The RS Fest is back for 2024 after a hugely successful weekend in Blessington last year; this time, the fleets are heading to Lough Derg Yacht Club. The core ethos remains the same of all RS Sailing to have family-orientated sailing with plenty of fun on and off the water.

Lough Derg Yacht Club (LDYC) was formed in 1835, making it one of the oldest in this country. The first Annual Regatta was held the following year, home to many talented sailors, both those whose competitive successes have been achieved representing Ireland at World and European events, but far more importantly, full of people who enjoy being out on the water, with their friends and families, pottering about in boats and enjoying a Swallows and Amazons existence, with the occasional adrenalin charged race, far removed from "Play Stations" and the like.

This year, RS Fest is guaranteed to have all the active RS racing classes represented in Dromineer

A major benefit of Lough Derg Yacht Club is its centrality, being accessible by most places in Ireland in around two hours, perfect for the RS family that is spread far and wide.

This year, RS Fest is guaranteed to have all the active RS racing classes represented in Dromineer, including the well-known youth RS Fevas, the competitive RS 200 and RS 400 fleets and the ultra-modern RS Aero single-hander.

The RS Aero singlehander will compete on Lough Derg at RSFest 2024

Racing will occur over the weekend of the 6th and 7th of July under the watchful eye of principal race officer John Leech. Registration will be open from Friday evening, allowing sailors to set up early to prep for a full day of racing on Saturday. Camping opportunities are available with showers, laundry and changing facilities in the yacht club.

For young or old sailors who may be interested in taking to the water for the first time, Irish RS Agents, MarineServices.ie will have some of their demo fleet on location, including the RS Tera, RS Neo and RS Zest for new sailors to try their hand at the sport and test out the latest models from RS Sailing.

For those sailors looking to sample new boats and minimise travel hassles, MarineServices will have many charter boats available, including the RS Feva and RS Aero boats. For more information or to book your boat, don't hesitate to get in touch with [email protected]

With just over three weeks to go to the inaugural RS Fest hosted by Blessington Sailing Club incorporating the RS200/400 National Championships, the RS Feva Nationals, RS Aeros & RS Teras, we thought it would be good to get a quick update out!

Entries are live and bookable on the all new RS Ireland Website, this website has been constructed to cater for all the RS classes in one dedicated website giving the entire RS Class Associations within Ireland a concise place for all news, information and entry links for each specific fleet! Entry for the Fest which incorporates all these classes is available here. Just find the relevant link for your class below and follow the few simple steps to enter.

Racing will be across two race courses, the 200s & 400s will start their National Championships on the Friday, racing through until Sunday. The Fevas & Aeros on course two kick off on the Saturday and racing Sunday too with the potential for a smaller course for the fledgling Tera fleet depending on take up!

RS Fevas

Camping accommodation is available on site in Blessington Sailing Club, however, it is booking up fast, even more of an incentive to get your entries in sooner rather than later! Blessington Sailing Club always cater excellently for camping on site… Coffee, showers & good vibes guaranteed!

RS Aero

The Avon resort is booked for Saturday night craic and entertainment for all the classes. Meal and drink vouchers will be provided, and within their food court, there is plenty on offer from the Big Blue Pizza Bus, Big Dog Burgers, Sweet Churros, Brew Twenty one and an outdoor Bar! For all the info, have a look here. The Avon Food Court has a marvellous selection of premium sweet & savoury food trucks to choose from. Take your pick and fill your belly while you take in panoramic views of the lake. See you at The Food Court! 

Local RS agents who are supporting the event, Kenny and his team have some great prizes available to raffle off with all proceeds going to the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. Rumour has it that sails, clothing and boat parts are up for grabs, however you have to be there to win! Kenny & His team will be on hand all weekend to keep boats on the water with a trailer full of spares, tools, ropes, sails etc all there to keep the fleet on the water.

Charter boats are available for all classes, Feva, 200, 400, Aero & Tera. However pre booking at least 5 days in advance is essential as boats would need to be transported, rigged etc. Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] if you require a boat!

Don’t forget to book in now for this fantastic weekend of RS Sailing at Blessington Lakes Sailing Club!