italy. This was the biggest RS Feva event to date and was the best-attended World Sailing Youth Class World Championships in 2023. “It’s amazing to see that the RS Feva is the fastest growing two-person youth class internationally when you look at World Sailing’s figures.”

There was a thrilling finale at the RS Feva World Championships 2023There was a thrilling finale at the RS Feva World Championships 2023

Back home in Ireland, Kenny Rumball, RS Dealer, is equally thrilled with the RS Feva class, “ For the first year in quite a while, we have seen a growth in the RS Fevas! The first event of the year in the Royal Irish Yacht Club saw over 30 boats back competing and we were more than delighted to sponsor the event!”

RS Sailing also supported World Sailing at the Para Sailing World Championships 2023 at WV Braassemermeer, Netherlands. The RS Venture Connect was one of the three boats selected again by Para World Sailing to be part of the World Sailing World Championships together with the Olympic Classes.

The RS21 World Championship 2023 also broke records this year; 55 boats from 11 countries competed in Porto Rotondo in Sardinia, Italy. “This is such a big achievement for a relatively new class. It’s also a class that is really putting a good stamp on the sustainability side.” The RS21 Italian Class is the first sailing class in the world to achieve ISO20121 certification. Created by the International Organization for Standardization, this certification is only awarded when an event organiser adheres to a detailed set of requirements that meet the international standard for sustainable event management. Not only was this a big success at the World Championships, but the class was also invited to present a ‘Sustainability Masterclass’ as part of the World Sailing Sustainability Sessions.

Record-breaking attendance at the RS21 World Championship 2023 in SardiniaRecord-breaking attendance at the RS21 World Championship 2023 in Sardinia

The RS21s also saw great success in Ireland with the class choosing Dun Laoghaire Regatta to showcase themselves as the future of sportsboat sailing. Teams from all over Europe came to compete in Ireland in the thrilling one-design keelboat showcasing their speed and futuristic design.

The RS21s will be at Cork Week 2024 with charter boats now available for charter! Don’t hesitate to contact Kenny [email protected] for more info.!

“We’ve also been honoured to work with some great partners this year.” In October, RS Venture Connects were raced in SailGP’s We Foundation One Sport Race and we confirmed our preferred vendor partner agreement with Crystal Lagoons. In September, we announced our partnership with Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina; providing an extensive range of boats to their state-of-the-art JYC Academy which has already seen 1000+ children benefit from the programmes this year.

It’s been a particular good year for RS Sailing on the international stage. “Globally, we’re expanding further and wider in all corners of the world. 2023 has seen growth in many classes; from RS21 fleet building in Canada to Japan’s first-ever RS Aero National Championship in the All Japan RS Open 2023 event.”

A busy scene at Blessington Sailing Club as the inaugural RS Fest incorporating RS200 and RS400 dinghies championships gets underway in June 2023A busy scene at Blessington Sailing Club as the inaugural RS Fest incorporating RS200 and RS400 dinghies championships gets underway in June 2023

In Ireland, we celebrated the inaugural RS Fest in Blessington Sailing Club. For the first time ever all the RS classes in the country came together for a weekend of thrilling racing combining the RS Feva, RS Aero, RS 200 and RS 400 classes.

Kenny Rumball commented, “We want all sailors of the RS classes to really feel part of the family. It was fantastic to work with Canice Keane and his team from Blessington Sailing Club for the inaugural RS Fest this year! We already have plans well established for similar in 2024. Stay tuned for a press release on this in the coming month!”

Finally, we rounded off the year with the RS Toura winning ‘Best Dinghy’ in Sailing World’s Boat of the Year Awards. “This prestigious title means a great deal to us – especially all of those behind-the-scenes in production and development. Recognition like this serves to affirm our position as the world’s leading small boat manufacturer.”

2023 was special in Ireland as the class associations website got a revamp to make it easier for sailors, and prospective members of the RS family to find out all the information on RS classes in Ireland. If you haven’t visited it yet, head on over to RSIreland.com where you can find all the information on the RS classes in Ireland.

2024 marks RS Sailing’s 30th birthday and we are celebrating it in the best way that we know how; a huge party and weekend regatta commemorating the sport that we love. We hope to see you all there at the 30th Anniversary at Hayling Island Sailing Club, 17th-19th May. In the meantime, check-out RS Sailing Club for all the events near you and internationally.

“Thanks again for being part of the RS Sailing family in 2023. I’m really looking forward to a good 2024. Our amazing team will – for another year – work hard to gain more participation in our sport, set high standards at events and build boats that are there to last.”

Published in INSS
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9th November 2023

RS Winter Sailing is On Form!

November is here, and although some would call it winter sailing, conjuring images of hats, gloves, rain and all-round miserable sailing conditions, the reality is that the weather this time of the year is perfect for sailing! And not only sailing but RS Sailing, the world's biggest sailboat manufacturer, has something for everybody!

RS21 at the Turkey Shoot

In Dublin, there is the very successful and popular Turkey Shoot series in the run-up to Christmas. Kenny Rumball has swapped his trusty 1720 for the sporty RS21. The 21-footer from RS has already been seen in the bay competing throughout the summer series and in Dun Laoghaire week with some of the other boats that travelled far and wide to race. Kenny and his crew of instructors from the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School were on form on Sunday. With a nice steady but at times windy Westerly breeze, the team sailed well to finish just behind the 1720s and one or two of the faster J109s. Sharing the same start as the 1720, J80 and SB3 classes, the crew of four were third on the water from that start!

 The sporty RS21 dockside after the DBSC Turkey Shoot series on Dublin Bay The sporty RS21 dockside after the DBSC Turkey Shoot series on Dublin Bay

Before and after racing, the futuristic RS21 motored on and off its berth silently using its EPropulsion electric pod drive that retracts into the hull to make sailing as seamless and hassle-free as possible while also being caring to the environment. MarineServices.ie also had the all-new EVO series of Propulsion outboard on display in the Royal Irish Yacht Club after racing. If you are interested in trialling an electric outboard or the RS21, don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

DMYC Frostbites

The DMYC frostbite series cracked off the same Sunday afternoon in a slightly dying westerly wind. A total of 11 RS Aeros are racing, with also 3 RS200s, one more to join by the end of the series! The popular modern Aero was being sailed by crews with a mixture of the 6 and 7 rig, with sailors having to choose their weapon of choice of the series from the start.

RS Aero sailor Noel Butler (left) collects his winner's mug from DMYC Frostbite organiser Neil Colin RS Aero sailor Noel Butler (left) collects his winner's mug from DMYC Frostbite organiser Neil Colin 

Close racing as always from the Aeros, with Noel Butler coming out on top in the PY division in his Aero, with Sarah Dwyer on equal points to Noel in the overalls after two races sailed on the first weekend. A nice gender mixture demonstrating an equal playing field for all sailors in the modern single-hander.

Don’t forget, if you want to try your hand at the RS Aero, don’t hesitate to drop [email protected]

RS400 winter series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Meanwhile, in the North of Ireland, the RS400 winter series kicked off at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. A whopping 17 RS400s were on the water, with some returning names to the fold, no doubt buoyed by the UK Championships coming to RNIYC in 2025!

Strong tidal currents resulted in the right of the downwind being advantageous for most of the day, with Ross and Andrew consistently making a nuisance of themselves by sailing high, though they may argue that perhaps everyone else could have sailed faster. A gusty end to the final race did little to unsettle Ross and Andrew, who won the day with a convincing 9-point finish. 

Published in RS Sailing
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The RS21 one design will make its Cork Week debut in the 2024 regatta taking place from 15-19 July.

Organisers say the inclusion of the relatively new keelboat class, which was introduced in 2019, “is a testament to the event’s commitment to providing diverse and challenging racing opportunities for all participants”.

The RS21 has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its emphasis on close, tactical racing and its accessibility for sailors of varying skill levels.

This year was a breakthrough season for the class, with 55 boats at the World Championships in Sardinia, a first visit to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and rapidly growing fleets around the world.

Cork Week organisers are excited at the keelboat’s potential to attract a new generation of sailors to the regatta, as well as provide seasoned competitors with a dynamic new racing experience.

RS Ireland and Volvo Cork Week will be providing RS21 charter boats for the event, offering international teams a hassle-free solution to their logistical challenges and an accessible avenue for participants from closer to home. For charter and RS21 information, contact Kenneth Rumball of RS Ireland at [email protected].

Entries for Cork Week 2024 opened earlier this month, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Published in Cork Week
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When you bring together Ireland’s biggest sailing event, RS21s and a weather forecast that promised a downwind ride that would take the fleet to the edge, you could get something pretty special, and that is exactly what we got for Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023.

Hosted at The National Yacht Club as part of Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, the RS21s joined the fleet of nearly 400 boats to enjoy four days of flat-out sailing in top-end conditions!

Kenneth Rumball's RS Ireland was second overall in the RS21 class at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob BatemanKenneth Rumball's RS Ireland was second overall in the RS21 class at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

After four epic days of racing, three big nights out and two Bee Gees cover bands, the event came down to one final race to decide it all. Three boats were in contention for the overall win in the last race. ‘Sailingfast’ (GBR290 Duncan Heppelwhite) from Scotland, a point behind Emsworth’s ‘Responsible Sailing’ (GBR303 Paul Fisk), with the ‘RS Ireland’ team (IRL233 Nick Redding) a further point back. Ultimately, it was winner takes all!

Duncan Hepplewhite, Henry Start and Calum Reid on 'Sailingfast' finished third overall in the RS21 class at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob BatemanDuncan Hepplewhite, Henry Start and Calum Reid on 'Sailingfast' finished third overall in the RS21 class at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

Despite tactical moves at the high end of the risk spectrum from ‘Sailingfast’ and ‘RS Ireland’ in a southerly breeze that built from 10 to 18 knots, it wasn’t to be. ‘Responsible Sailing’ played the shifts, ignored those tempting dark patches of water and took the win in convincing fashion, able to sail the final beat in a conservative manner while the rest of us rolled the dice.

Calum Bell's GBE 298 competing at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob BatemanCalum Bell's GBE 298 competing at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

Emmett Ryan's Swiss entry from Yacht Club Cern competing at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob BatemanEmmett Ryan's Swiss entry from Yacht Club Cern competing at the 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

This final showdown came after a week of the highest calibre racing, socials and entertainment that will live long in the memory.

"Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta pulled out all the stops for the RS21s"

Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta pulled out all the stops for the RS21s (and other fleets), to create an event feeling more like a festival interrupted by a sailing race than the other way around. They know how to enjoy their racing in Dublin!

Congratulations to the ‘Responsible Sailing’ team of Paul Fisk, Pippa Jubb, Caroline Fisk and Richard Tucker on taking their first win of the season and many thanks to salmon instruments who tracked the whole event for us allowing the opportunity for debriefs and coaching between races – not to mention recording a top speed of a whopping 17 knots.

You can relive the race at this link here

As the RS21 race circuit continues to build momentum, we look forward to the UK Nationals – there were signs of great thing to come from the young and talented A-Plan Insurance Team supported by Haven Knox Johnson, from NED305 (Michiel Geerling) with multiple race wins, and new international entrants SUI 291 representing Yacht Club CERN (Geneva) with a crew from as far afield as Switzerland, Newport Rhode Island, Wicklow SC, and the Royal Cork. Despite being new to the class, they showed how dangerous anyone can be in such a tight fleet.

New to the boat, Emmet Ryan summed up his experience, “Thanks again for a fantastic event! We thoroughly enjoyed the RS21 with all its user-friendly features, which made it very easy to step into and compete in challenging conditions. We were also extremely impressed with the boat speed and ease of handling, both up and downwind. The crew are already looking at options for getting into the 21 again soon!”

Great crowds at the National Yacht Club for the Kenneth 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire RegattaGreat crowds at the National Yacht Club for the Kenneth 2023 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Next for the RS21s

Next up for the RS21s is the National Championship in Lymington from the 3 – 6 August, and will include a launch party for the 2024 calendar, which is already shaping up to offer a healthy mix of standalone events along with those integrated into a bigger regatta. So far, we have 25 Nationals entries, with Italian and Irish teams also making the journey. The World Championship follows in Porto Rotondo, Sardinia from 27 – 30 September, with fleets from across Europe coming together in a world-class sailing venue. Back in the UK, the final circuit event of the season sees the RS21 fleet join Hamble River Sailing Club's One Design Championship in October, where the fleet also aims to take part in the winter series running into December.

A highlight of 2024 will be Cork Week, with RS Sailing committed to building a thriving RS21 fleet in Ireland over the next 18 months. Boats are already racing in Dublin and with Kenneth Rumball’s RS Sailing Ireland in support, there is a great future for RS21 International One Design racing in Ireland.

Final thanks go to Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, David Wilkins and the Race Management team for great racing, to those people from the RS Ireland for their support with logistics and always being there to lend a hand, and to the Yacht Clubs of Dún Laoghaire for hosting us all!

The RS21 winners at Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023 – Responsible Sailing Photo: Michael ChesterCaroline Fisk, Pippa Jubb, Richard Tucker and Paul Fisk, the RS21 winners at Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023 – Responsible Sailing Photo: Michael Chester

Event results overall are below.

Published in Volvo Regatta
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The 2023 RS21 Cup season will see events in Scotland, Ireland and England as teams compete in a three-regatta venue, including Dun Laoghaire Harbour in July.

To ensure sailors, new and old, get the chance to get up to speed as quickly as possible, the first regatta will see RS21 racing paired with coaching to provide direct feedback on the water.

The first event will see teams travelling to the West Coast of Scotland for the Scottish Series in Tarbert Loch Fyne, held over the second May bank holiday weekend.

July will see a trip across the Irish Sea to compete in the four-day Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta on Dublin Bay.

Local RS Sailing dealer, Kenny Rumball, will be on hand to ensure that teams get the most enjoyment possible from the event. Charter boats will be available for this event allowing Irish teams a taste of the RS21. These boats will have been previously used in the inaugural Irish Sailing League and so will be race ready for the Dun Laoghaire Regatta. For more information on Charter boat availability and pricing, contact Kenny [email protected]

Charter boats will be available for the four-day Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta on Dublin Bay allowing Irish teams a taste of the RS21Charter boats will be available for the four-day Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta on Dublin Bay allowing Irish teams a taste of the RS21

Rumball also has a boat available for teams if they wish to travel to the Scottish Series, Cowes Week and Dartmouth.

August will see the UK Nationals hosted on the Solent for the first time since 2019. Timed to coincide with Cowes Week, teams have the option for eight days of racing over a week, with a day off in between to recover. With around 20 boats expected on the start line and interest from foreign teams, this will be a not to miss event.

2023 UK RS21 Cup season includes a visit to Dublin Bay in July2023 UK RS21 Cup season includes a visit to Dublin Bay in July

The final event of the season will be a trip to Dartmouth. Second, only to Cowes week in size in the UK, this event is perfect for the whole family, with Dartmouth Royal Regatta being a whole town affair.

With three events in the 'British Isles' RS21 Cup, teams will have to count their best three results, including the National Championship, to stand a chance of lifting the trophy.

UK & Ireland class president, Nigel Coles, said “We’ve only been racing the RS21 for a year, having raced Aeros for a long time before that, but we love the simplicity of the boats, which has allowed us to get up to speed with the top teams in Europe really quickly. We have such a great group of sailors in this class already, so when planning the season for this year, it was important to us to have events that gave us time ashore to catch up with friends, new and old. RS21 racing is so much more than time on the water, and with these events, we are looking forward to an amazing season”

Published in RS21 Keelboat
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Last Sunday, the inaugural RS21 World Championships in Biograd Na Moru came to a close after some incredibly close one-design racing in an incredibly even-matched class.

The MarineServices.ie team, despite having only jumped into the boat to sail as a crew for the event coupled with a helm who was suffering from a bug or food poisoning, were happy with the overall result but are already planning ‘unfinished business’ for the World Championships next year in Sardinha, Italy!

The main reason for the team to make the epic 4,000km road trip was to learn the boat, experience RS21 events and to gain valuable international connections with fellow RS21 sailors!

The Irish RS21 on the car ferry at the start of the 4,000km road tripThe Irish RS21 on the car ferry at the start of the 4,000km road trip

So what did we learn?

The boats are incredibly easy to transport, although we chose to drive our boat there, the bulk of the fleet came by truck. The RS21 was designed to stack within itself, within minutes, the boat can be lifted off the keel, the boats stacked 3 high and then the keels mounted on a pallet and put into the truck.

The RS21 is designed to stack within itself for transportation by truckThe RS21 is designed to stack within itself for transportation by truck

This fantastic design means transport costs and logistics can be dramatically reduced, saving money for international travellers and also making the class more sustainable for the environment. Sailors with some experience in rigging the boats have reported they can rig the boat in 30 minutes; this includes dressing and stepping the mast! Speaking of the mast, it is a one-design carbon fibre section with one set of spreaders. This makes it incredibly light and as a result easy for just two persons to step the mast on the boat using a pin on the mast step as a turning point and the mast pops up in seconds! Back to our own boat which we transported on the road trailer, the boat only weighs 650kgs so towing it behind a car is literally a doddle, it is no more difficult to tow that a double-stacked dinghy trailer.

The boats are full of innovative features, Every morning, without fail, we were all mesmerised by the simplicity of the drop-down electric engine where with no fuss and a silent whisp, we drove off the pontoon, its uncanny! But it is not just the electric engine, the drop-down keel actually locks into place and is solid; over all the days of racing, we never heard of felt the keel move or wobble like it does in other boats with a drop-down keel. The mainsheet has double ratchets allowing a seamless crossover between the main trimmer and helm for manoeuvres, the list goes on, this boat has really been designed with everything in mind!

The social scene is as important as the sailing, rarely had any of us sailed in an event that was as well organised onshore. RS Sailing is determined to make sailing fun again! Before we even left Ireland, there were detailed google maps and easily digestible information as to where to be and at what time. Information was always seamlessly flowing through a dedicated Telegram group for the event. Never once were we left wondering where to be and at what time. The RS Sailors Hub was a dedicated hub setup for the duration of the event for sailors to hang out and have a coffee before racing, where after racing, free beer and a free meal were enjoyed while the dedicated on-the-water event coach would enthusiastically debrief all sailors on the races of the day. This hub was also where all briefings were and served as a great meeting point. Almost every evening, there was either a party, sailors' dinner or discussion forum. The effort RS put into the event was fantastic! Something for all classes to model themselves on in the future!

As for the boats themselves and what are they like to sail? I’ve got to go rig our boat again to get sailing in it this weekend, so I won’t have enough time to explain how much fun and rewarding they are to sail, but I can offer you one better! Come sailing on out boat, number 291! The boat is entered for the Turkey Shoot and also will be entered for the Spring Series.

The Marine Services RS21 back on the RIYC pontoon and ready for the second race of the Turkey Shoot on SundayThe Marine Services RS21 back on the RIYC pontoon and ready for the second race of the Turkey Shoot on Sunday

If you are seriously interested in the RS 21, come along and sail with us for a morning. Just drop a note to [email protected] and we will organise a morning that suits. Just remember to pack waterproofs; the boats are fast and wet!

Published in INSS
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The Irish RS21 keelboat crew returned from the inaugural World Championships in Croatia last week, and the new design will now feature on Irish waters when it competes at this weekend's Dun Laoghaire's DBSC Turkey Shoot Series.

The sole Irish boat in Biograd Na Moru, sailed by Kenny Rumball, Jonathan Sargent, Andrew Smith, and Sean Donnelly, finished 29th overall in the 41-boat fleet. Scroll down for results.

Rumball will now try his luck in the second race of the country's largest winter series for cruiser racers, which is raced under a modified ECHO handicap.

Like many other designs in the 78-boat entry, the new RS21 will try to break the stranglehold of J designs that took the top five places in last Sunday's first race in a fleet of 63 boats on the water.

First-ever RS21 World Championship

The first-ever RS21 World Championship is officially completed. The week has been filled with sunshine, a great variety of light and strong wind conditions, close racing and lively debate on tactics ashore. As Afloat reported earlier, on some days, the competitors were challenged with tricky conditions, which meant that success came down to focus and fine-tuning to stay at the front of the fleet.

Tight racing under spinnaker at the RS21 inaugural World Championships in CroatiaTight racing under spinnaker at the RS21 inaugural World Championships in Croatia

The four days of racing gave the RS21 Class everything they could have hoped for in terms of showing off the key attributes of the RS21. Its one-design nature showcased an ability to perform in light and tricky conditions and handle a big breeze and waves whilst retaining the enjoyment and thrill factor. Culminating with three races on the final day added to the excitement with the added pressure that the discard would kick in and anything could happen to the results, every point counted. With the three final races close to the club, the breeze was coming off the land, making the shifts very hard to read, and a consistent performance was very hard to maintain. Most teams recorded big scores on the final day, but both Gianluca Grisoli and Hugh Watson and their crews did enough to earn their respective titles as Open and Corinthian World Champions.

The RS21 Open World Champions Gianluca Grisoli, Andrea Casale, Fabio Gridelli and Giorgio Tortarolo celebrate in Croatia Photo: Phil JacksonThe RS21 Open World Champions Gianluca Grisoli, Andrea Casale, Fabio Gridelli and Giorgio Tortarolo celebrate in Croatia Photo: Phil Jackson

The inaugural RS21 Open World Champions are ITA 225 with Gianluca Grisoli, Andrea Casale, Fabio Gridelli and Giorgio Tortarolo in first place, ITA244 with Giovanni Meloni, Niccolo Bianchi, Camilla Cordero and Pietro Negri in second place and third place ITA243 with Martin Reintjes, Francesco Rubagotti, Giulio Desiderato and Daniele Cassinari.

The inaugural RS21 Corinthian World Champions are GBR211 with Hugh Watson, Helen Watson, Emma McEwen and Susanna Peatsin, first place, POL213 with Wojtek Myśliwiec, Rafał Błażejczyk, Marcin Panaś, Adrian Kaczyński in second place, and third place team GER289 with Claudia Rossi, Matteo Morellina, Andrea Spagnolli and Francesco Rampazzo.

Check out the full results below

Published in RS21 Keelboat
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After three races sailed at the RS21 world Championships in Croatia Gianluca Grisoli, Andrea Casale, Fabio Gridelli and Giorgio Tortarolo are leading the 41-boat fleet with a 3,1,2 score.

Strong bora winds dominate the racecourse for day three of the RS21 World Championship. 

According to provisional results below, having scored a 13 and then a 34 in the two races sailed, Ireland's Kenny Rumball sailing with Jonathan Sargent, Andrew Smith, and Sean Donnelly, have scored a 'UFD 42' to be 34th overall.

After trying to make the most of the calm before the storm on day two, the local bora winds from the North were set to pound with an average speed of 30 knots and gusts of up to 40. The race committee unanimously agreed to hold the sailors ashore until safe, albeit exciting, racing could be achieved.

The 41-boat RS21 World Championship fleet start in strong bora winds in Croatia Photo: Phil JacksonThe 41-boat RS21 World Championship fleet start in strong bora winds in Croatia Photo: Phil Jackson

The race management team faced the possibility of having two days with no racing at all, but they worked hard and found a window of opportunity in the afternoon. The fleet quickly made their way to the racing area, showing their keenness to battle with the tough, unrelenting conditions. With winds gusting above 25 knots, getting around the course was enough of a challenge for some, but everybody took the opportunity to go fast with the top teams as always, pushing the RS21 to its limits.

On each of the downwind legs, there were multiple broaches and wipe-outs. Even though the race management team only held one two-lap race, that was enough to satisfy the competitors who headed back to shore safely, boasting about the speeds that each had reached, some in excess of 18 knots.

Marko Misura, PRO, commented, “It was fun. On the start line, the deck surface of the committee boat was reading a maximum wind speed of 27 knots, with an average of 23 knots. Fun, wet and windy, but really good to get a race in after not being able to yesterday.”

This evening, the sailors will enjoy a Regatta Dinner at the Marina Kornati Restaurant to celebrate the first RS21 World Championship, accompanied by a live DJ and saxophonist. Hopefully the sailors will enjoy and rest up before a long day tomorrow when the venue is forecast to return to form, with clear skies and sunshine with light to medium winds from the North.

Published in RS21 Keelboat
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General Information on using Waterways Ireland inland navigations

Safety on the Water

All users of the navigations are strongly recommended to make themselves aware of safety on the water for whatever activity they are involved in and to read the advice offered by the various governing bodies and by:

The Dept. of Transport, Ireland: www.gov.ie/transport and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK, The RNLI – Water Safety Ireland for information in terms of drowning prevention and water safety.

Registration of Vessels

All vessels using the Shannon Navigation, which includes the Shannon-Erne Waterways and the Erne System must be registered with Waterways Ireland. Only open undecked boats with an engine of 15 horsepower or less on the Shannon Navigation, and vessels of 10 horsepower or less on the Erne System, are exempt. Registration is free of charge.

Craft registration should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/craft-registration

Permits for use of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation

All vessels using the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation must display appropriate valid Permit(s) i.e A Combined Mooring and Passage Permit (€126) and if not intending to move every five days, an Extended Mooring Permit (€152).

Permit applications should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/canal-permits

Passage on the Royal and Grand Canals – Dublin Area

For boat passage through the locks east of Lock 12 into / out of Dublin on either the Royal or Grand Canals, Masters are requested to contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (M-F 9.30am-4.30pm) on tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or email [email protected] prior to making passage in order to plan the necessary lock-keeping assistance arrangements.

On the Grand Canal a minimum of two days notice prior to the planned passage should be given, masters should note that with the exception of pre-arranged events, a maximum of 2 boats per day will be taken through the locks, travelling either east or west.

Movements in or out of the city will be organised by prior arrangement to take place as a single movement in one day. Boaters will be facilitated to travel the system if their passage is considered to be safe by Waterways Ireland and they have the valid permit(s) for mooring and passage.

Newcomen Lifting Bridge

On the Royal Canal two weeks’ notice of bridge passage (Newcomen Lifting Bridge) is required for the pre-set lift date, and lock assistance will then also be arranged. A minimum of 2 boats is required for a bridge lift to go ahead.

Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (Tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or [email protected] ) is the point of contact for the bridge lift.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Sat / Sun lifts & 8 for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under bridge & through Lock 1, and must remain within signed and designated areas.

Events Held on the Waterways

All organised events taking place on the waterways must have the prior approval of Waterways Ireland. This is a twelve week process and application forms must be accompanied with the appropriate insurance, signed indemnity and risk assessment. The application should be completed on the Waterways Ireland events page at :

https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/event-approval

Time Limits on Mooring in Public Harbours

On the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway craft may berth in public harbours for five consecutive days or a total of seven days in any one month.

On the Erne System, revised Bye Laws state that: No master or owner shall permit a vessel, boat or any floating or sunken object to remain moored at or in the vicinity of any public mooring, including mooring at any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location, for more than 3 consecutive days and shall not moor at that same mooring or any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location within the following 3 consecutive days without prior permission by an authorised official.

Winter Mooring on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway

Winter mooring may be availed of by owners during the period 1 Nov to 31 Mar by prior arrangement and payment of a charge of €63.50 per craft. Craft not availing of Winter Mooring must continue to comply with the “5 Day Rule”. Winter Mooring applications should be completed online at : https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/winter-moorings-booking

Owners should be aware that electricity supply and water supply to public moorings is disconnected for the winter months. This is to protect against frost damage, to reduce running costs and to minimise maintenance requirements during the winter months.

Vessel owners are advised that advance purchasing of electricity on the power bollards leading up to the disconnection date should be minimal. Electricity credit existing on the bollards will not be recoverable after the winter decommissioning date. Both services will be reinstated prior to the commencement of the next boating season.

Smart Cards

Waterways Ireland smart cards are used to operate locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, to access the service blocks, to use the pump-outs along the navigations, to avail of electrical power at Waterways Ireland jetties.

Berthing in Public Harbours

Masters are reminded of the following:

  • Equip their vessel with mooring lines of appropriate length and strength and only secure their craft to mooring bollards and cleats provided for this purpose.
  • Ensure the available berth is suitable to the length of your vessel, do not overhang the mooring especially on finger moorings on floating pontoon moorings.
  • Ensure mooring lines, electric cables and fresh water hoses do not create a trip hazard on public jetties for others users.
  • Carry sufficient fenders to prevent damage to your own vessel, other vessels and WI property.
  • Allow sufficient space between your vessel and the vessel ahead /astern (c.1m) for fire safety purposes and /or to recover somebody from the water.
  • Do not berth more than two vessels side by side and ensure there is safe access/egress at all times between vessels and onto the harbour itself.
  • Do not berth in such a way to prevent use of harbour safety ladders, slipways or pump-outs.
  • Do not allow the bow of your vessel to overhang the walkway of a floating mooring thus creating a hazard for others with an overhanging anchor or bow fendering.
  • Animals are not allowed to be loose or stray at any time.
  • Harbour and jetty infrastructure such as railings, power pedestals, fresh water taps, electric light poles, safety bollards, ladders etc are not designed for the purpose of mooring craft , they will not bear the strain of a vessel and will be damaged.
  • At Carrybridge on the Erne System, Masters of vessels are not permitted to use stern on mooring. Masters of vessels must use the mooring fingers for mooring of vessels and for embarkation / disembarkation from vessels.

Passenger Vessel Berths

Masters of vessels should not berth on passenger vessel berths where it is indicated that an arrival is imminent. Passenger vessels plying the navigations generally only occupy the berths to embark and disembark passengers and rarely remain on the berths for extended periods or overnight.

Lock Lead-in Jetties

Lead-in jetties adjacent to the upstream and downstream gates at lock chambers are solely for the purpose of craft waiting to use the lock and should not be used for long term berthing.

Vessel Wake

Vessel wake, that is, the wave generated by the passage of the boat through the water, can sometimes be large, powerful and destructive depending on the hull shape and engine power of the vessel. This wake can be detrimental to other users of the navigation when it strikes their craft or inundates the shoreline or riverbank. Masters are requested to frequently look behind and check the effect of their wake / wash particularly when passing moored vessels, on entering harbours and approaching jetties and to be aware of people pursuing other activities such as fishing on the riverbank.

Speed Restriction

A vessel or boat shall not be navigated on the Shannon Navigation at a speed in excess of 5 kph when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay, jetty or wharf, when in a harbour or canal or when passing within 100 metres of a moored vessel or boat.

Vessels navigating the Shannon-Erne Waterway should observe the general 5 kph speed limit which applies along the waterway. This is necessary in order to prevent damage to the banks caused by excessive wash from vessels.

Vessels navigating the Erne System should observe the statutory 5kt / 6mph / 10kph speed limit areas.

A craft on the Royal and Grand canals shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 6km per hour.

A craft on the Barrow Navigation shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 11km per hour except as necessary for safe navigation in conditions of fast flow.

Bank Erosion

Narrow sections of all the navigations are particularly prone to bank erosion due to the large wash generated by some craft. Masters are requested to be vigilant and to slow down to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage when they observe the wash of their craft inundating the river banks.

Unusual Waterborne Activity

Unusual waterborne vessels may be encountered from time to time, such as, hovercraft or amphibious aircraft / seaplanes. Masters of such craft are reminded to apply the normal “Rule of the Road” when they meet conventional craft on the water and to allow extra room to manoeuvre in the interest of safety.

Sailing Activity

Mariners will encounter large numbers of sailing dinghies from late June to August in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne. Sailing courses are marked by yellow buoys to suit weather conditions on the day. Vessels should proceed at slow speed and with due caution and observe the rules of navigation when passing these fleets, as many of the participants are junior sailors under training.

Rowing

Mariners should expect to meet canoes and vessels under oars on any part of the navigations, but more so in the vicinity of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Limerick. Masters are reminded to proceed at slow speed and especially to reduce their wash to a minimum when passing these craft as they can be easily upset and swamped due to their very low freeboard and always be prepared to give way in any given traffic situation.

Canoeing

Canoeing is an adventure sport and participants are strongly recommended to seek the advice of the sport’s governing bodies i.e Canoeing Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, before venturing onto the navigations.

Persons in charge of canoes are reminded of the inherent danger to these craft associated with operating close to weirs, sluice gates, locks and other infrastructure particularly when rivers are in flood and large volumes of water are moving through the navigations due to general flood conditions or very heavy localised precipitation e.g. turbulent and broken water, stopper waves. Shooting weirs is prohibited without prior permission of Waterways Ireland.

Canoeists should check with lockkeepers prior entering a lock to ensure passage is done in a safe manner. Portage is required at all unmanned locks.

Canoe Trail Network – "Blueways"

Masters of powered craft are reminded that a canoe trail network is being developed across all navigations and to expect more organised canoeing along these trails necessitating slow speed and minimum wash when encountering canoeists, rowing boats etc

Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals – Lough Key

It is expected that work on Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals on Lough Key will be completed in 2021. Access to these canals will be for non-powered craft only, eg canoes, kayaks, rowing boats.

Fast Powerboats and Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

Masters of Fast Powerboats (speed greater than 17kts) and Personal Watercraft (i.e.Jet Skis) are reminded of the inherent dangers associated with high speed on the water and especially in the confines of small bays and narrow sections of the navigations. Keeping a proper look-out, making early alterations to course and /or reducing speed will avoid conflict with slower vessels using the navigation. Personal Watercraft are not permitted to be used on the canals.

Towing Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Doughnuts etc

Masters of vessels engaged in any of these activities are reminded of the manoeuvring constraints imposed upon their vessel by the tow and of the added responsibilities that they have to the person(s) being towed. These activities should be conducted in areas which are clear of conflicting traffic. It is highly recommended that a person additional to the master be carried to act as a “look-out” to keep the tow under observation at all times.

Prohibition on Swimming

Swimming in the navigable channel, particularly at bridges, is dangerous and is prohibited due to the risk of being run over by a vessel underway in the navigation.

Age Restrictions on operating of powered craft

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the minimum age for operating of powered craft. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a personal watercraft or a fast power craft shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years does not operate or control the craft

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft powered by an engine with a rating of more than 5 horse power or 3.7 kilowatts shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 12 years does not operate or control the craft.

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Lifejackets and PFD’s are the single most important items of personal protective equipment to be used on a vessel and should be worn especially when the vessel is being manoeuvred such as entering / departing a lock, anchoring, coming alongside or departing a jetty or quayside.

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall ensure, that there are, at all times on board the craft, sufficient suitable personal flotation devices for each person on board.

- A person on a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) of less than 7 metres length overall shall wear a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years complies with paragraph above.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft), shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years wears a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft other than when it is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable personal flotation device, at all times while – (a) being towed by the craft, (b) on board a vessel or object of any kind which is being towed by the craft.

Further information is available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/si/921/made/en/print

Firing Range Danger Area – Lough Ree

The attention of mariners is drawn to the Irish Defence Forces Firing Range situated in the vicinity of buoys No’s 2 and 3, on Lough Ree on the Shannon Navigation. This range is used regularly for live firing exercises, throughout the year, all boats and vessels should stay clear of the area marked with yellow buoys showing a yellow "X" topmark and displaying the word "Danger".

Shannon Navigation, Portumna Swing Bridge Tolls

No attempt should be made by Masters’ of vessels to pay the bridge toll while making way through the bridge opening. Payment will only be taken by the Collector from Masters when they are secured alongside the jetties north and south of the bridge.

Navigating from Killaloe to Limerick on the Shannon Navigation

The navigation from Killaloe to Limerick involves passage through Ardnacrusha locks, the associated headrace and tailrace and the Abbey River into Limerick City. Careful passage planning is required to undertake this voyage. Considerations include: lock passage at Ardnacrusha, water flow in the navigation, airdraft under bridges on Abbey River in Limerick, state of tide in Limerick

Users are advised to contact the ESB Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station (00353 (0)87 9970131) 48 hours in advance of commencing their journey to book passage through the locks at Ardnacrusha. It is NOT advised to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating (20MW), due to the increased velocity of flow in the navigation channel, which can be dangerous. To ascertain automatically in real time how many turbines are running, users can phone +353 (0)87 6477229.

For safety reasons the ESB has advised that only powered craft with a capacity in excess of 5 knots are allowed to enter Ardnacrusha Headrace and Tailrace Canals.

Passage through Sarsfield Lock should be booked on +353-87-7972998, on the day prior to travel and it should be noted also that transit is not possible two hours either side of low water.

A Hydrographic survey in 2020 of the navigation channel revealed that the approach from Shannon Bridge to Sarsfield Lock and the Dock area has silted up. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to navigate to the Lock from Shannon bridge on a rising tide one or two hours before High Tide.

Lower Bann Navigation

The attention of all users is drawn to the “Users Code for the Lower Bann”, in particular to that section covering “Flow in the River” outlining the dangers for users both on the banks and in the navigation, associated with high flow rates when the river is in spate. Canoeists should consult and carry a copy of the “Lower Bann Canoe Trail” guide issued by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. Users should also contact the DfI Rivers Coleraine, who is responsible for regulating the flow rates on the river, for advisory information on the flow rates to be expected on any given day.

DfI Rivers Coleraine. Tel: 0044 28 7034 2357 Email: [email protected]

Lower Bann Navigation – Newferry – No wake zone

A No Wake Zone exists on the Lower Bann Navigation at Newferry. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at a slow speed and create no wake while passing the jetties and slipways at Newferry.

Overhead Power Lines (OHPL) and Air draft

All Masters must be aware of the dangers associated with overhead power lines, in particular sailing vessels and workboats with cranes or large air drafts. Voyage planning is a necessity in order to identify the location of overhead lines crossing the navigation.

Overhead power line heights on the River Shannon are maintained at 12.6metres (40 feet) from Normal Summer level for that section of navigation, masters of vessels with a large air draft should proceed with caution and make additional allowances when water levels are high.

If a vessel or its equipment comes into contact with an OHPL the operator should NOT attempt to move the vessel or equipment. The conductor may still be alive or re-energise automatically. Maintain a safe distance and prevent third parties from approaching due to risk of arcing. Contact the emergency services for assistance.

Anglers are also reminded that a minimum ground distance of 30 metres should be maintained from overhead power lines when using a rod and line.

Submarine Cables and Pipes

Masters of vessels are reminded not to anchor their vessels in the vicinity of submarine cables or pipes in case they foul their anchor or damage the cables or pipes. Look to the river banks for signage indicating their presence.

Water Levels - Precautions

Low Water Levels:

When water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware of:

Navigation

To reduce the risk of grounding masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.

Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.

Slipways

Reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron.

More slipway surface susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats, from slipping and sliding on the slope. Note also that launching vehicles may not be able to get sufficient traction on the slipway once the craft is launched to get up the incline.

Bank Erosion

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash.

Lock Share

Maximising on the number of vessels in a lock will ensure that the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. Lock cycles should be used for vessels travelling each way.

High Water Levels:

When water levels rise above normal summer level masters should be aware of:

Navigation

Navigation marks will have reduced height above the water level or may disappear underwater altogether making the navigable channel difficult to discern.

In narrow sections of the navigations water levels will tend to rise more quickly than in main streams and air draft at bridges will likewise be reduced.

There will also be increased flow rates particularly in the vicinity of navigation infrastructure such as bridges, weirs, locks etc where extra care in manoeuvring vessels will be required.

Harbours and Jetties

Due care is required in harbours and at slipways when levels are at or near the same level as the harbour walkways' as the edge will be difficult to discern especially in reduced light conditions. It is advised that Personal Flotation Devices be worn if tending to craft in a harbour in these conditions.

Slipways

Slipways should only be used for the purpose of launching and recovering of water craft or other objects from the water. Before using a slipway it should be examined to ensure that the surface has sufficient traction/grip for the intended purpose such as launching a craft from a trailer using a vehicle, that there is sufficient depth of water on the slipway to float the craft off the trailer before the concrete apron ends and that the wheels of the trailer do not drop off the edge of the slipway. That life-saving appliances are available in the vicinity, that the vehicle is roadworthy and capable of coping with the weight of the trailer and boat on the incline. It is recommended that slipway operations are conducted by two persons.

Caution to be Used in Reliance upon Aids to Navigation

The aids to navigation depicted on the navigation guides comprise a system of fixed and floating aids to navigation. Prudent mariners will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly a floating aid to navigation. With respect to buoys, the buoy symbol is used to indicate the approximate position of the buoy body and the ground tackle which secures it to the lake or river bed. The approximate position is used because of the practical limitations in positioning and maintaining buoys in precise geographical locations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, prevailing atmospheric and lake/river conditions, the slope of and the material making up the lake/river bed, the fact that the buoys are moored to varying lengths of chain, and the fact that the buoy body and/or ground tackle positions are not under continuous surveillance. Due to the forces of nature, the position of the buoy body can be expected to shift inside and outside the charted symbol.

Buoys and perches are also moved out of position or pulled over by those mariners who use them to moor up to instead of anchoring. To this end, mariners should always monitor their passage by relating buoy/perch positions with the published navigation guide. Furthermore, a vessel attempting to pass close by always risks collision with a yawing buoy or with the obstruction that the buoy or beacon/perch marks.

Masters of Vessels are requested to use the most up to date Navigation guides when navigating on the Inland Waterways.

Information taken from Special Marine Notice No 1 of 2023