RS Aero dinghies have cut through waters all over Aotearoa this summer sailing season
by NZ Sailcraft 21 Apr 11:28 BST
21 April 2022
Zoe Hawkins on one of her first sails in the new Aero, still nervous! © Lawrence Schaffler Boating NZ
The RS Aero is a high performance single handed sailing dinghy. Weighing in at less than 35kg all inclusive, it takes sailing to a new level.
Owners around the country have had great sailing time - both on the race course, training for the race course, and just enjoying time on the water.
Here are some snapshots:
Dave West of Northcote Sailing Club waves hello (or is it goodbye) at the start of the Bridge 2 Bean race in December, where Dave took line honours in B Division and Aeros took four top places.
Dave was closely followed (with a smaller 5 rig) by Kelly Main, Wakatere Boating Club.
Kelly has been laid up with injury this season but hopes to make it to the startline for the class nationals event. Here is a picture of Kelly at Manly Sailing Club on the day she got her Aero. You can see she is happy!
Nick Raynor lives in Christchurch and races in a mixed fleet. Here is at the idyllic Pigeon Bay Yacht Club.
Marco Canegallo is a seasoned RS Aero sailor: Marco was likely the first owner in New Zealand and sails regularly across Auckland. Marco opts for the power of the class's biggest rig, the 9sqm mainsail.
Zoe Hawkins sails at French Bay Yacht Club in Auckland, racing in mixed fleet where the RS Aero can be competitive with boats such as Lasers, Farr 3.7s and J14s.
Zoe also enjoys a more relaxing cruise. Pictured here on a dawn sail near Sunken Rock in the upper Whangamata Harbour at Easter
Kate Rasmussen (15) has recently joined the class. She has a busy sailing schedule, also competing at high level in RS Fevas and Starlings. Here she is sailing in her 'back paddock' in Maraetai, Auckland.
Andrew and Eden Gray are two of the class's newest entrants. A dose of Covid-19 meant they only enjoyed their maiden voyage from Narrowneck Beach in Auckland last week. Looks like they are pro's!
Next up for the RS Aero class is its class championship event to be held as part of the Club Champs Regatta at Murray's Bay Yacht Club in Auckland 30 April - 1 May.
Keen to talk to NZ Sailcraft about investing in an RS Aero? Visit www.nzsailcraft.co.nz
Boats are available in the country now and are an opportunity to get in ahead of a price increase reflective of increased cost of materials and shipping.