The Royal North RS400 Winter Series Celebrates 20 Years and welcomes the RS200s Back
by RNIYC 20 Sep 14:24 BST
1 November - 20 December 2026
Rockshore / Bosun Bob's RS400 Winter Series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club day 5 © Gerry Reid
The Bosun Bob's and Rockshore RS400 Winter Series returns to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club this winter - and this year the hugely popular event is celebrating its 20th anniversary!
The Notice of Race has now been published, and to mark this special milestone the series is returning to its original roots, with the RS200 fleet rejoining the action.
In its early years, the fledgling Winter Series featured both RS400s and RS200s before evolving into an RS400-only event. With the recent resurgence of the RS200 fleet locally, and the series reaching its 20th year, the timing couldn't be better to welcome the RS200s back to this must-do winter series.
Gerry Reid returns as Series PRO, fresh from running the hugely successful GP14 World Championships at RNIYC. Speaking about the milestone, Gerry said:
"Wow 20 years has gone in fast; we have a great team of volunteers who go out in some very challenging conditions, to help run a day's racing for these hardy competitors. This year we are delighted to see the return of the RS200s as they are regaining popularity in these parts!"
The tried-and-tested format will once again deliver fast, competitive racing, with three - and sometimes four - sprint windward/leeward races each Sunday. Races typically last just 15-20 minutes, with quick turnarounds keeping competitors on their toes throughout the day.
The series will run over eight Sundays, beginning on Sunday 1st November and continuing through to Sunday 20th December.
The final day has become somewhat infamous in its own right! Once racing is complete, competitors and volunteers retire to the bar to round off the series in style with Christmas dinner, prize-giving and, of course, plenty of liquid refreshments!
Bosun Bob's and Rockshore return as the series' main sponsors, while Mortgage & Financial Guidance Ltd joins the sponsorship line-up this year to support the RS200 fleet. The continued backing of the event's sponsors reflects the enduring popularity of what has become one of the highlights of the winter sailing calendar.
Last year, the series attracted around 22 RS400s to the start line, making it one of the biggest one-design series on the island of Ireland. With the addition of the RS200 fleet this year, organisers are expecting a further six or seven RS200s to join the action.
Twenty years on, the formula remains simple: short, sharp racing, hardy sailors, dedicated volunteers, great competition and plenty of craic ashore.
Racing kicks off on Sunday 1st November at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra.
The Notice of Race is now available on the RNIYC website, or follow the link below to find out more and get involved.
See you on the start line!
rniyc.org/rs400-awwinter-series-2026-1-1-1