Adding value for ALL RS sailors
- Sets the rules to give great one-design and handicap racing - enhancing resale values
- Organises websites, race reports, news, social media - keeping you informed
- Organises racing events with fantastic social scene - improving your Class’s popularity and value
- Organises training events - helping you get the most from your boat
- Liaises with the builder, RS Sailing - ensuring the quality and specification are what owners want
- Negotiates excellent discounts from the RS Sailing Store, including sail discounts, and many other companies
- Encourages new people to get involved - giving a better experience for everyone
Who is your Class Association?
- It is run by volunteer sailors with back-up by part time professional administrators
- The sailors make the plans and decisions - without having to do all the leg work
Please show support by joining your Class Association
- The cost is tiny compared to your benefits, working out at just £3.75 per month for Full Membership, £3 per month for Club Membership or £2.08 per month for Youth Membership
- By taking out International Class Association membership for one class, you will have reciprocal membership to the RS100, RS200, RS300, RS400, RS600, RS700, RS800, RS Vareo International and International RS500 Class Associations
- One event membership is available for all events except National and major championships, for use by those borrowing a boat, intending to only sail in one RS Class Association event etc. Click here.
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Let's play fair - changes to RS200 racing rules
Let’s play fair – changes to class racing rules
Those following the current 6 Nations tournament may be aware of controversy surrounding video refereeing and the clampdown on a range of issues in the game. Thank heaven we don’t face this sort of thing in dinghy sailing. Or do we?
Our sport has always been self-policing – competitors are expected to embrace a sportsmanlike conduct, to play fair and to take their penalties if they make a mistake. Sadly we have had a number of RS200 events where rule observance by some has been less than ideal, whether through deliberate cheating (yes it is cheating), pushing the boundaries to the limit, ignorance of the rules or inability to get the boat out of a situation the sailors have found themselves in – probably a combination of the above.
We want our class to be as welcoming on the water as it is in the bar, with fair, competitive and fun racing for all.
So what are we going to do about it?
The issue was raised and discussed at the Nationals Class Meeting and again at the AGM. We’ve formed a working group of experienced sailors Tom Hewitson, Rob Henderson, Pete Vincent and Emma Hivey to monitor the situation and introduce initiatives to improve the situation.
- We have made 2 changes to the racing rules for the coming season as a trial. For all RS200 events this year, you will no longer be permitted to hit marks, and the 2-turn penalty will be replaced by a 1-turn penalty. The aim of this is to discourage boats from barging in at marks where there really isn’t room and to encourage those who have made an infringement to take the new lesser penalty.
- We will be introducing an on-the-water official with full jurisdiction at big events to dissuade those tempted to push the boundaries and enforce our rules
- We will be introducing an arbitration process, with a penalty system, less time consuming and less punishing than a protest
- We are asking YOU and every other RS200 sailor to embrace the spirit of RS200 racing by playing fair and by bringing up any instances where other sailors are not playing ball.
Enjoy your 2018 RS200 season
Class Association
