RS200 Rooster Championship Tour 2023
by Sally Campbell 11 Oct 2022 16:04 BST
RS200 Nationals © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing
The RS200 Class Association have announced a New RS200 Rooster Championship Tour for 2023, bringing together all of the major UK championships for the class into a single series of 5 events.
RS Class Association long-term partnership, Rooster, will be title sponsors for the tour, supplying prizes for the winners of each event, as well as mid fleet hero and Endeavour prizes.
RS200 Class Chair Will Taylor said "the new Rooster Championship Tour will give sailors from across the UK the opportunity to race at the highest level at clubs who have a reputation for delivering top-class events, while also leaving them plenty of time to race in the hugely successful regional tours, where sailors at all stages in their RS200 journey enjoy good racing, closer to home. We also have some very special standalone events lined up for 2023 - but more of that another day!"
The 5 events in the inaugural RS200 Rooster Championship Tour are:
Spring Championships, Bristol Corinthian YC, 18/19 March
With an in-house National race officer, easy launching in all conditions, a great sailing area and a warm welcome to match the warm, cosy clubhouse, BCYC is the perfect venue to launch the 2023 season. With free on-site camping/campervans it's an economical start too.
Southern Championships, Itchenor SC, 17/18 June
After a year away, by popular demand, the RS200 fleet return to one of their most popular venues for this event which will serve as a Nationals warm-up. The Chichester harbour fleet alone will provide a big entry, and an arrangement is being made for boats to be left afterwards for the Salcombe Gin Summer Regatta and Masters' Champs at HISC the week after.
Noble Marine Rooster National Championships, East Lothian YC, 7-11 August
After the unbelievable 182 boat Nationals in 2022, the fleet head north of the border for the 2023 - with superb racing waters, a beautiful seaside town and a traditional Scottish welcome, this venue is hard to beat. For a taster, see Matt Sheahan's review of the 400 Nationals here. With the Fringe Festival taking place at the same time, the legendary RS200 social scene will be as good as ever, but sailors are urged to book accommodation early.
Northern Championships at GNAC, Bassenthwaite, 16/17 Sept
A firm favourite in the RS200 calendar, always attracting a good entry. A fabulous 8 race series on a windward-leeward course and a chance to race against the RS400s who also traditionally put in a good entry.
Rope4Boats Inland Championships, Grafham WSC, 30 Sept/1 Oct
A regular fixture on the RS200 calendar, deliberately scheduled to precede the Endeavour, so that class winners can come along and get to know the RS200, sailing alongside some of the best regular sailors in the class.
The calendar can be viewed here, regional dates will be added over the next few months.