Two Amazing Venues, One Fleet: RS500 Class Sets Course for a Blockbuster 2027
by RS Sailing 16 Aug 09:28 BST
9-13 & 19-22 August 2027
RS500 Europeans racing during the RS Games at Travemünde Woche 2026 © Phil Jackson /
www.digitalsailing.co.uk/rs-games
The International RS500 Class Association is delighted to confirm a stand-out British summer for the RS500 fleet in 2027, with back-to-back championship action on home waters. The class will crown its European Champions on the Solent before the fleet heads to Cornwall for the UK National Championship.
- European Championship | 9-13 August 2027 | Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, UK
- UK National Championship | 19-22 August 2027 | Mount's Bay Sailing Club, Cornwall, UK
Stacking the two events back-to-back is no accident. With only a handful of days between each event, teams can travel down the South Coast and build a complete UK campaign in a single trip, maximising racing for the miles travelled.
Publishing the calendar this far ahead is a deliberate choice: "it gives teams the confidence to plan campaigns, travel and training, and gives sailors from across Europe the runway they need to be on the start line," explains UK Class Chair James Curtis.
With the RS500 community as active and welcoming as ever, 2027 is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons in the class' history. "The message is simple", adds James: "get out there, have fun, and race!"
European Championship on the Solent: Royal Southern Yacht Club
From 7th to 14th August 2027, the RS500 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble, with racing scheduled from 9th to 13th August. With the Solent on its doorstep, the Royal Southern is one of the UK's most respected racing clubs, with a superb clubhouse on the River Hamble alongside an excellent dinghy park and launching facilities.
The Solent delivers exactly what an asymmetric fleet wants: reliable sea breezes, tide and tactics in equal measure, and big, open race areas that reward boat-on-boat speed and clear decision-making. Add Hamble's easy access via Southampton airport, road and rail - and ferry links for trailing teams from the Continent - and the logistics are straightforward for travelling teams.
National Championship in Cornwall: Mount's Bay Sailing Club
Straight after the Europeans, the RS500 UK National Championship will run from 19th to 22nd August 2027 at Mount's Bay Sailing Club, Cornwall. Widely regarded by visiting sailors as one of the finest dinghy championship venues in the UK, if not the world, the clear waters provide an established sea-breeze playground and St Michael's Mount offers a spectacular backdrop for the national title.
Off the water, competitors can expect the renowned RS atmosphere, with a packed social programme alongside the week of championship racing.
Two iconic English racing venues, back-to-back championships. "It is in the very ethos of the RS500 class to race in fantastic locations, make friends for life, and enjoy the brilliant socials the class has delivered for many, many years - and 2027 promises to be a summer to never forget," adds RS Sailing's Head of Commercial, and RS500 sailor, Michiel Geerling.
Charter Boats for Championships
To make both events as accessible as possible, particularly for sailors travelling long distances, RS Sailing will have a select number of charter RS500s available across the Europeans and the Nationals. "We offer charter on a first come, first served basis - reserved initially for those travelling from afar - to take the headache out of trailing a boat across borders. You simply arrive at the venue, rig a fresh, one-design RS500 and get straight onto the start line!" explains Michiel.
Charter boats are limited and always in demand, so early enquiries are strongly encouraged. Details will be released on rssailing.club soon. In the meantime, you can get in touch with RS Sailing about reservations on 01794 526760 or via ">.
RS500 - An Exciting Double-Hander
Designed by Phil Morrison, the RS500 is a fast, single-trapeze double-hander with an asymmetric gennaker. It's unmatched skiff-style performance is wrapped in genuinely user-friendly handling. Light, stiff and easily driven, it delivers the buzz of a high-performance dinghy while remaining quick to rig, easy to own and a blast to sail.
Like many RS boats, its strict one-design philosophy means results come from teamwork, preparation and sailing ability - not bigger budgets. A broad usable crew-weight range (100-160kg) make the RS500 one of the most inclusive boats on the circuit: all ages, all genders, youth and adult, lighter and heavier teams, with mixed crews thoroughly at home.
Get Involved
The RS500 Class enjoys a thriving European circuit and an International Championships, renowned for being one of the most welcoming classes and choosing exceptional venues for great racing opportunities.
2027 is the perfect season to get involved. The class is calling on:
Established RS500 teams ready to test themselves against the best of Europe
Sailors moving across from other double-handers and asymmetric classes looking for close one-design racing
Youth and student crews - the RS500's weight range and rig options make it an ideal step up into skiff-style sailing
Mixed and family crews who want performance without a development arms race
Travelling teams from across the Continent - with charter boats available and two championships in one trip
To find out more about the RS500 Class Association see here.
RS Sailing's Offers to Support Your RS500 2027 Campaign
As the fleet builds towards a huge season, RS Sailing is making it easier than ever for new teams to get on the water, with a range of exclusive offers.
New Boat Purchase
Purchase a new RS500 before the 2027 Europeans and receive:
A free additional gennaker featuring exclusive RS500 Europeans 2027 branding
Keep your race gennaker fresh while flying the promotional sail throughout the season
Championship Spinnaker Offer
Purchase a new RS500 gennaker and receive:
20% discount
Complimentary RS500 Europeans 2027 branding
Charter to Owner
Thinking about buying? Charter an RS500 for an event and, if you subsequently purchase a boat and compete at the 2027 Europeans, your charter fee (up to one event) will be refunded.
Refer A Friend
Help grow the fleet and be rewarded. Successfully introduce a new RS500 owner and receive:
£500 RS Sailing Store credit
Redeemable against parts, sails and accessories before the 2027 Europeans
Book A Demo
Want to try a boat? To book a test sail or speak with RS Sailing about ownership and campaign planning, give the RS team a call on 01794 526760 or reach out via email: .
Two venues, one fleet. We'll see you on the start line.