RS Aero European Championship at Fraglia Vela Malcesine, Lake Garda - Preview
by RS Aero International Class Association 13 Aug 2019 12:01 BST
17-23 August 2019
The RS Aero Europeans Champs kicks off this weekend at FV Malcesine, Italy, one of Europe's prime meccas of sail sports on the wonderful Italian Lakes. Racing will be held in the thermal breezes underneath the infamous dramatic mountainous backdrop of Lake Garda. The stylish clubhouse, space and easy launching will all serve to provide a perfectly memorable stay.
Nearly 110 RS Aero sailors are already entered from a total of 19 nations so far with a strong youth and female contingent signed up. A large charter fleet is provided by RS Sailing allowing more sailors to compete from oversees, including sailors from the USA, Australia, Sweden, Ireland and Oman. Several new nations are competing in an RS Aero regatta for the first time including Hungary, Belgium and Argentina.
Championship racing will be held over five days, 19-23rd August. Sunday 18th shall be a coaching day to let the fleet warm up and acclimatise with onshore theory followed by a coached Practice Race in the afternoon. This provides a great opportunity to those chartering, new to RS Aero racing or from more isolated locations to gain some quick learning of the RS Aero specifics from the more experienced racers.
A full social sched is planned with opening and awards ceremonies, sailors' dinners and daily awards and top-tips from the leaders at the Pasta Parties after racing each day. No lay-day is planned although the flexible schedule to provide variety between the morning and afternoon breezes should allow sailors, partners, parents and families the opportunity to sample the numerous activities locally from mountains to lake, cycling and walking, eating and drinking, history and culture.
This is the Class' third visit to Garda's splendour after FVM hosted our RS Aerocups in the autumns of 2016 and 2017. Check out the movie of the 2016 RS Aereocup:
Many thanks to the event sponsors Rooster, Selden, RS Sailing & RS Sailing Italia for their generous support and to FV Malcesine for their help in putting together what is set to be a fantastic week on and off the water at Garda.