New champions crowned at the RS21 Canadian Nationals after dramatic tie-break at Bedford Basin YC
by RS Sailing 10 Oct 17:25 BST
October 3-4, 2026
Close racing on home waters sees Bedford Basin Yacht Club's CAN 132 crowned RS21 Canadian National Champions, with the title decided on a tie-break.
The RS21 Canadian Class Championship 2026 took place October 3-4 at Bedford Basin Yacht Club (BBYC), Nova Scotia, as part of the BBYC One Design Fall Regatta, returning for the third consecutive year.
Competition in the RS21 fleet was exceptionally close, with the top two boats finishing on identical points and the Canadian Championship ultimately decided by the tie-breaking rules. Taking the title on home waters was BBYC's CAN 132, skippered by Katie Sudlow and crewed by Tony Thompson, Alex Watters, Melanie Lambert and Chris Watters.
"The skill level of the RS21 fleet is growing every year. Great competition from near and far made for very close racing and finishes. One mistake could make or break a race. Racing that close makes it fun," said newly crowned RS21 Canadian Champion Katie Sudlow.
Kingston Yacht Club's PBJ², sailed by Peter Van Rossem, Josh Wilby, Bill Reid and Jasmine Perera, finished second, while CAN 138, representing Bedford Basin Yacht Club and skippered by JP Deveau, took third.
The RS21 fleet was the second-largest class at the BBYC One Design Fall Regatta, which also welcomed fleets competing in the 1 Metre Soling, Farr 30, J/105 and Niagara 26 classes.
Building a growing Canadian RS21 community
The RS21 is a modern, one-design keelboat raced by crews of four or five. Built around a Corinthian ethos, the class combines competitive, close-quarters racing with a strong emphasis on participation and community. With fleets developing around the world, established national circuits and a World Sailing-recognised World Championship, the RS21 continues to build momentum internationally.
Alex Newton-Southon, Managing Director of RS21 boat manufacturer RS Sailing - and an RS21 sailor himself, commented:
"The growth of the RS21 class is incredibly exciting to see. What makes the class special is that it brings together competitive racing and a genuinely welcoming community, creating opportunities for sailors of different backgrounds and experience levels to get involved, develop their skills and enjoy racing as a team. As fleets continue to grow around the world, we're seeing the RS21 inspire more people to get out on the water and build lasting connections through sailing.
"We're looking forward to bringing the international RS21 community together at the World Championship 2026 in Cannes, France, later this month, and then to Weymouth in 2027. Hosting the Worlds in the UK for the first time will be a fantastic milestone for the class, and we hope to see even more sailors inspired to join the RS21 fleet."
Canadian Class Chair Andrew Boswell was pleased with the RS21 Canadian Nationals at BBYC, highlighting the combination of close competition and favourable conditions.
"The event went very well. Very close racing benefitted from solid race management and some good winds and weather," said Boswell.
Sue Fraser, also representing Kingston Yacht Club and finishing sixth overall, added:
"Great event - again. Great race management. Worth the drive to Bedford. Big boots to fill for the Nationals next year in Kingston."
Looking ahead to Kingston in 2027
The RS21 Canadian fleet will head to Kingston Yacht Club, Ontario, for the Canadian Nationals in 2027, building on the momentum of another closely contested championship in Bedford Basin.
For more information on RS21 sailing in Canada, upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the RS21 Canadian Class website and connect with the Canadian Class Committee.
RS21 Canadian Championship 2026 results
- 1st - CAN 132: Katie Sudlow, Tony Thompson, Alex Watters, Melanie Lambert and Chris Watters (Bedford Basin Yacht Club)
- 2nd - PBJ²: Peter Van Rossem, Josh Wilby, Bill Reid and Jasmine Perera (Kingston Yacht Club)
- 3rd - CAN 138: JP Deveau and crew (Bedford Basin Yacht Club)
Full results: www.bbyc.ca/regatta/kGo4d3tmWV/results