RS Aero 'Euro Lift-Off and EuroCup' at Aquavitesse, Bruinisse, Holland

Will Taylor (GBR) revelling in breezy Bruinisse during the RS Aero Euro Lift-Off and EuroCup © Cathy Avierinos

All smiles from 1st Lady, Sarah-­Jane Deary (South Africa) during the RS Aero Euro Lift-Off and EuroCup © Cathy Avierinos

Caitlin Atkin (GBR) checks out the Committee boat during the RS Aero Euro Lift-Off and EuroCup © Cathy Avierinos

RS Aero Eurocup dominated by RS Tera World Champions

The first RS Aero Eurocup tagged onto the RS Tera Worlds in Holland with 22 competitors from 4 Nations competing. With the link to the Teras the RS Aero 5 class was, as predicted, the larger fleet with many older siblings taking part including a large visiting Team from South Africa. Parents seized the opportunity to get afloat too in the larger RS Aero 7 rig, rather than being left ashore whilst their kids had all the fun racing.

Two days 'Lift-Off' coaching preceded the 3 days of Eurocup racing giving the RS Aero first timers a chance to close the gap on those with previous experience. Gales swept across the Dutch lowlands that week that providing some testing conditions and many exciting rides in reward for the effort.

Will Taylor, the 2011 RS Tera World Champ, dominated the RS Aero 5s hotly pursued by South Africa's 2014 RS Tera World Champ, James Hellstrom.

Dave Hivey won the RS Aero 7 Class from Scotland's Robbie Wilson.

Well done to all the sailors for conquering the strong winds and to everyone involved in making this event happen.

Will Taylor, Great Britain, (2011 RS Tera World Champion) reports:
"The RS Eurocup took place in Holland alongside the RS Tera Worlds with two days coaching followed by three days racing. The first day of coaching was perfect winds of around 15kts with lots learnt. The next day was very windy so we did not go out but rigged a boat in the marquee to show what the controls did and how best to use them.

The first day of racing was another very windy day and we went out to try to race. We got the race off in very windy conditions with a very short chop making upwind technique an interesting challenge. We finished the race in just 15 mins and went in as the conditions were not being kind with lots of capsizes. I was able to finish as first RS Aero 5 in this race. The next day was very similar but we were able to get four races in and I enjoyed the conditions. In the third race, when I was over and went back, I capsized on the gybe as I did not let the kicker off.

The final day had a lot less wind and swinging breeze. These races were a lot more tactical with gains and losses to be made, I had another good day winning the first three races and coming second in the last was enough to seal the victory.

I would like to thank Magic Marine for all the prizes, RS Sailing NL and Aquavitesse for organising the event, the coaches for providing excellent tuition, the South Africans and Lithuanian for travelling to sail a boat they had never sailed, and the top race committee for getting so many races in such difficult conditions, and most of all my Dad for letting me use his boat. Thanks Dad!"

James Hellstrom, South Africa, (2014 RS Tera World Champion) reports:
"An awesome boat and an awesome event - The reaches and downwind were exhilarating, they simply took off. Upwind in a blow was challenging yet rewarding due to the light hull and responsive rig. Good boat handling was critical to control the light boat on the start line and this improved with time as I got used to sailing the Aero."

Cathy Avierinos, South African Team Manager, reports:
"Team RSA had a really fantastic time and appreciated the opportunity they were given. We need to find a way to get a fleet of RS Aeros into South Africa - I think they will become a favourite of both the youngsters and the parents!

"Definitely having the 2011 and the 2014 RS Tera Pro World Champions being 1 and 2 on the first RS Aero 5 event tells you that the Tera sailors will love the Aero.

"I would say that linking the RS Aero to the RS Tera event was a great success and should be built on. I would also like to say a big thank you for giving our RSA sailors the opportunity to try out the RS Aero."

Next up in the RS Aero Championship season are the UK Nationals 29-31st August at the 2012 Olympic Venue, WPNSA, Weymouth.

For more info on the RS Aero Class visit the website www.rsaerosailing.org or facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/rsaeroclass

Overall Results:

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